Classroom instruction includes lectures and demonstrations that focus on a step-by-step process of building an understanding of the principles and theories used in HVAC/R industry. Lab instructions consist of hands-on demonstrations with tools and equipment used throughout the industry. Students will test for the EPA Certification, which is required for handling refrigerants and for graduation.

*Information technology proficiency is not required.

To be considered for acceptance into the HVAC program, interested individuals must:

• be a minimum of 17 years of age upon entering the program
• submit application form and fee
• submit official high school transcript, or GED/HiSET certificate
• contact FTC Financial Aid Office
• Attend orientation session prior to class start date

Step 1

Submit Online Application with Fee to Franklin Technology Center.

Step 2

Transcripts

Once Step 1 is completed, provide the following:

• Official high school or GED/HiSET transcripts. It is your responsibility to request your transcript from the High School you graduated from or the state you received you GED/HiSET from. Please have requested copies mailed to:

                     Franklin Technology Center

                     810 S Wall Ave

                     Joplin, MO 64801 

Step 3

Contact Financial Aid

• All applicants must make initial contact with the Financial Aid Coordinator, even if not planning to use financial aid monies to pay for the program. The Financial Aid Coordinator may be reached at 417-680-0004, ext. 2062.
• The FAFSA must be completed online at student aid website. Call the Financial Aid Coordinator at 417-680-0004, ext. 2062 if assistance is needed in completing the FAFSA.
• If a previous loan that was in default status, and the requirements to take care of the default status as been completed, a letter from the State Department of Education confirming that the loan is no longer in default status MUST be provided. Failure to do so will result in the application being removed from the applicant pool.

Step 4

Acceptance into Program 

• The Program Coordinator will contact applicants if an entrance examination is required, if not a letter of acceptance will be received.
   

Step 5

Orientation

All students will be required to attend orientation prior to the first day of class. Students will be contacted regarding program-specific orientation date, time and location after acceptance.

Please direct all correspondence and inquiries to:

Franklin Technology Center

810 S. Wall Avenue

Joplin, MO 64801

Telephone: 417-680-0004

Fax: 417-680-0005

*Disclaimer: The programs and courses require a minimum number of students in order for the classes to be offered.

• Safety
• Tools and Instruments Used
• Basic HVAC Electric Theory
• Schematics and Diagrams
• Motors and Controls
• Brazing
• Installation and Troubleshooting
• Air Conditioning and Heating
• Customer Relations

This course is designed to prepare students who enter this field as a beginning apprentice service technician or equipment installer.

Students will be introduced to:

• Electricity for Air Conditioning
• Heating and Refrigeration
• Refrigeration Principals and Practices
• EPA Standards for Refrigerator Handling
• Test Equipment
• Residential/Light Commercial Systems Refrigeration Systems
• Troubleshooting: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Systems
• Heat Pumps
• Safety Techniques
• Customer Relations Skills

Employment Opportunities:

• Service Technician
• Equipment Installer
• Stationary Plant Operator
• Sheet Metal Worker
• Industrial Maintenance Technician
• Supply Companies

Certifications:

• EPA Section 608 Universal
• OSHA 10

* Instruction subject to change, as determined by FTC.

Quality classroom instruction combined with sound shop experience is provided during the 9 month HVAC program.

Areas of Study*:

• Safety 
• Tools and Instruments Used
• Basic HVAC Electric Theory
• Schematics and Diagrams
• Motors and Controls
• Brazing
• Installation and Troubleshooting
• Air Conditioning and Heating
• Customer Relations

Summary of Classes*:

• Fundamentals of Refrigeration and Service Basics
• Refrigerants
• Electricity, Motors and Compressors
• Indoor Air, AC and Heating Systems
• Energy Management and Conservation
• Commercial Systems

* Curriculum subject to change.

* Program information subject to change.

HVAC Calendar 2025-2026

HVAC Calendar 2026-2027

Christine Smith: HVAC Program Coordinator

Phone: 417-680-0004 

Fax: 417-680-0005

Email: christinesmith@joplinschools.org

$10,405

Basic Refrigeration & Charging Procedures

ISBN 978-1-930044-13-5  $29

EPA 608 Manual

ISBN 978-1-930044-60-9  $10

Gas Heating

ISBN 978-1-930044-53-1  $41

Heat Pumps

ISBN 978-1-930044-29-6  $40

Electrical Theory and Application for HVACR

ISBN  978-1930044-32-6  $40

Low GWP Refrigerant Safety

ISBN 978-1-930044-67-8  $29

System Diagnostics & Troubleshooting Procedures

ISBN 978-1-930044-15-9  $26  

Modern Refrigeration, 21st Edition and Lab Manual

ISBN 978-1635638776 and 978-1635638790  $200

Textbook Total $415

*Subject to change

$2,435

$13,255