News - Valley College /category/news/ Online and On-Campus Healthcare, Business and IT Training in West Virginia & Cleveland, OH Tue, 02 Jun 2026 21:33:08 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 /wp-content/uploads/2025/06/cropped-output-onlinepngtools-5-32x32.png News - Valley College /category/news/ 32 32 How to Get Into Cybersecurity Without a Four-Year Degree: Training, Skills, and a Practical Path Forward /how-to-get-into-cybersecurity-without-a-four-year-degree-training-skills-and-a-practical-path-forward/ Fri, 29 May 2026 13:32:56 +0000 /?p=8448 Imagine this: You see a headline about a company dealing with a data breach. Systems are offline. Customer data is exposed. Teams are trying to understand what happened and how to contain it. For most people, it’s just news. For cybersecurity professionals, it’s the kind of situation they’re trained to step into calmly. They watch read more...

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Woman working at a multi-monitor computer workstation displaying code, network diagrams, and cybersecurity dashboards in a server room environment.

Imagine this: You see a headline about a company dealing with a data breach. Systems are offline. Customer data is exposed. Teams are trying to understand what happened and how to contain it.

For most people, it’s just news.

For cybersecurity professionals, it’s the kind of situation they’re trained to step into calmly. They watch for unusual activity, investigate alerts, and follow defined processes to protect information and restore stability. Their work is hands-on, procedural, and focused on real systems rather than abstract theory.

If you’ve ever wondered how to get into cybersecurity, this is the place to begin. Not with job titles or assumptions about degrees, but with a clear picture of what the work involves and how people learn to do it.

What Cybersecurity Work Looks Like in Real Life

Cybersecurity is often described in technical language, but at its core, the work is practical and structured.

An entry-level role in cybersecurity may include:

  • Monitoring network activity for unusual behavior
  • Investigating alerts from security software
  • Checking systems for weaknesses before they can be exploited
  • Following established incident response processes
  • Documenting findings and communicating with technical teams

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics describes information security work as focused on protecting systems, identifying risks, and responding to threats.[1] That emphasis on systems and processes is why many people are able to enter the field through focused training and certification preparation rather than a traditional four-year path.

The Practical Skills That Open Doors in Cybersecurity

Network Security Monitoring

  • This involves recognizing patterns in network behavior and noticing when something does not look right.

Vulnerability Assessment

  • This skill centers on examining systems and applications for weaknesses that could create security risks.[1]

Incident Response

  • Cybersecurity professionals follow a clear set of steps when a security alert occurs. Understanding these procedures is essential.

Working Inside SIEM Platforms

  • Security Information and Event Management tools collect and analyze data across systems. Experience working inside these tools is commonly part of cybersecurity training.

Understanding How Attacks Happen

  • Learning basic penetration testing concepts helps you understand how systems are tested and defended.

These skills are typically learned through guided labs, repetition, and structured practice rather than through theory alone.

Why Structured Training Can Be a Direct Way to Learn These Skills

There are many pathways into technology and cybersecurity, including four-year programs. There are also focused educational routes designed to center on applied learning and tool familiarity from the start.

A program such as the Cybersecurity Associate’s Degree is built around this approach. Students spend their time learning how to use monitoring tools, how to evaluate systems for risk, and how to handle security events in real-world scenarios.

The emphasis is on:

  • Practical labs and simulations
  • Real cybersecurity workflows
  • Certification preparation
  • Experience using industry tools

This kind of structure can make it easier to see how learning connects directly to what cybersecurity professionals do each day.

Certifications That Support Your Training

Certifications often help show that you understand core security concepts and practices.

One widely recognized entry-level credential is CompTIA Security+, which covers foundational knowledge in security operations, risk management, and incident response.[2]

When certification preparation is part of a structured program, it becomes easier to connect what you are learning in class to the expectations outlined in certification objectives.

Where Cybersecurity Professionals Work

Cybersecurity roles exist across many industries because nearly every organization relies on digital systems.

Corporate Security Teams

  • Banks, healthcare organizations, retailers, and technology companies maintain internal teams that monitor and protect their networks.

Government and Public Sector

  • Many roles align with defined work categories such as cyber defense analyst and incident responder.

Managed Security Service Providers

  • These organizations protect multiple clients and expose professionals to a range of environments and security challenges.

The BLS projects employment for information security analysts to grow much faster than average through 2034.[1]

A Step-By-Step Way to Think About Entering the Field

Breaking the process into stages can make it feel more manageable:

  1. Learn how networks and systems function
  2. Practice monitoring and identifying security events
  3. Understand vulnerability assessment and incident response
  4. Gain experience using security monitoring tools
  5. Prepare for industry certifications
  6. Apply for entry-level cybersecurity roles

Programs built around applied learning, such as the Cybersecurity Associate’s Degree, are structured to guide students through this progression in a clear and organized way.

Learning in a Guided Environment

Cybersecurity can feel overwhelming when approached alone because there are many tools, terms, and techniques to sort through.

Learning in an environment where the sequence is already mapped out helps keep the focus on the skills that matter most. Instead of guessing what to learn first, you practice the exact processes used in real cybersecurity settings.

Considering Your Next Step

If you’re exploring how to enter cybersecurity, focus on building practical skills, understanding how systems are protected, and choosing a learning path that aligns clearly with those goals.

Pathways like the Cybersecurity Associate’s Degree combine hands-on learning, exposure to security tools, and preparation for industry certifications within a defined timeline.

Footnotes

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Not All Heroes Wear Capes. Valley College Graduates, Thank YOU! /thank-you-healthcare-career-training-graduates/ Wed, 15 Apr 2020 21:29:09 +0000 /?p=4996 Finish your Healthcare Career Training Uninterrupted at Valley College in Ohio and West Virginia and Join the Heros Working Hard to Keep us Safe! As our daily lives have changed immensely over the past few weeks, for some, change looks quite different than others. We wanted to take the time to thank all of the read more...

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A collage of Valley College healthcare graduates
Thank you for all of your hard work, graduates! To all the frontline workers, we salute you!

Finish your Healthcare Career Training Uninterrupted at Valley College in Ohio and West Virginia and Join the Heros Working Hard to Keep us Safe!

As our daily lives have changed immensely over the past few weeks, for some, change looks quite different than others. We wanted to take the time to thank all of the medical personnel and ALL other frontline workers who are currently caught in the midst of longer days, harder hours and everything on top of what comes with the current situation. We’re so proud of all these essential workers, and especially our medical graduates working more than ever and doing all they can to fight for all of us.

Here are some photos of our recent graduates in a variety of our medical health areas (and HVAC) doing their hard work! We could never be so proud of so many of our amazing, hard-working, diligent graduates. Thank you for all you do, you never cease to inspire us!

Abby Ann Slemp (MCA), Rachel Fouse (MCA) and Shelby Cramer (MCA), Ashley Bowen (MCA)

Casey Elliot (HSA, MFOBC), Shade Harmison (MCA), Sarah Boyce (MCA) and Jennifer Wynkoop (HSA graduate)

Jamie Kershner (MCA), Savannah Collins (MCA), Sabrina Lyons (MCA)


Kate Haines (MCA), Isabella Rodriguez-Neel (MCA)

Sarah Frame (MCA), Noah Hernandez (MCA), Pam Wooten (MCA) and Jaxsyn Blevins (MCA)

Steven Blankenship (MCA), Lily Underwood (HVAC), Bonnie Hess (MCA) and Laura Dodd (MCA)

If you are worried about experiencing an interruption to your healthcare career training, please know that we are doing what we can to support you at this time. That’s why we are shifting our Medical Clinical Assistant, Veterinary Assistant, Veterinary Technician, Nursing Assistant and Practical Nursing programs to remote online training formats, so you can continue to work on your career goals without delaying your graduation. After all, we need heroes in the field now more than ever!

To stay updated on current events, visit our , and Facebook pages!

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Valley College Announces 5-Year Grant of Accreditation with ACCSC /valley-college-announces-5-year-grant-of-accreditation-with-accsc/ Tue, 17 Oct 2017 19:54:10 +0000 http://www.valley.edu/?p=2292   Valley College is pleased to announce that it has received a 5-year grant of initial accreditation from ACCSC, the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.  The management and staff of the college worked diligently for over one year to prepare for the accreditation visits. After highly successful visits by ACCSC to each campus read more...

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Valley College is pleased to announce that it has received a 5-year grant of initial accreditation from ACCSC, the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.  The management and staff of the college worked diligently for over one year to prepare for the accreditation visits. After highly successful visits by ACCSC to each campus in late June and early July, the school received official notice on Friday, October 6th that the commission had voted to grant Valley College initial accreditation effective immediately.

 

ACCSC’s mission is to serve as a reliable authority on educational quality and to promote enhanced opportunities for students by establishing, sustaining, and enforcing valid standards and practices which contribute to the development of a highly trained and competitive workforce through quality, career-oriented education.   The two primary objectives of its mission are:

  • To assure students and the general public of the quality of provided by ACCSC-accredited institutions and their programs, and
  • To assist institutions in continuously improving themselves and the training they provide students.

Students who graduate from Valley College can be assured that they are earning their credential from a school that has undergone a rigorous accreditation process and has dedicated itself to meeting or exceeding the quality standards of that accreditation and demonstrates a commitment to student education.

 

Valley College came under new ownership in August 2011.   With new leadership and direction, the college has seen an increase in enrollment, the addition of new programs, and campus renovations for all of its locations.  “Valley College has experienced steady growth in the past 6 years under our new ownership, including 400% growth in our student body and 200% growth in employees,” stated Valley College President, Tony Palmieri.

 

Beth Gardner, Vice-President of Regulatory Affairs notes that, “It is very rewarding to see our graduates working in our local communities. We realize the impact that we have made in the lives of so many students who were looking to make positive changes and find themselves in a better career.  As we celebrate our 30th Anniversary and our new accreditation, we celebrate those positive life changes as well!”

 

For more information, please contact:
Beth Gardner, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs
bgardner@valley.edu
304-252-9547

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Get the Information You Need to Become a Medical Clinical Assistant /become-a-medical-clinical-assistant/ Fri, 09 Sep 2016 10:50:14 +0000 http://www.valley.edu/?p=1630 What does a Medical Clinical Assistant Do? A Medical Clinical Assistant aids doctors and nurses in the medical care of patients as well as help to keep medical offices running smoothly. Unlike Medical Administrative Assistants, Clinical Medical Assistants work more closely with doctors when providing care to patients and have the ability to perform minor read more...

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What does a Medical Clinical Assistant Do?

A Medical Clinical Assistant aids doctors and nurses in the medical care of patients as well as help to keep medical offices running smoothly. Unlike Medical Administrative Assistants, Clinical Medical Assistants work more closely with doctors when providing care to patients and have the ability to perform minor procedures under supervision.

 

What are the job duties of a Medical Clinical Assistant?

Medical Clinical Assistants can work in both hospitals and medical offices. In a hospital environment, duties tend to be more focused on services related to patient care, where in a medical office tasks can be more administrative focused. No matter your work setting, here are some of the most common duties of a Medical Clinical Assistant.

Job duties of a Medical Clinical Assistant include:

  • Preparing exam rooms
  • Prepping patients for exams
  • Taking and documenting vital signs
  • Assisting during exams
  • Execution of minor medical treatments
  • Providing instructions on home care
  • Scheduling lab tests and receiving results
  • Conducting patient follow-up calls

What are the Characteristics of a Medical Clinical Assistant?

As a Medical Clinical Assistant you will deal with a wide range of issues and emotions depending on a patients injury or illness. You will need to be compassionate to help ease patients anger, anxiety and medical concerns. Below are some other important characteristics you should have if considering a career as a Medical Clinical Assistant.

Characteristics of a Medical Clinical Assistant:

  • Ability to be professional even in stressful situations
  • Be able to multitask and perform a variety of tasks
  • Be well organized and able to keep track of information for multiple patients at once
  • Be a good listener and have an attention to detail in order to record important information from both patients and doctors
  • Prioritize tasks and patients based on need

What Skills Do You Need to Become A Medical Clinical Assistant?

A Medical Clinical Assistant needs to have a variety of skills to perform their jobs on a daily basis. No matter the work setting, a Medical Clinical Assistant will need to know everything from medical terminology to how to maintain equipment through sterilization. Other requirements for becoming a Medical Clinical Assistant include:

  • An understanding of medical procedures
  • Ability to use a variety of medical equipment such as:
    • EKG machines
    • Stethoscope
    • Blood pressure machine
  • A knowledge of medical law
  • Ability to conduct assessments
  • Strong communication skills
  • Technical skills to tasks such as drawing blood and evaluating test results

What are the career opportunities in the Medical Clinical Assistant field?

After earning a Medical Clinical Assistant Diploma, you can have a number of different career opportunities in the healthcare industry. Some positions graduates pursue include:

  • Medical/Clinical Assistant
  • Front Office Assistant
  • Health Information/Medical Records Administration/Administrator
  • Home Health Aide
  • Medical Office Assistant/Specialist
  • Medical Reception/Receptionist
  • Medical Administrative/Executive Assistant and Medical Secretary
  • Patient Care Technician
  • Patient Registration/Service Representative
  • Personal Care Assistant

Interested in Becoming a Medical Clinical Assistant?

At 91ɬ, we can help you gain the knowledge you need to achieve your career goals. Our program will not only provide the skills you need to become a Medical Clinical Assistant, but it will also prepare you for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) Certification Exam–helping you take your career one-step farther.

Get Started Today!

To learn more about Valley College’s , request information by filling out the form on the right or call one of the numbers below to speak with an Admissions Representative.

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Become a Medical Administrative Assistant and Start a Rewarding Career in the Healthcare Industry /become-a-medical-administrative-assistant/ Tue, 23 Aug 2016 01:11:03 +0000 http://www.valley.edu/?p=1574 What does a Medical Administrative Assistant do? Medical Administrative Assistants also known as Medical Secretaries or Medical Office Assistants play a vital role in the healthcare industry. Their key functions are to provide customer service to patients and support services to medical staff. With their knowledge of medical procedures, terminology and software, Medical Administrative Assistants read more...

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What does a Medical Administrative Assistant do?
Medical Administrative Assistants also known as Medical Secretaries or Medical Office Assistants play a vital role in the healthcare industry. Their key functions are to provide customer service to patients and support services to medical staff. With their knowledge of medical procedures, terminology and software, Medical Administrative Assistants have the ability to perform a number of different duties in hospitals, clinics and doctors offices. The job duties of a Medical Administrative Assistant vary based on the medical environment they working in, but here are some common job functions a Medical Administrative Assistant might do on a daily basis.
Job duties of a Medical Administrative Assistant may include:

  • Checking in patients for scheduled appointments
  • Patient billing
  • Setting patient appointment
  • Gathering patient records and charts
  • Entering patient information into medical applications
  • Communicating with insurance companies
  • General office procedures

What characteristics are important when becoming Medical Administrative Assistant?
Because Medical Administrative Assistant spend most of their day interacting with others, it is very important for them to enjoy working and interacting with people. It is also important to be able to handle stress well.

Other characteristics include:

  • Well organized
  • Detailed oriented
  • Team Player
  • Good communication skills
  • Ability to multitask
  • Works well under pressure
  • Problem solver

What skills will you learn when becoming a Medical Administrative Assistant?
Becoming a Medical Administrative Assistant requires receiving formal medical training in areas such as billing, medical coding, office procedures, patient scheduling, medical computer software and much more. Many Medical Administrative Assistant training programs include a variety of course that will help you gain the proper skills through courses such as:

  • Health Information Technology
  • Healthcare Compliance
  • Healthcare and Business Management
  • Medical Terminology
  • Medical Computer Applications

Go even further with NHA (National Healthcareer Association) certifications like the CBCS (Certified Billing & Coding Specialist) or CMAA (Certified Medical Administrative Assistant). Getting certified will help you further develop you skills and potentially help you advance your career in other areas of medical management.

Interested in becoming a Medical Administrative Assistant?
Valley College can help you take the first step towards becoming a Medical Administrative Assistant and earning a diploma. Our 9-month Online Medical Administrative Assistant program allows you to study on your schedule, learn at your own pace and get the training needed to succeed as a Medical Administrative Assistant.

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Why Valley?
When you take an online program at Valley College, you are never alone. Before you get started in your program, we spend a full week with you in the online learning space to help you transition to online learning. We also provide online technical support and an Online Student Success Coach to offer the personalized support you need throughout your program.

Learn More!
Visit online.valley.edu or call Valley College today to learn more about becoming a Medical Administrative Assistant and how to enroll.

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Become an HVAC Professional by taking HVAC Service Training /become-an-hvac-professional-by-taking-hvac-service-training/ Mon, 09 May 2016 20:52:38 +0000 http://www.valley.edu/?p=1514 The number of homes in the United States that use at least some type of central air system is growing, and understandably so. Air conditioners have made life easier, more comfortable, and they have amazing health benefits that you might not expect. Along with keeping you cool, they serve to keep the home free of read more...

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The number of homes in the United States that use at least some type of central air system is growing, and understandably so. Air conditioners have made life easier, more comfortable, and they have amazing health benefits that you might not expect. Along with keeping you cool, they serve to keep the home free of allergens that could otherwise cause illnesses. Though this amazing piece of technology does keep the house in livable shape, there are many who forget that it even exists until something goes wrong with it, and it is in these times that proper AC repair will be needed.

To put it lightly, you can become an in-demand professional by attending an HVAC school. The first thing that we would like to address is that the HVAC field is not a ‘job’, so to speak. Instead, it is an amazing career that you can carry with you and perform for the rest of your life. There are numerous career paths and chances for advancement in the HVAC industry, and it won’t be too long before you’re ready to completely change your life. Let’s take a look at a few of the things you’ll be learning at HVAC school.

hvac control panel

Lots to Learn at a Martinsburg HVAC Service School

is known to have some pretty hot summers, and there are obviously a lot of people who need their air conditioners up and running at all times. As we said in the previous paragraph, a lot of people don’t pay attention to their air conditioner until something goes wrong with it, and this lack of care can lead to a lack of maintenance. The following are some of the most common air conditioning repair tasks that may need to be completed by an :

  • Capacitor Replacement – This one isn’t necessarily the fault of the user, but capacitors in split units are most certainly known to fail after several years and this will cause the entire air conditioner to fail until such time as it is replaced. In a split system, the capacitor is located in the outdoor condenser unit and needs to be discharged before it can be removed.
  • Filter Replacement – Unlike the capacitor, this could be a result of poor maintenance and it should be addressed in regular check ups. Fortunately, all this tends to do is cause issues with inefficiency, though it does put some extra strain on the system.
  • Coolant Recharge – While this isn’t the most common repair, it is necessary in many cases as an air conditioner cannot function without coolant. Once again, this is a task that should only be completed by a professional.

There is much more to HVAC repair than we have mentioned here, and at a Heating and Air Conditioning program at the Valley College, Martinsburg school, you can learn the skills you need to effect those repairs and more! The big question you probably have here, however, is where will you find the time or money to attend school?

A Huge Hurdle

Many fail to return to school to continue their education after high school due to time constraints or additional expense. As they say, the longer you wait, the harder it will be to go back as your life becomes more complicated. Valley, on the other hand, offers some amazing educational opportunities on a schedule that you can actually manage.

Valley strives to provide education on a schedule that you can manage, and it won’t be too long before you’re able to manage your education along with your personal life.

Once the time hurdle has been cleared, all you need to worry about is financial aid.  Once you meet with the team at Valley,  you can discuss your financial options.   is available for those who qualify.  Take a look at our website, fill out the necessary forms, and get on track to your future- a future that will put you in a trade that is not only interesting, but one that is necessary and has Potential for growth.

 

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7 Tips for Creating the Perfect Environment for Studying for your HVAC Certification /studying-for-your-hvac-certification/ Wed, 23 Mar 2016 17:36:43 +0000 http://www.valley.edu/?p=1467 Studying for your HVAC Certification requires intense focus and concentration. While study techniques can vary from person to person, many people don’t understand they need an ideal environment when going over their material. When you find yourself unable to concentrate on your studies, here are a few tips for improving your study environment to help read more...

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Studying for your HVAC Certification requires intense focus and concentration. While study techniques can vary from person to person, many people don’t understand they need an ideal environment when going over their material. When you find yourself unable to concentrate on your studies, here are a few tips for improving your study environment to help you focus.

  • Keep Distractions to a Minimum

Distractions like the TV, radio, noise from outside, and others can draw your attention away from your studies. When you’re studying for your HVAC Certification, it’s important to make sure your environment is free of distractions. Turn the TV off or put on noise canceling headphones when you begin to study. This will help to block out any noise that may distract you. If you’re used to listening to music while you study, try listening to calm instrumentals instead of songs so you’re able to focus.

HVAC Certification

  • Study in a Room with the Door Closed (Or an Isolated Area)

Probably one of the biggest challenges when it comes to studying is finding an isolated area or room. Depending on where you live, there may be family members or friends constantly coming in and out of your home. This can create an environment where people may stop to try and engage you in conversation or they become distracting. While they may mean well, this can draw your attention away from the material you’re studying. When you have the door closed this lets people know you’re busy and want to be alone.

If you’re unable to find a quiet area in your home to study, consider going to the public library. Many public libraries are often very quiet and some even have rooms where you can study for an hour or two without any distractions.

  • Be Sure to have Drinks or Snacks Nearby while Studying

One of the biggest mistakes people make while studying is not having some form of food or drink in their study area. This is important because you will need to take breaks when you’re studying for your HVAC Certification. There are healthy snacks like grapes, bananas, and even crunchy ones like crackers you can have close at hand while studying. Studying can often make people feel tired and they need a small pick me up to get them going again.

  • Good Lighting

While you’re focused on the material in front of you, make sure your study environment is well lit. This is because if you study in the dark you risk straining your eyes underneath poor light. A well-lit environment will not only help you to stay awake, but prevent your eyes from aching while you study. Check the lamps in your study environment to make sure they’re bright enough to keep you awake and provide good visibility.

  • Take Study Breaks Every Fifteen Minutes or Half Hour

Studying for your HVAC CertificationAnother big mistake people make when they’re is that they don’t take breaks every fifteen minutes or half hour. While studying for an hour or more is good for you, it can also prove an ineffective way to absorb your source material mentally. Think of your brain as a muscle you’re exercising and how it needs to take a break in between ‘workouts’.

Take a break every fifteen minutes or half hour, walk around or get a drink of water. When you sit back down to study you’ll be able to concentrate better and retain more information.

  • Make Sure your Study Area is Comfortable

Being comfortable while you study is another important aspect many people forget when they’re settling in for a few hours of intense focus. You don’t have to study at a desk the entire time you’re reviewing your material. Instead, you can study on the couch for an hour or two before you go to bed. It’s actually recommended you study a few hours before you go to sleep anyway because it helps you to retain more information.

  • Study at a Certain Time of Day (and Make it a Habit)

While studying at a certain time of day can vary from person to person due to time constraints, make studying a habit. Even if you’re only able to study two or three days out of the week at certain times, you’re helping to set the bar for when it’s time to sit down and concentrate. This will help your mind to focus and put you in a ‘study mode’ when it’s time to sit down to review your material.

Creating the right study environment for your HVAC Certification is important for your success. By following these tips you’ll be able to focus better, retain more information, and be successful in your studies.

 

 

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HVAC 205: Student Speaker /hvac-205-student-speaker/ Tue, 23 Feb 2016 20:01:30 +0000 http://www.valley.edu/?p=1398 The HVAC 205 Math class had Kevin Blankenship, HVAC graduate, speak to their class on Wednesday, January 27, 2016. Mr. Blankenship spoke to the students about his experience at Valley College and the HVAC program. He went over various things within the program that he has directly applied in the work force. He discussed two read more...

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hvac

The HVAC 205 Math class had Kevin Blankenship, HVAC graduate, speak to their class on Wednesday, January 27, 2016. Mr. Blankenship spoke to the students about his experience at Valley College and the HVAC program. He went over various things within the program that he has directly applied in the work force. He discussed two main topics with the students:

  1. How the program at Valley College was very beneficial and informative, but unless you put the time into studying and reviewing the material, you won’t benefit from the program as much as you would if you put hard work and dedication into your studies, and
  2. The top aspects of the course that directly benefited him in the field.

Upon graduating from the HVAC program, Mr. Blankenship received his contractor’s license and started his own HVAC company called Westside Heating and Cooling. He has been able to support his family and even employ his brother through his company.

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How Does AC Refrigerant Work? /how-does-ac-refrigerant-work/ Mon, 28 Dec 2015 21:32:41 +0000 http://www.valley.edu/?p=1343 An air conditioner takes the warm air in your home, and cools it down until you’re standing in a livable temperature. When it’s over 100 degrees Fahrenheit outside, you might want it to be about 30 degrees cooler inside. So you tell the air conditioner to change that, and cool your home. But how does read more...

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HVAC techniciansAn air conditioner takes the warm air in your home, and cools it down until you’re standing in a livable temperature. When it’s over 100 degrees Fahrenheit outside, you might want it to be about 30 degrees cooler inside. So you tell the air conditioner to change that, and cool your home. But how does it manage that? An air conditioner has a refrigerant in it that cools the air as it cycles back into your home, allowing you to live more comfortably inside. Most HVAC technicians come to your home to check on your refrigerant and the efficiency of your unit, so why not learn a bit about it? How does the AC refrigerant work? Read on to see how it works in just a few simple steps!

Compress

The first thing that happens in a refrigerant system is the compression of the refrigerant. The , a chemical compound that changes easily from liquid to a gas. When the refrigerant is pushed into the compressor, it is a low pressure gas. The compressor pushes the gas molecules together, heating them up as the pressure raises. The compressor is the piece that keeps the refrigerant moving, as the low pressure is continuously pulled into the compressor to try and create some sort of equilibrium. It’s also one of the pieces to be most careful of, because the piping that leaves the compressor to continue on easily burns exposed flesh.

Condense

Once the refrigerant has been pressurized, the hot gas gets pumped into the condenser. This is the part of the unit that faces outside of your home. When you find the condenser, you’ll find that there’s hot hair usually being blown out of it. Would you believe that that heat is the heat that was in your home? The condenser has a few fans that blow across the pipes, cooling the gas. While the fans are cooling the gas, the pressure pulls the molecules tighter together, and the refrigerant condenses again into a liquid. The temperature drops to a more manageable level, causing the piping to shift from burning hot to very warm.  The liquid has most of the heat from your home burned off, and begins to move along to the next part of the unit.

Measure

In order to keep the refrigerant moving at a constant pace, and in order to gauge whether the air conditioning is continuing to cool the home, and whether the machine needs to continue the cooling process or simply maintain the current temperature. This metering device is the computer that controls the situation and keeps track of how things are working. If you’re having electrical problems, or your air conditioning doesn’t seem to respond to your programming, it might be because of this little device. Most air conditioning repair that requires electrical components focus in on this metering device When the hot refrigerant is pumped through the device, electrical information updates your air conditioning unit on how much work it has left to do.

Evaporate

Finally, the now lower pressure liquid encounters the evaporator. With a lower pressure, the refrigerant liquid is now ready to cool the home. Fans in the evaporator blow over the pipes holding the liquid, causing the pressure to change yet again. The chemical reacts by boiling through an endothermic reaction. Endothermic means that while it boils and evaporates into a gas again, the chemical absorbs the surrounding energy and heat, causing the temperature around it to drop. The fans continue blowing, causing the now chilled air to be pushed into the house. As more refrigerant is pumped into the evaporator, more warm air from the home is chilled through the endothermic reaction. The gas now holds that heat from your home, and is ready to take it outside, leaving you with a cooler house.

Back again, the refrigerant, now a warm low pressure gas, is pumped into the compressor, where it repeats the process over and over again. This chemical continues to react, changing from a high pressure gas to a high pressure liquid to a low pressure liquid to a low pressure gas and over again. It’s the circle of air conditioning, and at the end of it all, the metering device reads that the temperature in the home is now exactly what you asked for. It shuts off the system, allowing the refrigerant to settle back down and fall still.

An air conditioning system works hard to cool your home, and utilizes chemicals like carbon tetrachloride to help you manage every hot summer out there! If you’re interested in air conditioning units and the like, why not consider a career in HVAC service? There are plenty of amazing , like Valley College, that are able to teach you the twists and turns of the fascinating machines that regulate the temperature in your home. Get your certification in air conditioning repair, and ensure that every home has efficient air conditioning that keeps the cool air in and the warm air out!

 

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Basic AC Repair Procedures /basic-ac-repair-procedures/ Fri, 18 Dec 2015 14:10:17 +0000 http://www.valley.edu/?p=1341 As an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) technician, you will have to repair a few air conditioning units. Ever wondered just how it’s done? After all, it’s not magic, and it’s not something that takes ten years to learn, but is it really all that easy? Learn about some basic air conditioning repair procedures, read more...

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As an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) technician, you will have to repair a few air conditioning units. Ever wondered just how it’s done? After all, it’s not magic, and it’s not something that takes ten years to learn, but is it really all that easy? Learn about some , and whether you can truly learn how to do it.

Troubleshooting

Something not working? Your main concern is finding out what. If there’s a sound, or a smell, you’ve got to be able to identify the problem. An HVAC technician is trained to recognize the problems first. No use in teaching you how to replace the coolant if you can’t recognize that that is where the problem lies. Valley College starts every technician’s career with troubleshooting, as it’s the first step in any situation.

Gathering Supplies

Once you’ve figured out what the problem is, you’ll need to know how to fix it, and what you’ll need. If something needs to be replaced, make sure you’ve got the right part for it, and know how to perform the replacement. Gather up the tools that you’ll need, and make sure that they’re well maintained and able to do the job. You’ll also need to get the appropriate gear on, as you don’t want to go crawling into an attic or stand outside for minutes on end without the right clothing. Being an HVAC technician can be dangerous, with exposures to cramped and heated attics, hot wires, or leaking units. Without the proper safety gear, you might end up walking out of the place requiring more bandages than when you came in. It’s important to acknowledge the dangers, and be cautious of everything you do, no matter the level of skill you possess.

HVAC Service Training

Perform AC Repair

Once you’re ready to go, and know what you’re doing, get to work! Shut off the power to the unit, and begin the repair. The first necessity is to perform the replacement or to actually fix whatever the problem is. Once you’ve managed that, now is the perfect time to check on other things, like the cleanliness of the vents, any moisture or electrical leakage, or even the filters in the unit. As long as you’re always careful of the possibility of burns or shocks, you can perform a quick maintenance check to see if anything can be topped up or fixed. This helps keep the unit properly maintained, and can help stop larger problems from developing later on.

Perform a Safety Check

Now that you’re done with your repairs, give the unit another once over, and ensure that everything you’ve done is still in compliance with safety regulations. Check your repairs over once again to see whether there are any leaks or anything that needs reinforcement. It’s important to check twice before walking away, as you don’t want to inadvertently create a larger problem by leaving an exposed wire. Once you’re sure that everything you done has only helped the unit run more smoothly, and is still compliant to all the safety and efficiency regulations, you can put it back together and head on out. You’re done!

Cover Your Bases

If you’re performing this in a customer’s house, it’s up to you to alleviate their concerns. Start running the machine, and check it over again to ensure that it will indeed run smoothly. Even if you’re sure of your work, giving it that second glance will soothe your customer, and make them trust in your repair more. Don’t forget that you’re not just a technician that repairs air conditioning units. You’re also a service technician who deals with customers, and you need the customer service to match it! Being agreeable with them and providing that visible “check” will negate their worries and they will wave you goodbye with a large smile.

HVAC School

Think it the right choice for you? Figure that you can handle fixing the wiring in a machine and talking to a customer all in one visit? Then check out an to get your HVAC certification! Valley College is the college that can help you prepare to receive your certifcation, and get you started on the path to your new career in less than a year. Learn how to perform a detailed air conditioning repair, and how to recognize a problem quickly and accurately.

Start your path to an HVAC career today, and learn about our training program at Valley College.  In just nine months, you’ll learn how to perform more than just a basic repair procedure, you’ll be able to rebuild a broken unit from the blueprints up! It takes less than a year to change your career to something new and rewarding, so apply now to get started. When you graduate, you’ll walk out of Valley College with a certification and the knowledge that you can indeed withstand the dangers and hard work that comes with the HVAC business!

 

 

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