(ROSENBERG, Texas) – After spending more than a decade diagnosing patients as a primary care physician, Austin Marshall is now learning to diagnose HVAC systems.
Marshall, owner of the remote telemedicine company Enbold, developed an interest in HVAC while researching how to replace a mini-split system in his garage. He is now studying the trade at Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County campus.
“I learned more about the trade through do-it-yourself social media videos and research,” he said. “It is an interesting blend of science, mechanics and problem-solving involved in many of the projects.”
After exploring his options, Marshall decided on attending TSTC and is working toward an associate degree.
“What appealed to me was TSTC’s proximity to my home,” he said. “It gave me the opportunity to learn the trade before applying for jobs in the industry. I still occasionally take remote medical calls during my lab time, and the instructors have been supportive of that.”
Now in this third semester, Marshall is already putting his lab training into practice. After earning his Environment Protection Agency (EPA) certification, he began working for AO Cooling and Heating in Richmond, a company owned by HVAC instructor Abraham Aguirre.
“I have been doing this job part time outside of my studies for three months,” Marshall said. “I was an apprentice for two months and promoted to a service technician a month later. I have reached the point where I can go to a job on my own, determine whether an issue involves heating or cooling, and resolve the problem.”
Aguirre said Marshall exemplifies the qualities employers seek in an HVAC technician.
“Austin’s background in medicine has translated well to the HVAC industry, where accurate diagnosis and attention to detail are critical,” he said. “Those skills will help him troubleshoot systems efficiently and provide the level of service customers expect.”
With TSTC’s Electrical Construction program scheduled to launch this fall, Marshall plans to take the next step in his education.
“Both trades will give me a diverse skill set that will be essential to the HVAC and electrical business I hope to start in the future,” he said.
TSTC offers HVAC Technology at its Abilene, Fort Bend County, Harlingen, North Texas, Waco and Williamson County campuses. An associate degree and certificates of completion are available.
Registration for the fall semester is now underway at TSTC. For more information, visit TSTC.edu.