Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

The HVAC-R program prepares students with training in the heating, air conditioning, ventilation, and refrigeration field. Instruction is provided in basic electricity, motors, refrigeration, duct systems, gas heating, and resistive heating. These skills are taught in classroom theory and learned in hands-on lab work. Emphasis is placed on developing a logical approach to servicing, troubleshooting, and repairs through directed practice and is designed to duplicate requirements and work conditions experienced by technicians working in the fields.

• Program has semester admittance (Fall and Spring)
• The prospective students must have a current valid driver’s license while enrolled in the program and have had no DUI’s in the past 12 months
• Enrollment priority is on a first-come, first-served basis as determined by the student’s faculty advising date
• Aleks score in Math of 14 or higher, Writing Placement Exam of 2 or higher, or qualify for Math (PT) 137 and English 101

This program has physical requirements that may affect the student’s ability to perform in this field. These requirements can be found on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website or at O-Net OnLine. Persons entering this field should have basic math skills, good eyesight, minimum manual dexterity of the hands, and minimum reading skills at the ninth grade level. A mechanical aptitude and an ability to work independently are recommended. Employment in the field requires good physical health due to the size and weight of some units.

Graduates will have the hands-on experience that employers want. Positions are available in the HVAC, construction, and general maintenance fields. Many graduates become self-employed, while some work their way into management positions. Additional opportunities are also available in system design and sales occupations.

• Knowledge of residential, commercial, and industrial HVACR systems
• Application of systematic and analytical troubleshooting processes
• Analysis of the properties of air, refrigerants and fuels
• Application of safety procedures
• Evaluation of energy usage and cost reduction strategies
• Comprehension of energy transfer in the form of heat, electricity, and kinetic motion
• Knowledge in plumbing, electrical, mechanical and structural trades
• Analysis of international, state, and local building codes
• Application of HVACR service, installation, maintenance, and design procedures
• Evaluation of system performance