Air Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Technology
(10-601-1)
Associate Degree-Two Years
Course Information
Graduate Information
Program Requirements
60 Second Program Video
Program Information Video
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Program Description
This is a program and career area that draws on your mechanical ability and analytical skills and offers excellent employment opportunities - including career advancements in many HVAC/R- and energy-related occupations. The Air Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Technology (ACHR) program prepares you for careers designing, installing, and maintaining air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration equipment. You'll also learn how to work with geothermal, solar, and other renewable energy equipment.
The first semester of instruction serves as an introduction to the industry:
• Gas, oil, and electric furnaces
• Basic refrigeration and air conditioning systems
• Renewable energies
• Principles of ACHR electricity
The rest of your program will focus on specific applications:
• Geothermal systems
• Solar heating
• Print reading
• Load calculations
• Solving technical problems
• CAD
• Air handling system design and installation
• Advanced temperature controls
• Hydronics
• HVAC systems design and drafting
After you graduate, you will be prepared to take the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Certification Exam for safe handling of refrigerants. The Industry Competency Exam (ICE) sponsored by the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute for HVAC/R technicians is a requirement for all students.
Nationally there is a shortage of design, installation, and maintenance technicians, and an increasing need for technicians trained to work with alternative energy systems. This could be the program you need to launch your career!
Program Admission Requirements
• COMPASS pre-entry assessment
Helpful Academic Background
• One year high school algebra or equivalent with a passing grade of "C" or better is strongly recommended
• Physics
• Computer-aided drafting
• Electricity
Messages
HVAC/R classes are also offered evenings to meet the needs of part-time students.
For free help in preparing for the COMPASS, contact any of CVTC's Academic Service Centers.
For more information about this program, contact the program counselor at 800-547-2882 or 715-833-6346.
For general admissions information, contact the Admissions Office at 800-547-2882 or 715-833-6246.
Part-time students are not eligible for financial aid, but other programs may be available. Financial aid may be available for full-time students. For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office at 800-547-2882 or 715-833-6200.