Scott Wilson
Department Chair - CTE & Faculty - Air Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration
828-652-0691
Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology
Keep Things Comfortable: Build Your Career in HVACR Technology!
From keeping homes cozy in winter to ensuring businesses stay cool in summer, HVACR professionals are the backbone of modern comfort. The Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology program prepares you to take on this essential role, equipping you with the skills and knowledge to excel in the industry.
What You’ll Learn
This program blends hands-on training with industry knowledge to prepare you for success in residential and light commercial HVACR systems. Depending on your chosen path—certificate, diploma, or associate degree—you’ll gain expertise in:
- Core HVACR Principles: Master the fundamentals of refrigeration, heating, and cooling systems.
- Electrical Systems & Controls: Learn to troubleshoot and manage the electricity and controls that power HVAC systems.
- Safety & Tools of the Trade: Understand how to safely operate tools and instruments essential for installations and repairs.
- Advanced Comfort Systems: For associate degree students, dive into system sizing, residential building codes, and advanced technologies that optimize comfort and energy efficiency.
No matter your starting point, this program ensures you’re ready to work in one of today’s most in-demand trades.
Career Opportunities
The HVACR industry offers abundant opportunities for skilled professionals. As a graduate of this program, you’ll be prepared for roles such as:
- HVAC Installation Technician
- Service Technician
- Maintenance Specialist
- Systems Designer
You’ll find employment opportunities with:
- Residential HVAC companies
- Commercial HVAC service providers
- Facilities maintenance teams
- Construction firms
With the skills to install, repair, and maintain heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems, you’ll be entering a field where your expertise will always be needed.
Is This You?
- Problem-solving skills and attention to detail
- Enjoy working with your hands and tools
- Interest in technology and how systems work
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on environment
- Commitment to safety and quality workmanship
Take the Next Step
Turn your interest in technology and hands-on work into a rewarding career with the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology program. Whether you’re starting fresh or building on existing experience, this program offers the skills and certifications to help you succeed.
Interested?
Find out by filling out the form below, we can't wait to chat with you!
A35100 (Associate Degree) D35100A (Diploma) C35100A (Certificate) C35100B (Certificate)
Build a career in a field that's always in demand
The Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology program at McDowell Technical Community College equips you with the essential skills to work with residential and light commercial systems.
Our curriculum covers mechanical refrigeration, heating and cooling theory, electricity, controls, and safety practices. You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the core principles of refrigeration systems, the science behind climate control, and the electrical components that power HVAC systems, all while ensuring your work meets industry safety standards.
In the diploma program, you'll delve into air conditioning, furnaces, heat pumps, and essential tools and instruments. For those pursuing an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree, the coursework extends to residential building codes, system sizing, and advanced comfort systems, providing a deeper knowledge base for advanced HVAC work.
Upon graduation, diploma students will be prepared to assist in the startup, preventive maintenance, service, repair, and installation of HVAC systems. AAS degree graduates will have the expertise to demonstrate system selection, balance, and advanced HVAC technologies.
Join us at MTCC, where we combine hands-on training with expert instruction to help you succeed in the HVAC industry. Some students may need to take additional transition or co-requisite classes based on RISE criteria; these classes are essential for your success but don't count toward graduation hours.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to begin your journey!
This career is one that allows you to learn at your own pace. The industry is wide open with an abundance of available jobs. Being able to learn at your own pace and working outdoors is just a couple of great reasons to start this career. It’s up to you how fast you progress and what different jobs you can choose from in the field. This program will help you stand out above someone without any knowledge.
The Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology curriculum provides the basic knowledge to develop skills necessary to work with residential and light commercial systems. Topics include mechanical refrigeration, heating and cooling theory, electricity, controls, and safety. The diploma program covers air conditioning, furnaces, heat pumps, tools and instruments. In addition, the AAS degree covers residential building codes, residential system sizing, and advanced comfort systems. Diploma graduates should be able to assist in the start up, preventive maintenance, service, repair, and/or installation of residential and light commercial systems. AAS degree graduates should be able to demonstrate an understanding of system selection and balance and advanced systems.
Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program allows a student to obtain a promising career in a very successful industry. Students will gain knowledge in their field that will set them apart from any other new hire applicants. The industry is in desperate need of newly trained qualified applicants. MTCC will help you enter the field ready for the challenge ahead.
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