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HVAC - Technical Diploma

The two-year Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC/R) Technician technical diploma prepares students for an entry-level career in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration. HVAC/R technicians install, service, troubleshoot, and repair HVAC/R systems used for the environmental control of buildings and product processes. This includes work on a wide variety of equipment types including residential (homes), commercial (restaurants, offices, hotels), institutional (schools, hospitals), and industrial (manufacturing plants). Although HVACR technicians are trained to install, maintain and repair heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems, many focus their work on installation, maintenance or repair. Some technicians specialize in one or more specific aspects of HVACR such as radiant heating systems, solar panels, testing and balancing, or commercial refrigeration. With completion of additional general studies courses a student can obtain an associate degree in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology.

Program Code: 314011

Program Costs & Financial Aid

See costs of tuition, books, and supplies.

This program is fully eligible for financial aid.

Estimates based on in-state residency. Learn more about tuition and fees.

Explore Locations

Offered At:

Follow Your Path

All credits from this technical diploma may be applied toward the following associate degree(s):

Students completing this technical diploma may also earn the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration associate degree (106011) after completing four additional courses.

Delivery

  • Day
  • Full-time

How do I get started in this program?

Requirements for Program Entry

  • Apply at www.nwtc.edu/apply.
  • Submit the following to transcripts@nwtc.edu: High school transcript (or GED/HSED transcript). College transcript.
  • If your cumulative GPA is below 2.6, complete or submit a placement evaluation.
  • Tip! Our admission advisors will assist you through every step. Have questions? Connect with NWTC Admissions at start@nwtc.edu or 920-498-5444.

What are my courses?

Curriculum

Students following the study plan below will complete the HVAC/R technical diploma in the number of semesters shown.

Total Credits 54
  • Curriculum Note: The credit for 10-890-101, College 101 is an Institutional Requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program requirements, but must be passed with a C or better.

Program Outcomes

  • Install HVAC/R components.
  • Service HVAC/R systems.
  • Troubleshoot HVAC/R systems.
  • Evaluate HVAC/R system designs.
  • Develop, wire, and troubleshoot HVAC/R control circuits.
  • Earn Section 608 EPA refrigerant handling certification.
  • Earn OSHA 30 certification.

What careers are in my future?

100%

Graduate Employment

with 100% in field

Employment Potential

A graduate of this program will have the potential for employment in the following areas:

  • Mechanical Contractor HVAC/R Technician: installs, services, troubleshoots, and repairs HVAC/R systems at a customer’s job site.
  • Facilities Maintenance HVAC/R Technician: installs, services, troubleshoots, and repairs HVAC/R systems as part of a maintenance staff.
  • HVAC/R Equipment Manufacturer Technician: assists service companies in locating, repairing, and preventing factory defects and service problems.
  • Wholesale Service Representative: assists HVAC/R contractors with the selection, application, and procurement of HVAC/R equipment.
  • Commercial HVAC/R Systems: works with the HVAC/R systems used in commercial applications such as office buildings, schools, stores, supermarkets, and restaurants. Duties include, but not limited to, installing, servicing, troubleshooting, and repairing walk-in coolers/freezers; reach-in coolers/freezers; ice makers; large air conditioning, heating, and air distribution systems; hydronic, steam, and forced air heating systems; roof top HVAC/R systems; and digital building automation control systems.
  • Industrial HVAC/R Systems: works with HVAC/R systems used in an industrial setting such as manufacturing, processing, and packaging plants. Duties include, but not limited to, installing, servicing, troubleshooting, and repairing large HVAC/R equipment used in the manufacturing process, such as drive-in coolers/freezers, process chillers and boilers, dust collection systems, plant air conditioning and heating, digital control of process, and building HVAC/R equipment.
  • Residential HVAC/R Systems: require the Technician to work with HVAC/R systems used in the home. Duties would include, but not limited to, installing, servicing, troubleshooting, and repairing refrigerator/freezers, central air conditioning system operating controls.

What else do I need to know about the program?

Industry Credentials

Prepare for EPA Refrigerant Handling Exam

Earn OSHA 10 Certification

Earn CPR Certification

Earn AED Certification

Study Abroad Opportunities

The International Programs staff continually seeks opportunities for students to travel abroad for educational experiences that may be offered in association with program courses.

Learn more about upcoming study abroad opportunities.

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Online

Classes wherever you have an internet connection. 

  • An in-person career experience, such as an internship, practicum, or credit for prior learning, may be required.
  • Some online courses may be held at specific dates/times.
Day
Classes between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Evening
Classes between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
Weekend
A combination of online classes and Saturday and/or Sunday classes.
Full-time
12 or more credits per term.
Part-time
Fewer than 12 credits per term.
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