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Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC/R) Technology, Associate in Applied Science

Overview

Narrative (AAS)

HVAC/R technology continues to become more and more sophisticated with each technological development. Highly efficient and environmentally sustainable equipment provides affordable and reliable comfort in our factories, offices and homes. These systems create the demand for well-trained technicians who can service, maintain, install and retrofit complex equipment.

Graduates of Northampton's HVAC/R Technology associate's degree program are qualified to service and repair air conditioning equipment, oil and gas burners, heat pumps, ventilation equipment, and commercial refrigeration systems located in residences, offices, industrial plants, medical and educational institutions and retail establishments. Earning an associate's degree gives you an additional competitive edge, particularly if you are interested in growing into supervisory positions. It is also a stepping stone to an advanced degree, such as a bachelor of science.

Features

Northampton's Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC/R) Technology program was developed with the assistance of many of the area's leading HVAC/R organizations. Because of this, you can be confident that your studies will meet the demands of local and national HVAC contractors and fuel companies.

Industry-experienced instructors provide the basic fundamentals of electrical and mechanical systems with over 400-hours of in-depth, hands-on study of actual refrigeration, burner and ventilation systems. As a student in the program, you will be prepared to take the EPA Refrigerant Technician licensure test, which is held at NCC. The Practicum course provides an internship experience with an employer, allowing you first-hand experience in HVAC and refrigeration field service. The associate's degree general education coursework rounds out your education, allowing you to communicate and work more effectively with diverse customers, suppliers and co-workers.

Our program can be completed on either a full-time or part-time evening basis. Check with your advisor for more information and options in course selection.

Transfer Information:

 

  •  The program is not specifically intended for transfer, but is considered on a case-by-case basis by Pennsylvania College of Technology.
  •  The program is eligible for the Bloomsburg partnership for their - Bachelor of Applied Science in Technical Leadership, that guarantees 60 credits of transfer for successfully completed AAS degrees.
Career Information: Technician Job titles related to HVAC/R education:
  •  HVAC/R Service
  • Commercial Refrigeration
  • Building Automation
  • Facilities Maintenance

See https://northampton.emsicc.com/careers/heating-and-air-conditioning-mechanic-and-installer

 for information on career options and earning potential.

 

 

Outcomes

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the program will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an ability to work independently & collaboratively.
  • Demonstrate competent speaking skills when working with diverse groups.
  • Describe the operation and application of commonly used types of heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems used in residential and commercial facilities.
  • Demonstrate observational, integrative and synthetic skills.
  • Demonstrate proficient research and computer skills in data gathering and analysis.
  • Demonstrate a basic framework of technical vocabulary and graphics interpretation applicable to the area of equipment maintenance and design.
  • Describe the principles and function of the mechanical, electrical and fluid power components and assemblies used in HVAC/R systems.
  • Operate, program, troubleshoot, repair and modify equipment and associated components commonly found in air conditioners, heat pumps, gas burners, oil burners and commercial refrigeration systems.
  • Demonstrate the proper use of common mechanic tools and measuring gages used in HVAC/R construction and troubleshooting.
  • Apply mathematics to solving equipment related problems.
  • Analyze and present data in an acceptable and standardized manner.
  • Demonstrate the use of OSHA safety standards in servicing electromechanical equipment.
  • Demonstrate competent technical writing skills.

Courses

First Semester

COLS101College Success

1 credits
EMEC101Electrical Fundamentals

3 credits
HVAC101
Fundamentals of HVAC/R I*

4 credits
EMEC114Mechanical Skills for the Trades

2 credits
MATH103Technical Mathematics

3 credits
CISC101Introduction to Information Technology

3 credits
 
OSAH101
Construction Industry Outreach Safety Education**

1 credit
OR
OSAH102
General Industry Outreach Safety Education

1 credit
Total Credit Hours:17

Second Semester

CMGT104Construction Print Reading

3 credits
HVAC102Fundamentals of HVAC/R II

3 credits
HVAC124Heating: Gas, Oil, Solar Thermal , Air and Hydronic Systems

4 credits
ENGL101English I

3 credits
HVAC140Heat Pump Systems

2 credits
ELTC107Electrical Wiring I

3 credits
Total Credit Hours:18

Third Semester

EMEC135Electrical Motors and Controls

4 credits
ENGL151TEnglish II

3 credits
CMTH102Introduction to Communication

3 credits
PHYS152Physical Science II

3 credits
Technical Electives +

3 credits
Total Credit Hours:16

Fourth Semester

HVAC250Air Distribution Systems: Design, Installation, and Testing

3 credits
HVAC204Refrigeration System Design and Troubleshooting

3 credits
General Education Elective ++

3 credits
General Education Elective ++

3 credits
Elective

3 credits
Total Credit Hours:15

Total Credit Hours: 66

* HVAC101: In conjunction with this course the seminar/testing session: EPA Refrigerant Usage Certification is offered.

** OSAH101 is the recommended selection. 

ENGL151T: Students are strongly advised to select the Technical Writing option- ENGL151T, but also could choose Report Writing (ENGL151R). Contact your advisor.

+ Technical Electives: any CADM, EMEC, ELEC, ELTC, ENGG, CHEM, CISC, or WELD except CADM100, EMEC115, ENGG100 or ENGG117.

++ For the General Education Electives, students must select one course from the list of approved courses in two of the following categories: Arts & Humanities (AH); Social Science: Societies and Institutions over Time (SIT); Social Science: Scientific Study of Human Behavior (SSHB).

  • One course should be designated as Diversity and Global Awareness (D).
  • One elective must be taken in a Writing Intensive (WI) section for degree completion.