HVAC/R Service Technician
Diploma Program
9 months (36 weeks)
The HVAC/R Diploma Program is designed and intended to introduce and prepare students for entry level employment by developing the essential skills and knowledge base to meet the standards and demands of today’s industry. Students will be introduced to the basic principles, functions and practical applications of residential and light commercial heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration; how it pertains to, and its significance to a Service Technician as a career choice in the HVAC/R field. Included will be a systematic approach to the proper diagnostics and evaluation of a HVAC/R system’s performance.
This course will incorporate coordinated classroom and hands-on training in the physics, and function(s) of common residential and commercial HVAC/R equipment and their components. The characteristics of refrigerant gases, air flow, electricity, industry mathematics, and forms of energy, with an emphasis on safety in the workplace will also be addressed. Customer service and professionalism will be emphasized as well as job seeking skills and placement opportunities.
Students completing the HVAC/R program will possess the necessary knowledge and skills to install, evaluate service, and repair a large array of typical residential and light commercial HVAC equipment.
| Course Number | Course Title | Credit Hours | Class Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| COM125 | Technical Writing | 1.5 | 24 |
| MFG120 | Computer Fundamentals for the Trades | 1.5 | 24 |
| CST105 | Customer Relations | 1.5 | 24 |
| ACR152 | Foundations of HVAC/R | 6.0 | 96 |
| ACR157 | Electrical Theory and Application | 6.0 | 96 |
| ACR162 | Refrigeration Theory and Application | 5.5 | 96 |
| ACR167 | Heating Systems | 7.5 | 120 |
| ACR172 | Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Systems | 7.5 | 120 |
| ACR178 | Air Flow and Distribution | 3.0 | 48 |
| ACR180 | Skills Review and EPA Certification | 4.5 | 72 |
| Total HVAC/R Service Technician | 44.5 | 720 | |
| Total Outside Coursework Hours | 173 | ||
Nature of the Work:
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers—often referred to as HVACR technicians—work on heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems that control the air quality in many types of buildings. Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers mostly work in residential homes, schools, hospitals, office buildings, or factories. Their worksites may be very hot or cold because the heating and cooling system they must repair is broken. Working in cramped spaces is common. Most work full time. Because HVACR systems are increasingly complex, employers generally prefer applicants with postsecondary education or those who have completed a formal apprenticeship. Some states and localities require technicians to be licensed. Heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems consist of many mechanical, electrical, and electronic components, such as motors, compressors, pumps, fans, ducts, pipes, thermostats, and switches. Technicians are often required to sell service contracts to their clients. Service contracts provide for regular maintenance of the heating and cooling systems, and they help to reduce the seasonal fluctuations of this type of work.
Job Outlook
Employment of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is expected to grow 34 percent from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations. Rising demand for trained technicians will result in excellent employment opportunities.
Nevada Career Information Systems
Occupational Title: Heating and Cooling Mechanics
http://nvcis.intocareers.org/info2.aspx?FileID=Occ&FileNum=100340&TopicNum=0
(Visited November 25, 2013)
OCCUPATIONAL TITLE HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING, AND REFRIGERATION MECHANICS AND INSTALLERS SOC CODE 49-9021 SOURCE: BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, OCCUPATIONAL OUTLOOK HANDBOOK, 2012-13 EDITION, HEATING, AIR-CONDITIONING, AND REFRIGERATION MECHANICS AND INSTALLERS, ON THE INTERNET AT http://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm.
