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Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC/R) Technology, Certificate

Overview

Narrative

As a graduate of Northampton's HVAC/R certificate program, you will have the qualifications needed to find good-paying employment in this highly technical field. Many of our graduates command above-average salaries as service and installation technicians with HVAC/Mechanical contractors or as maintenance technicians in commercial and industrial facilities.

Features

Our program offers the unique opportunity to learn the concepts and service practices on components and equipment used in HVAC/R systems. You will also learn the proper methods of recovery and handling of refrigerants and be prepared to take the EPA Refrigerant Technician licensure test.

The program's curriculum includes electrical theory, heating and cooling concepts, refrigeration cycle theory, equipment operation, component specification, whole system operation, system calculations, and diagnostic approaches.

If you decide to advance your education further, all of the course work in this certificate program can be applied toward Northampton's Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC/R) Technology

Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes:

  • 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.
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.

Courses

First Semester

COLS101College Success

1 credits
EMEC101Electrical Fundamentals

3 credits
HVAC101Fundamentals of HVAC/R I*

4 credits
EMEC114Mechanical Skills for the Trades

2 credits
MATH103Technical Mathematics

3 credits
CISC101Introduction to Information Technology

3 credits
 
OSAH101Construction Industry Outreach Safety Education**

1 credit
OR
OSAH102General 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/Fourth Semester+

EMEC135Electrical Motors and Controls

4 credits
HVAC204Refrigeration System Design and Troubleshooting

3 credits
HVAC250Air Distribution Systems: Design, Installation, and Testing

3 credits
Technical Electives ++

6/8 credits
Total Credit Hours:16-18

Total Credit Hours: 51-53

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

** OSAH101 is the recommended selection. 

+Schedules vary by semester start, course offerings, and possible student transition to part-time status.

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