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.
Courses
First Semester
| COLS101 | College Success | 1 credits |
| CISC101 | Introduction to Information Technology | 3 credits |
| ELTC101 | Electrical Fundamentals | 3 credits |
| EMEC114 | Mechanical Skills for the Trades | 2 credits |
HVAC101
| Fundamentals of HVAC/R I* | 4 credits |
| MATH103 | Technical Mathematics | 3 credits |
| | |
| OSAH101 | Construction Industry Outreach Safety Education | 1 credits |
| OR | |
| OSAH102 | General Industry Outreach Safety Education | 1 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 17 |
Second Semester
| CMGT104 | Construction Print Reading | 3 credits |
| ELTC107 | Electrical Wiring I | 3 credits |
| ENGL101 | English I | 3 credits |
| HVAC102 | Fundamentals of HVAC/R II | 3 credits |
| HVAC124 | Heating: Gas, Oil, Solar Thermal , Air and Hydronic Systems | 4 credits |
| HVAC140 | Heat Pump Systems | 2 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 18 |
Third Semester
| COMM101 | Introduction to Communication | 3 credits |
| ELTC135 | Electrical Motors and Controls | 4 credits |
| ENGL151T | English II | 3 credits |
| PHYS152 | Physical Science II | 3 credits |
| Technical Electives + | 3 credits |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Fourth Semester
| HVAC204 | Refrigeration System Design and Troubleshooting | 3 credits |
| HVAC250 | Air Distribution Systems: Design, Installation, and Testing | 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.
**OSAH 101 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: HVAC 265 is recommended however, can take any CADM, EMEC, ELEC, ELTC, ENGG, CHEM, CISC, HVAC or WELD. Ineligible electives: CADM100, CADM117, or EMEC115.
++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).
- Completion of one General Education Elective in a Writing Intensive (WI) section satisfies the Writing Intensive (WI) requirement. GEOG121G (Environmental Sustainability) is recommended.