Program Overview

Air Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Technology (HVAC)

Program Overview

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) equipment is essential in all aspects of modern society from your home to businesses like retail stores, restaurants, grocery stores and hospitals. HVAC/R equipment also is critical in the industrial manufacturing process. Knowing how to build, install, maintain and fix them is a critical skill that is in great demand by employers. As a student in the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology program, you will:

• Learn skills necessary to program, assemble, install, troubleshoot, repair and modify machinery.
• Receive hands-on training on residential and commercial (HVAC/R) systems.
• Training in Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC).
• Size and design HVAC/R systems used in residential and commercial applications.
• Understand the applications of building automation systems.
• Use a variety of computer and electronically controlled systems in both manufacturing and facilities environments.

Program Details

• Students in the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology program can attend full or part time.
• Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology classes are offered at our Madison Truax campus.
• As an Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology student in the Associate Degree in Applied Science program, you will receive a required tool kit in the second year of the program that includes all equipment and supplies needed to complete this program. The kits will be covered by the second year course fees.

Careers

Earning your two-year Associate Degree in Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology at Madison College prepares you for valuable work as:

• HVAC/R Service Technician
• HVAC/R Systems Designer
• HVAC/R Systems Installer
• Building Automation / Controls Technician
• Building Automations System Designer
• Building Automations System Installer
• Lead Facilities Mechanic

With additional education and/or work experience, graduates may find employment as:

• Facilities / Maintenance Manager
• Mechanical Systems Engineer
• HVAC/R Project Coordinator

Curriculum and Experience

First Semester

• Metal Repair Techniques (2 credits)
• Introduction to Logic & Troubleshooting (1 credit)
• DCAC 1 DC Theory (1 credit)
• Controls 1 (2 credits)
• DCAC 2 AC Theory (1 credit)
• Refrigeration Fundamentals (2 credits)
• HVAC Installation Basics (1 credit)
• Forced Air Heating Systems (2 credits)
• Print Reading for HVAC (1 credit)
• College Mathematics (3 credits)

Second Semester

• Safety for Industry (1 credit)
• Mechanisms 1 for Industry (1 credit)
• Controls 2 (2 credits)
• DCAC 3 Theory (1 credit)
• Industrial Fluid Distribution Systems (2 credits)
• Fluid Distribution Systems Lab (1 credit)
• Heating and Air Conditioning Advanced (3 credits)
• EPA 608 Training & Certification (1 credit)
• Hydronic and Steam Systems (3 credits)

Third Semester

• Commercial Refrigeration Systems (3 credits)
• Building Automations 1 (3 credits)
• Load Calculations, Sizing, and Layout for HVAC (3 credits)
• Written Communication (3 credits)
• Intro to Ethics: Theory & App (3 credits)

Fourth Semester

• Maintenance Operations 1 (1 credit)
• Maintenance Operations 2 (1 credit)
• HVAC Internship (2 credits)
• Industry Competencies (2 credits)
• Building Automations 2 (3 credits)
• 2-D CAD (Computer Aided Drafting) (1 credit)
• CAD for MEP Systems (1 credit)
• Introduction to 3D Modeling with REVIT (2 credits)
• Oral/Interpersonal Communication (3 credits)
• Psychology Of Human Relations (3 credits)

Admission

• Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!
• If you are an international student and want to apply to Madison College, or transfer your F-1 student visa here, check program availability and then complete the International Admission Process.

Waiting List

• This program uses a waiting list to manage program admission due to capacity limitations and high program demand.
• A waiting list helps us manage applications in a way that is fair and transparent.
• Students on the waiting list receive priority in future terms based on the date they complete all application requirements.
• Priority does not guarantee a spot in the program.

Transfer Opportunities

• Wisconsin Private Schools: Milwaukee School of Engineering
• Completion of an A.A.S. Degree at Madison College after 2015, and meeting admission requirements for the Rader School of Business (RSOB) at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) can earn a B.B.A degree in Technical Sales at MSOE.

Career Outcomes

• Madison College Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology program graduates are prepared with the following skills:
  • Technical Skills:
    • Assemble and install HVAC/Refrigeration components
    • Troubleshoot HVAC/Refrigeration systems
    • Service HVAC/Refrigeration systems
    • Evaluate HVAC/Refrigeration system designs
    • Implement safety and regulation codes
    • Practice job-site skills such as written and verbal communication to customers, co-workers, and supervisors

Graduate Employers

• Graduate Employers for academic year: 2024
  • Chiller Consultant Service: Refrigeration Service Technician
  • Harker Heating and Cooling: Service Technician

Related Programs

• Basic Industrial Power
• Electrical Maintenance (Industrial Maintenance)
• Electro-Mechanical Technology
• Facilities Management
• Industrial Automation - Comprehensive
• Industrial Mechanic - Advanced Manufacturing
• Industrial Mechanic - HVAC