Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology
Midland College’s Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology program incorporates fundamentals and integrates new technologies and innovations of climate control systems for application in the real world.
The output is a well-rounded technician who possesses traditional technical skills with the understanding of the importance of safety and soft skills such as customer service.
The program is relevant, unique and state of the art in that it goes beyond the basics and introduces the student to new and emerging HVAC technologies. Individuals satisfying program requirements have countless career opportunities in a variety of job classifications. New laws require highly trained workers who can keep up with environmental regulations — and in Texas, there is always a need for technicians who can keep air conditioners running.
The demand for AC technicians is climbing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2017), the need for HVACR technicians is expected to rise 15 percent through the year 2026, which represents 48,800 new job openings. In addition, the increased complexity of HVACR systems will create more job opportunities for service. Environmental concerns and new governmental regulations will require replacement of older units no longer in compliance.
Workforce Solutions (WIOA) Eligible
Students choosing this academic pathway may receive funding and other financial assistance and support from Workforce Solutions. See www.facebook.com/PermianBasinWorkforce, call (432) 367-1449 (option 5), or open the flyer for information on the services they provide in partnership with Midland College. The Workforce Solutions office is located on Midland College's main campus, in room 138 of the Technology Center (TC) Building. Note: Students receiving federal and state financial aid are not eligible for WIOA assistance.
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Program Details
Click links below for details
To be considered for a scholarship, please follow the link below:
Marketable Skills
Pursuing an Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration degree will provide marketable skills in these areas:
- Repairing - Repairing machines or systems using the right tools
- Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working
- Troubleshooting - Figuring out what is causing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs to not work
- Equipment Maintenance - Planning and doing the basic maintenance on equipment
- Installation - Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs
- Critical Thinking - Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
- Operation and Control - Using equipment or systems
- Equipment Selection - Deciding what kind of tools and equipment are needed to do a job
- Quality Control Analysis - Testing how well a product or service works
- Complex Problem Solving - Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
- Speaking - Talking to others
Career Opportunities
Earning an AAS degree will lead to a variety of career opportunities such as:
- Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers
- Elevator Installers and Repairers, Electricians
- Electricians
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
- Millwrights
- Automotive Master Mechanics
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation and Relay
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
HVACR systems consist of many components such as motors, compressors, pumps, fans, ducts, pipes, thermostats and switches. Technicians must be able to maintain, diagnose and correct problems throughout the entire system.
Demand
Technicians often specialize in either installation or maintenance and repair. Some specialize in one type of equipment — for example, oil burners, solar panels or commercial refrigerators. Technicians may work for large or small contracting companies or directly for a manufacturer or wholesaler. Those working for smaller operations tend to do both installation and servicing and work with heating, cooling and refrigeration equipment.
Visit the course catalog for the most complete and up-to-date information.
PLEASE NOTE: Completion of Midland College degrees and/or certificates does not guarantee eligibility to take a certification/registry/licensure examination. The eligibility of each person is determined on an individual basis by the regulatory body of the specific discipline. If you have a conviction of a crime other than a minor traffic violation, physical or mental disability/illness, hospitalization/treatment for chemical dependency within the past five years, current intemperate use of drugs or alcohol or a previous denial of a licensure or action by a licensing authority, you will need to contact the specific regulatory body for an individual ruling. Some programs require a criminal background check and urine and drug screen.
Why study HVAC at MC?
ContactDepartment ChairJaroy Roberts FacultyAir Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Faculty Contact Information |
Division OfficeApplied TechnologyMarie Hall Academic Building |
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Thank you for choosing Midland College! If you are here to collect a few credits, take courses to transfer, or here to start a new career, we welcome you.