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HEATING, VENTILATION
& AIR CONDITIONING/REFRIGERATION


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Teacher: Timothy Strunk, West Campus

The program is accredited by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) through the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) and provides participants with defined career paths in the industry. The program uses project-based methods and national performance standards to teach students the knowledge and skills needed for a successful future in this field.

Instruction in this course includes the theory and application of the basic principles involved in the conditioning of air, cooling, heating, filtering and controlling of humidity. Students develop skills in assembling and installing tubes and pipes, motors, compressors, control devices, valves and thermostats, and gain an understanding of blueprints and schematics related to equipment and systems. Students must be able to diagnose equipment malfunctions and be able to read and understand technical reference manuals. Energy management control technology is taught as it relates to domestic, commercial and industrial air systems, heat pumps, forced air conditioning systems and microcomputer systems control.

Graduates of this program have excellent opportunities for entry level employment, to pursue an apprenticeship, or continue their education in a technical post-secondary program.

  What will you learn?    requires Adobe Acrobat Reader  Get Acrobat Reader



BCTC Career Pathways:

  • Refrigeration Mechanic
  • Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic
  • Sheet Metal Worker
  • HVAC-R Mechanic Helper

BCTC Career Pathways Can Lead To:

  • Air Conditioning and Heating Engineer
  • Refrigeration Engineer
  • Energy Management Control Engineer
  • Factory Service Representative
  • Estimator
  • Stationary Engineer

nccer_logoHVAC Excellence
This program is accredited through HVAC Excellence to assure that the curriculum taught meets or exceeds the National Skill Standards. Having this accreditation enables BCTC to more easily articulate credits with other institutions and apply for public and private funds. Visit www.hvacexcellence.org for further information.

nccer_logoNCCER - National Center for Construction Education and Research
The HVAC/R program participates in NCCER. This curricula and training process is supported by trade associations, contractors, schools, construction and maintenance users, pipeline operators, manufacturers, and third-party training providers. Visit www.nccer.org for further information.

Industry Certifications:
NCCER, Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling certification, EPA Refrigerant Transition & Recovery certification

College Advanced Credits:
Baran Institute of Technology - TBD
Pennsylvania College of Technology - Up to 12 credits
Reading Area Community College - Up to 20 credits


Program Requirements/Costs:
   (approximate)

  • Work uniform and shoes - $68
  • Textbook, workbook - $240
  • Industry certification testing fees - $28/test
  • Safety glasses - $8
  • Industry certification testing fees - $35/test

Program Entrance Recommendations:

  • Reading at grade level
  • Algebra I or Geometry
  • Problem solving/troubleshooting skills
  • Ability to work independently or in a team
  • Hand-eye coordination
  • Mechanical aptitude


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