Educational Programs

Summer Term
Begins May 29
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We have added a number of general education liberal arts and sciences classes to this year's summer schedule, along with several career and technical courses.

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MCTC Foundation Scholarships

The MCTC Foundation awards numerous scholarships each year to students in need as well as to students with high academic potential. During the 2010-2011 school year, the MCTC Foundation awarded over $387,000 to 291 students. Scholarship information for the 2012-2013 school year is now available. Please refer to the scholarship packet to see available scholarship opportunities.

The scholarship application deadline is May 25, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. in T.2500.

Download the MCTC Scholarship packet

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

Program description

No matter how bad the economy gets, homeowners and businesses always need technicians trained in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC-R). MCTC provides hands-on learning to prepare you for a high paying career in HVAC-R. Knowledgeable instructors will give you the training you need in an industry that is challenging and fun.

Program start and location

You may only start in the fall semester unless you are a transfer student or have previous experience in the HVAC-R field. The HVAC-R program is located on the main campus in the T Building.

Degree options and requirements

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration A.A.S. Degree—72 credits
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Diploma—64 credits

Click here for program and course information.

What you will learn

  • MCTC's Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Program will train you to diagnose problems, perform repairs and conduct maintenance on residential and commercial heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC-R) systems.
  • You will learn diagnostic and repair procedures for HVAC-R equipment, and will be trained to fabricate sheet metal, copper, plastic and steel piping.
  • Experienced instructors will prepare you to work with advanced electrical controls, heat recovery ventilators, air cleaning devices, sophisticated air measurement equipment and carbon monoxide testing instruments.
  • You will receive solar energy training in Photovoltaics and Thermal Solar technologies.

Points of pride

  • MCTC's HVAC-R program recently received the highest-level accreditation from HVAC Excellence- one of only three programs in the state to receive this status.
  • MCTC's HVAC-R program is active in Skills USA and has had many state winners in the HVAC-R competition and one National winner.
  • MCTC has a Solar Energy training lab used for Photovoltaic and Thermal solar energy system training in both the HVAC-R and Construction Electricity programs.
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  • MCTC's training lab also has a state-of-the-art Indoor Air Quality and ventilation-training house located within the HVAC-R lab.
  • You will receive classroom and hands-on instruction from certified instructors in the most advanced HVAC-R training lab in Minnesota, which continually updates equipment and curriculum to reflect industry changes.
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Where you could work

  • HVAC residential service companies
  • HVACR commercial service companies
  • Gas utilities
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  • Commercial buildings (HVAC maintenance)
  • HVACR equipment sales companies
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Potential job titles

  • HVAC Service Technician
  • Commercial Refrigeration Service Technician
  • HVAC Equipment and Parts Salesperson
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  • Indoor Air Quality Specialist
  • HVACR Building Maintenance Specialist
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Occupational outlook

People entering the HVAC-R industry are in very high demand, so pay and benefits are excellent. In Minnesota, employment opportunities are expected to increase by 16.2 percent by the year 2019, according to iseek.org. Often companies in this industry provide medical and dental insurance, retirement, paid vacation and sick time, paid advanced training and opportunities to earn overtime pay, and provide a company vehicle. 

Beyond-the-classroom opportunities

While in this program, you will have an opportunity to join Sills/USA VICA (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America) a student and alumni association that promotes professional advancement for students in trade, industrial, technical and health education programs by fostering networks among students, alumni, community and local industry.

Articulation Agreements, Common Course Outlines and Gainful Employment Information

Click here for articulation agreement information on the A.A.S. degree.

Click here for articulation agreement information on the Diploma.

Click here for Common Course Outline information.

Click here for Gainful Employment information.

Manufacturing and Construction

MCTC offers a wide range of programs in manufacturing and construction. We provide you with the technical knowledge and hands-on skills needed to gain employment with manufacturing plants and various other industries.

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