Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
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 (HVACR) systems.
Through coursework and hands-on laboratory exercises, you will learn diagnostic and repair procedures for HVACR equipment. You will be trained to fabricate sheet metal and copper, and 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 advanced training in indoor air quality technologies and commercial and residential heat pumps. Indoor air-quality training is provided in a specially designed on-site facility.
To participate in the program, you should have a strong mechanical aptitude, strong math skills and enjoy problem solving. You also must have above average manual dexterity, be in good physical condition to perform lifting, and be comfortable with heights and climbing ladders. All program participants must purchase approximately $900 in tools.
During the first year of the program, you will take the same courses as students in the Construction Electricity Program, which will give you more electrical training than programs at other technical college programs. This gives you the opportunity to complete both the HVACR and the Construction Electricity programs in just three years.
MCTC has an articulation agreement with Ferris State University.
For more information contact Greg Skudlarek at 612-659-6424 or Jory Leksen at 612-659-6029.
Degrees, diplomas and certificates
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration A.A.S. Degree
- articulation: B.S., Industrial Technology - General Technology, Minnesota State University, Moorhead
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Diploma
- articulation: B.S., Industrial Technology - General Technology, Minnesota State University, Moorhead
- HVAC Installation Certificate
Refer to the 2009-10 College Catalog for the requirements to degrees, diplomas and/or certificates available through the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program.
Read MCTC's articulation agreements with other colleges and universities.
Faculty/staff listing
Frequently asked questions
- How much does MCTC's HVAC-R Program cost?
- The cost per credit tuition rates for both residents and non-residents may be found on the “How much are tuition and fees” webpage located in the Current Students section of our website. Also, financial aid is available to qualified students.
- Are there any additional costs for this program?
- Other costs include a set of recommended hand tools. The average cost is $800.00-$1,000.00 and can be purchased from any local specialized HVAC supplier. Books will average $250.00 for the HVAC-R Program.
- What additional requirements are needed to enter this program?
- You must fulfill certain academic requirements to begin coursework in this program. A comprehensive listing of requirements is available on the website.
- What does HVAC-R stand for?
- HVAC-R stands for Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refigeration. At MCTC, our HVAC-R program covers all four areas in both commercial and residential applications.
- What are some of the perks offered to the HVAC-R industry?
- Most companies provide a take home service vehicle eliminating the need to drive your own vehicle to and from work, as well as a generous benefits package including medical and dental insurance, retirement, paid vacation and sick time, paid advanced training and opportunities to earn overtime pay if so desired.
- What are some of the major advantages to entering the HVAC-R industry?
- People entering the HVAC-R industry are in very high demand. Because of the high demand, pay and benefits are excellent and only getting better. In most cases, you are working independently and the work is always challenging and never boring. It is a rewarding career in an industry that continues to offer a great future with unlimited possibilities.
- Where would I work once I complete the HVAC-R program?
- As a graduate of this program, you may qualify for a career as an entry level Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) Service Technician (commercial or residential), as a Commercial Refrigeration Service Technician, HVAC Equipment & Parts Salesperson, Indoor Air Quality Specialist. Positions are available for both union and non-union companies.
- What is the average wage in this career?
- In the Twin Cities, the estimated entry wage for heating, air conditioning, refrigeration mechanics/ installers, is $16.35 per hour. Roughly 15 percent of HVAC technicians are self-employed. A first year apprentice earns $32,520 per year as an HVAC service pipe fitter in Minneapolis.
- What makes MCTC the best choice to start a career in HVAC-R?
- Students will receive hands-on instruction from certified instructors in one of the most advanced training labs in the state which continually updates equipment and curriculum to reflect industry changes. The downtown Minneapolis campus is on a bus line and is also close to numerous potential employment opportunities.
- What clubs or activities can I join at MCTC that focuses on this industry?
- Skills/USA VICA (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America) is a student and alumni association that promotes professional advancement for students in trade, industrial, technical and health education programs by fostering networks among the students, alumni, community and local industry.
- What if I want to pursue a 4-year degree?
- If you are seeking a 4-year degree, MCTC is part of the Minnesota General Education Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) which makestransfer to other 2- and 4-year public colleges virtually seamless. MCTC has an articulation agreement with Ferris State University in Big Rapids MI where you can apply your MCTC HVAC-R and general coursework toward a 4-year degree.
