HVAC/R Technology Diploma

Academic Programs

Career Path

Industrial Technology

Start Term

Program Options

Degree, Certificate or Diploma

Locations

Council Bluffs Campus

Program Information

The HVAC/R Technology Diploma program of study provides all of the skills necessary to gain meaningful employment as an entry-level Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) technician. The diploma program is designed to train students to be HVAC technicians in a real-world, hands-on environment. Students will learn to troubleshoot, install, and maintain HVAC/R systems. This program is designed to meet the related technical instruction for some DOE apprenticeship programs.

Students who complete this diploma will have earned a HVAC/R Maintenance certificate by completion. 

Job Outlook

1,492 Jobs (2020)

+11.6% Change from 2020-2025

Data is from the Omaha Metropolitans Area, and the seven counties in Southwest Iowa that Iowa Western serves

What will you do

An HVAC technician installs, maintains, and repairs heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems in both residential homes and commercial buildings. HVAC is an abbreviation for “heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration.

Someone who works in this occupation might specialize in the installation, or in maintenance and repair. Some technicians concentrate on only one type of system, either heating, air conditioning, or refrigeration, while others offer a broader range of services.

Wages

  • Entry: $19.54
  • Average: $24.98
  • Experienced: $40.30

Career Examples

  • HVAC Refrigeration Technicians
  • HVAC Service Technicians
  • Maintenance Technicians
  • HVAC Controls Technicians
  • HVAC Mechanics
  • Laboratory Technicians
  • Maintenance Workers
  • Production Technicians

First Semester

HCR 121 - Forced Air Heating Systems 2.0 Credit(s)
IND 109 - Equipment Safety and Operation 3.0 Credit(s)
HCR 201 - Applied Practices I: Repair and Service 4.0 Credit(s)
HCR 188 - Electricity for HVAC/R 4.0 Credit(s)
MAT 743 - Technical Math 3.0 Credit(s)

Semester Total: 16.0 Credits

Second Semester

HCR 208 - Boilers and Hydronic Systems 4.0 Credit(s)
HCR 301 - Applied Practices II: Advanced Repair and Service 3.0 Credit(s)
ELT 215 - Motors and Controls 2.0 Credit(s)
HCR 205 - Air Conditioning Principles 3.0 Credit(s)
HCR 458 - Alternative Energy Sources 2.0 Credit(s)

Semester Total: 14.0 Credits

Summer

HCR 402 - HVAC/R Internship 4.0 Credit(s)

or

HCR 401 - HVAC/R Capstone 4.0 Credit(s)

 

HCR 448 - Applied Practices III: Installation 3.0 Credit(s)
HCR 348 - Soldering, Piping, and Fitting 3.0 Credit(s)

Semester Total: 10.0 Credits

Total Semester Hours Required: 40.0

Notes:





Additional Information

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Program Outcomes

Upon the successful completion of the program students will:

 

  • Execute mathematical processes and use of formulas necessary for design, evaluation, and installation of HVACR systems.
  • Explain composition and usage of HVACR materials, equipment, and tools required for installation and diagnostic tasks.
  • Apply safety procedures and regulations related to workplace and job requirements.
  • Explain the refrigeration cycle, gas laws, and properties of refrigerants required for diagnostic and systems design.
  • Identify drawings, technical diagrams, and specification charts required for installation and repair of HVACR systems.
  • Explain theories and processes for evaluating and installing electrical systems and controls.
  • Demonstrate procedures for installing, inspecting, testing, repairing, and maintaining HVACR systems.
  • Identify procedures for following government regulations regarding the conservation, recovery, and recycling of refrigerants.

Program Disclaimers

  • Salary information from EMSI Analyst Database