Program Coordinator: Mike Belcher, OTC 222, Ext. 2486 Length: Four semesters**
**Program can be completed in day or evening classes. The day program starts in even numbered years and the evening program starts in odd numbered years.
Purpose: The Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, & Heating curriculum is designed to provide up-to-date technical skills for employment in the growing $150 billion HVACR industry. VHCC’s 4,500 sq. ft. lab is equipped with various manufacturers’ equipment, with student time divided in half between classroom theory and lab projects. Students will operate “live” equipment to improve skills in troubleshooting, maintenance, and installation. In addition, students will utilize manufacturer-training software, audiovisual materials, and specially designed trainers for electricity and refrigeration. There is a growing demand for trained HVACR technicians, due to record equipment sales, the introduction of new refrigerants, and technical improvements in equipment. The curriculum satisfies the entry-level training requirements for students new to the HVACR industry, as well as updating the skills of those who want to improve their current skills for advancement in the workplace. VHCC’s program content and entry-level skills of students are verified through the nationally recognized Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute’s Industry Competency Exam. For the 5 year period ending in 2004 VHCC students have a 92% pass rate on the residential heating and cooling exam, compared to a 60 percentile national average.
Occupational Objectives: Air Conditioning Technician Heating Technician Refrigeration Technician HVACR Technician HVACR Contractor Controls Technician Indoor Air Quality Technician HVACR Technical Sales HVACR Installation, Service, Maintenance Technician
Admission Requirements: Students are required to meet the general requirements of the college as contained in this catalog. Students from other schools or colleges or with appropriate industrial experience may submit transcripts or other documentation for evaluation and advanced placement.
Program Requirements: The major proportion of the curriculum will consist of courses in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating, with the remaining courses in related subjects, general education, and electives. The program will consist of both theoretical concepts and practical applications needed for success in this skilled field. Each student is advised to consult with his/her advisor and counselor for program planning and in selecting electives.
Upon completion of the four-semester program listed in this catalog, the graduate will be awarded an Associate of Applied Science Degree.
First Semester (Fall)
Course Number
Course Title
Lec. Hrs.
Lab Hrs.
Crs.
SDV 101
Orientation to College Success
1
0
ENG 111 or ENG 115
College Composition I or Technical Writing
3
AIR 111
Air Cond. & Ref. Controls I
2
AIR 171
Refrigeration I
6
9
Total
12
8
16
Second Semester (Spring)
EEE
1*Social Science Elective
AIR 112
Air Cond. & Ref. Controls II
AIR 172
Refrigeration II
MTH 103
Applied Technical Mathematics I
14
18
Third Semester (Fall)
PED
2*Physical Education
2-3
3*Humanities Elective
AIR 134
Circuits and Controls I
AIR 176
Air Conditioning
4
AIR 235
Heat Pumps
11
10-11
Fourth Semester (Spring)
AIR 154
Heating Systems I
AIR 165
Air Conditioning Systems I
AIR 205
Hydronics and Zoning
AIR 231
Circuits and Controls IV
10
Total Minimum Credits required for the AAS Degree..........................66
Footnotes*