Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating
Diploma

Program Coordinator: Jim Kroll, OTC 1218, Ext. 2560
Length: Five semesters

 

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 and Refrigeration Institute’s Industry Competency Exam. For the past 5 years, 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 and Refrigeration Mechanic

Heating Mechanic

Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Technician

Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Shop Supervisor
Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Business
Technical Sales

 

Admission Requirements: Students are required to meet the general requirements of the college as contained in this catalog. Graduates of the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Certificate program at Virginia Highlands Community College may enter the fourth semester of the program directly and continue for the two subsequent semesters to fulfill the diploma requirements. 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.

 

The day program starts in even numbered years and the evening program starts in odd numbered years.

Upon completion of the five-semester program listed in this catalog, the graduate will be awarded a Diploma.

 

Virginia Tradesman Certification Program: Students seeking the Journeyman or Master levels of certification may, with appropriate documentation, help meet the practical work experience requirement through the Cooperative Education Program.

 

Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating

 (Day Program)

First Semester (Fall)

Course

Number

Course Title

Lec.

Hrs.

Lab.

Hrs.

Crs.

AIR 111

Air Cond. & Ref. Controls I

2

2

3

AIR 171

Refrigeration I (Basic)

6

6

9

MTH 141

1Business Mathematics I

3

0

3

SDV 101

Orientation to College Success

1

0

1

Total

12

8

16

Second Semester (Spring)

AIR 112

Air Cond. & Ref. Controls II

2

2

3

AIR 172

Refrigeration II (Commercial)

6

6

9

ENG 100

Basic Occupational Comm.

3

0

3

Total

11

8

15

Summer Session

AIR 134

Circuits and Controls I

3

3

4

AIR 176

Air Conditioning

4

4

6

Total

7

7

10

Third Semester (Fall)

AIR 136

Circuits and Controls III

3

3

4

AIR 165

Air Conditioning Systems I

2

4

4

AIR 235

Heat Pumps

3

3

4

EEE or

AIR 197

2General Elective or Co-op

Education

3

0

0

15

3

3

Total

8-11

10-25

15

Fourth Semester (Spring)

AIR 154

Heating Systems I

2

3

3

AIR 205

Hydronics and Zoning

3

2

4

AIR 231

Circuits and Controls V

4

3

5

EEE or

AIR 197

2General Elective or Co-op

Education

3

0

0

15

3

3

Total

9-12

8-23

15

Total Minimum Credits required for the Diploma..................................71

 

 

The above semester-by-semester sequence of courses may be modified when necessary. Please refer to the Program Choices section of this Catalog for a discussion of factors which affect planning and sequencing programs of study. Courses may be substituted or adjustments made by the College to meet program objectives and requirements.

 

1. Students may substitute MTH 103.

 

2. General Education Electives may be selected from courses in English, psychology, political science/government, economics, geography, sociology, or humanities.

Cooperative Education - Students are encouraged to take AIR 197 after satisfactory completion of the second semester with Faculty Curriculum Advisor and Faculty Co-op Advisor approvals to help meet the work experience requirement for certification.

 

Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating
(Evening Program)

First Semester (Fall)

Course

Number

Course Title

Lec.

Hrs.

Lab.

Hrs.

Crs.

AIR 111

Air Cond. & Ref. Controls I

2

2

3

AIR 171

Refrigeration I (Basic)

6

6

9

MTH 141

1Business Mathematics I

3

0

3

SDV 101

Orientation to College Success

1

0

1

Total

12

8

16

Second Semester (Spring)

AIR 112

Air Cond. & Ref. Controls II

2

2

3

AIR 172

Refrigeration II (Commercial)

6

6

9

ENG 100

Basic Occupational Comm.

3

0

3

Total

11

8

15

Summer Session

AIR 134

Circuits and Controls I

3

3

4

AIR 176

Air Conditioning

4

4

6

Total

7

7

10

Third Semester (Fall)

AIR 136

Circuits and Controls III

3

3

4

AIR 165

Air Conditioning Systems I

2

4

4

AIR 235

Heat Pumps

3

3

4

EEE or

AIR 197

2General Elective or Co-op Education

3

0

0

15

3

3

Total

8-11

10-25

15

Fourth Semester (Spring)

AIR 154

Heating Systems I

2

3

3

AIR 205

Hydronics and Zoning

3

2

4

AIR 231

Circuits and Controls V

4

3

5

EEE or

AIR 197

2General Elective or Co-op Education

3

0

0

15

3

3

Total

9-12

8-13

15

Total Minimum Credits required for the Diploma....................................71

 

The above semester-by-semester sequence of courses may be modified when necessary. Please refer to the Program Choices section of this Catalog for a discussion of factors which affect planning and sequencing programs of study. Courses may be substituted or adjustments made by the College to meet program objectives and requirements.

 

1. Students may substitute MTH 103.

 

2. General Education Electives may be selected from courses in English, psychology, political science/government, economics, geography, sociology, or humanities.

Cooperative Education - Students are encouraged to take AIR 197 after satisfactory completion of the second semester with Faculty Curriculum Advisor and Faculty Co-op Advisor approvals to help meet the work experience requirement for certification.