Cooperative Education - Students are encouraged to take Co-op with Faculty Curriculum Advisor and Faculty Co-op Advisor approvals after satisfactory completion of the second semester. This practical work experience, with appropriate documentation, will help meet requirements to gain the Journeyman and/or Master certifications from the Virginia Tradesman Certification Program.

TOP

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 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.

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.

Length: Four semesters (two years)

Purpose: Each year will require additional technicians trained to install, setup, operate, and maintain complex electrical and electronic integrated systems. This Associate of Applied Science Degree curriculum is designed to prepare students for employment immediately upon graduation and to provide the foundation for lifelong learning in a continuously changing field.

    Electronic Service Technician

    Field Service Technician

    Control Systems Technician

Admission Requirements: In addition to the admission requirements established for the college, entry into the Associate of Applied Science Degree program in Computer and Electronics Technology requires two units of high school mathematics, including one unit of algebra. Deficiencies in this area may be satisfied by taking developmental mathematics courses at VHCC prior to acceptance into the program (pre-entrance summer session recommended).

Program Requirements: The Computer and Electronics Technology curriculum is a two-year program designed to provide preparation for the electronics technician, with a special emphasis on industrial applications. An additional one-third of the curriculum consists of a combination of computer electronics and electrical/electronics systems found in the industrial environment. The remaining one-third consists of technical mathematics and general education requirements.