Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning: Career Associate

The Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Career Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to provide students with comprehensive training and practical skills necessary for a successful career in the HVAC industry. This program offers a solid foundation in the principles of heating, cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration systems, preparing graduates to meet the demands of a growing industry that values technical expertise and problem-solving abilities. Through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training, students will learn about electrical systems, refrigeration cycles, blueprint reading, system installation, maintenance, and repair. The curriculum emphasizes safety practices, industry standards, and the latest technology to ensure students are well-equipped for real-world applications. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to enter the workforce as certified technicians, capable of installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting HVAC systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. The program also fosters critical thinking and customer service skills, recognizing the importance of communication within the profession. Harrisburg Area Community College’s HVAC Career Associate program aims to meet the needs of local employers by producing skilled technicians who are ready to contribute immediately upon graduation. Students benefit from experienced instructors, state-of-the-art facilities, and industry-relevant coursework that keeps pace with technological advancements. Whether students are seeking to launch their careers or upgrade their existing skills, this program offers a valuable pathway into the HVAC industry, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to pursue certification and employment opportunities across Pennsylvania and beyond.

 
General Education   
ENGL 101 English Composition I  3 
ENGL 102 English Composition II  (or)  3 
  ENGL 104 Technical Writing  (3)
COMM 101 Effective Speaking  (or)  3 
  COMM 203 Interpersonal Communication  (3)
Core A Elective  3 
Core B Elective  3 
Core C Elective  3 
Free Elective  3 
Physical Education & Wellness  1 

Major Requirements   
HVAC 100 EPA Refrigerant Handling, Preparation,  1 
                    & Testing   
HVAC 101 Basic Electrical Fundamentals   (or)  4 
  ELOC 153 Fundamentals of Electricity  (4)
HVAC 102 R410A-Safety & Handling  1 
HVAC 103 Fundamentals of Air Conditioning I  4 
HVAC 105 Fundamentals of Air Conditioning II  4 
HVAC 107 Fundamentals of Low & Medium  4 
                    Temperature Refrigeration   
HVAC 109 Heating Systems  4 

Other Required Courses   
GTEC 105 Customer Service  1 
GTEC 110 Construction Print Reading  3 
*MATH 161 Technical Math for General   3 
                      Technology   
**HVAC Required Electives  9 
***Program Specific Electives  6 

This curriculum is designed to prepare students to:

Develop and apply basic skills of electricity, heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning technology

Install, repair, and maintain heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems

Cite federal laws relevant to refrigerant recovery and recycling

Read HVAC blueprints

Design HVAC systems to meet prescribed specifications

Address customer-service issues

Install and maintain building wide HVAC systems

Design and install HVAC control systems in residential and commercial buildings

Write and speak effectively

Appreciate accomplishments in the arts and sciences

Apply for a Full-Ride Scholarship

Are you a future student and ready to apply to HACC? 
By applying to HACC, you have the opportunity to apply for a full-ride scholarship! HACC will fund two years of your education – enough to complete your associate degree.

Thanks to the support of the HACC Foundation, the College is able to offer FREE money to support future students, like you, in reaching your educational goals. Six full-ride scholarships are available – one from each of the five campuses and one through HACC’s Virtual Learning Program. 

Please note that current students are not eligible for the full-ride scholarships. However, there are more than 250 scholarships available for current students.

What should you know about the full-ride scholarship?

The scholarship covers tuition, books and fees for a full academic year. 

The scholarship will automatically renew each term for up to six consecutive terms if you maintain your eligibility.

Once you apply to the College and receive a HACC ID and email address, you may apply for the full-ride scholarship. You do not have to register for classes before applying for the scholarship.

Are you eligible?

To be eligible, you must:

Apply to HACC

Take 12-15 credits each term for no more than six consecutive terms (two years)

Live in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill or York county

Have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0

Provide a 480 SAT reading score, 21 ACT or comparable scores on the College’s placement test

Maintain a GPA of 3.0 while enrolled at HACC

Participate in at least two HACC student organizations

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning: Career Associate at Harrisburg Area Community College offers students the opportunity to develop foundational technical skills in the HVAC field. This program is designed to prepare graduates for entry-level employment in the HVAC industry, including positions such as heating and cooling technicians, ventilation specialists, and environmental controls installers. The curriculum typically covers essential areas such as refrigeration principles, electrical systems, blueprint reading, system design, and safety procedures, providing students with both theoretical knowledge and practical hands-on experience. Students often engage in laboratory work and on-the-job training to enhance their skills and gain real-world experience. The program emphasizes the importance of environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, and regulatory compliance in modern HVAC systems, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for current industry standards. Upon completion, students may be eligible to take industry certification exams, which can improve employability and career advancement opportunities. The program is suitable for individuals interested in technical careers that combine problem-solving, mechanical skills, and customer service. Harrisburg Area Community College also provides career counseling and job placement services to assist graduates in transitioning into the workforce. The Career Associate in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning aims to equip students with practical skills and knowledge to meet the growing demand for HVAC professionals in various sectors including residential, commercial, and industrial settings.