Need a quick snapshot of what our HVAC/R programs offer? Check out our FAQs below.
Qualified HVAC/R technicians are in high-demand and the job opportunities continue to grow. Getting started at NCC is a cost-effective way to maximize your potential in the field. If you're unsure if this is the path for you, check out some of our frequently asked questions below to get more information surrounding the degrees and certificates we offer, career outlook, articulation agreements and program requirments. If you have more questions, or would like to visit our site, please call 610-332-6262; M-F. 8:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m., or email our Program Manager, Dan Philipps, at dphilipps@northampton.edu. We look forward to working together!
The program can be full or part-time. Students can start in either semester, but advising is important to ensure timely and sequential progress.
Courses prepare students to sit for the E.P.A. Refrigerant Usage Certification (offered here twice a year through our Non-Credit platform) and are planned to coincide with classroom/lab instruction to aid in successful certification.
A Specialized Diploma is a two-semester program; the Certificate is a three-semester program ( HVAC/R – the cert can be three semesters in some rare cases – but is really a four-semester sequence – many times the last two semesters are part-time as students may have already been employed). The Associates in Applied Science is a four-semester program. Each program is stackable, which means you can complete one program and transfer the credits into the next program in sequence. Wages would increase based on the program completed.
- Specialized Diploma - $13-15 hr.
- Certificate - $15-17 hr.
- Associates in Applied Science - $15-20 hr. (with a greater chance for rapid advancement and higher pay ranges - $23-30 hr.).
Worksites may be very hot or cold because the heating and cooling systems they must repair may not be working properly and because some parts of these systems are located outdoors. Ladders and carrying heavy tools, etc., are common. Working in cramped spaces and during irregular hours is also common.
Tech classes at NCC usually offer at least half (or more) of the instruction in hands-on lab activities.
- Specialized Diploma - HVAC Installers and Maintenance Technicians, HVAC Supply Services Staff
- Certificate - HVAC and Commercial Refrigeration Service Technicians, Facilities Maintenance Technicians
- Associates in Applied Science - HVAC and Commercial Refrigeration Service Technicians, Building Automation Technicians, advancement to working Service Managers and Business Owners is likely as field experience is gained.
- HVAC SD and HVAC/R Cert – Only a few courses (MATH103, CISC101, and ENGL101) are offered online. The remaining Tech courses require hands-on applications.
- HVAC AAS – Only the previously mentioned courses and most (if not all) of the remaining Gen-Ed course offerings are available online.
