Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration Technology, AAS

Program Details

Semester 1

• HCR 307 - Fundamentals of Refrigeration Credits: 5
• HCR 260 - HVAC Trade Skills I Credits: 3
• HCR 404 - Electricity Credits: 5
• MAT 772 - Applied Math Credits: 3

Semester 2

• HCR 253 - Residential Heating & AC Credits: 5
• HCR 440 - Electrical Controls & Circuits Credits: 5
• HCR 515 - Sheet Metal Fabrication Credits: 3
• Select from Option 1 Credits: 3

Semester 3

• HCR 256 - Applied Heating & AC Credits: 5
• HCR 932 - Internship Credits: 4
• Select from Option 2 Credits: 3

Semester 4

• HCR 270 - Advanced Heating & AC Credits: 5
• HCR 506 - Air Distribution Credits: 3
• HCR 717 - Blueprint Reading Credits: 3
• PHY 710 - Technical Physics Credits: 3

Semester 5

• HCR 290 - Commercial HVAC/Refrigeration Credits: 5
• HCR 840 - Computer Load Calculations Credits: 2
• HCR 803 - Environmental Controls Credits: 5
• SPC 122 - Interpersonal Communication Credits: 3

Total Credits Required to Complete the AAS Degree - 73

Fixed Costs

Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$193.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs

Approximate total for program: $17,139**

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?

• Install, service and repair residential electric, gas and oil-fired furnaces and heat pumps.
• Install, service and repair many kinds of cooling equipment in residential and small commercial businesses.
• Work as a commercial mechanic, install, service and repair large air conditioning units such as those found in office buildings, department stores and other places of business.
• Put together and install ductwork and other parts.
• Connect motors, compressors, temperature and humidity controls and fans to control panels.
• Connect the control panel to the power source.
• Check the system to see that it is working properly.
• Most graduates become installation and service technicians, but some go into sales or start their own businesses.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?

• See details in objects and drawings.
• Do short math problems quickly.
• Read gauges and dials correctly.
• Mechanical ability and basic mechanical experience.
• Work thoroughly and accurately.
• Lift 100 pounds and carry 50 pounds.
• Climb and work safely on ladders, scaffolding and ramps.
• Work in cramped positions.
• Talk about and demonstrate your HVAC skills and knowledge.

What Else Should I Consider about this Degree program?

• There are chances for overtime work at a higher pay rate, as well as emergency calls at odd hours.
• You can start your own business.
• May be seasonal layoffs.
• There is a possibility of electrical shock and torch burns.
• Must furnish own hand tools.
• 2021 national estimate for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers is $54,690/year, $26.29/hour (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Program Competencies

1. Demonstrate the ability to work safely when working on and around refrigeration, air conditioning, heating, electrical equipment and related tools.
2. Troubleshoot residential and light commercial HVAC-R systems, controls, and equipment.
3. Demonstrate the ability to correctly and responsibly recover, evacuate, leak check, and charge a refrigeration system.
4. Repair mechanical and electrical malfunctions in refrigeration systems using manifold gauges, electric test meters, and physical observations.
5. Adjust the operating and safety controls found in refrigeration and heating systems to achieve optimal performance.
6. Demonstrate the ability to lay out and size the components of an HVAC duct system for proper air distribution.
7. Interpret electrical, architectural, and mechanical drawings.
8. Demonstrate workplace basic skills of communicating, computing, problem solving, accountability, and displaying a strong work ethic.

Nondiscrimination Statement

Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, or hiring practices, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. Lack of English language proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in career and technical education programs.

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Executive Campus Dean’s office, the Executive Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6857, dso@dmacc.edu. Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 1, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6216, Title9@dmacc.edu. Questions or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczysnki Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604-7204, phone 312/730-1560, fax 312/730-1576, TDD 800-877-8339 Email OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.

DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:
Agriculture, Natural and Environmental Science
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
Arts, Design, and Visual Communication
Business, Management, and Marketing
Education, Public, and Human Services
Health Science
Hospitality and Culinary
Information Technology
Manufacturing
Transportation & Logistics

Entrance requirements for specific programs can be found at Academic Pathway website.₍₂₀₂₄₎