HVAC/Refrigeration Technician

Program Description

HVAC/Refrigeration Technicians install and/or repair heating, central air conditioning, or refrigeration systems, including oil and gas furnaces and boilers.  Students typically begin a career as an entry-level HVAC Helper/Apprentice.   Only certified technicians are permitted to perform refrigerant recovery in order to comply with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards and requirements.  

This program features both HVAC theory and practice. Students will perform hands-on training throughout the program and work with various types of HVAC equipment in a laboratory setting.   Students can continue their education and obtain additional certificates and/or pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree in Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) and Energy Technology.  Criminal background checks and random drug testing are required for employment.

Students in this program should be detail-oriented and have the ability to follow safe work practices. In addition to dependability and integrity, mathematical and mechanical aptitudes are desirable for this field. HVAC technicians should have the ability to stand or crouch for long periods of time, and have the capacity to lift 35 pounds regularly.

HVAC/Refrigeration Technicians can find employment opportunities in both commercial and residential settings. Property maintenance companies, HVAC repair contractors, utility providers, and industries that use refrigeration or climate control are all potential employers. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, overall employment of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to grow 11% from 2020 to 2030 in Maryland. Projected annual job openings in Maryland are 970.​  Additional career information may be found in Career Coach:   https://ccbcmd.lightcastcc.com/.​

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, students will be able to:

1.  prepare to pass the EPA 608 (refrigerant) Universal Certification exam;

2.  perform basic installation and repair tasks associated with heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems; and

3.  demonstrate effective skills to work as an entry level HVACR technician. 

CCBC Pathway

Technology and Engineering Pathway - Pathways are designed to help you meet your academic and career goals by aligning related courses and programs.  Pathway students participate in a variety of activities that help explore career opportunities in their field of study.  You can meet with a CCBC advisor who help align — or realign — your educational plan with the Pathway that best supports you and your goals.

Program Credential

CCBC Credential:

Students will receive a Continuing Education Workforce Certificate and will have access to a Continuing Education academic record (transcript). 

External Credential:

Students who pass the EPA test will receive EPA 608 Universal certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Certifying Organization:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA class only).

www.epa.gov

Financial Aid and Payment Options

We offer financial aid by packaging public and private funding options to those who qualify, in select Continuing Education courses and programs. Additional opportunities for financial support include partial payment options through Nelnet Business Solutions and tuition waivers for those who qualify. Resources outside of CCBC may also be available through employer/sponsor paid tuition, the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), and your local office of workforce development.

Some CE Workforce Development Certificate Programs are eligible for early high school funding through Maryland Blueprint for qualifying BCPS high school students.  Please check with your School Counseling Office to determine your eligibility for the BCPS Tuition Benefit Program. 

Program Length

Approximately 9 months

Courses are offered at CCBC Catonsville and Dundalk.

Program Requirements

High School Diploma or GED. Minimum age of 18.

Application Process

To apply, go to www.ccbcmd.edu/apply and complete the CCBC Continuing Education Workforce Certificate program application.  An email will then be sent with program information and any additional requirements necessary to apply for the program.

Open Entry – No screening or documentation required.

Prior Learning Assessment

This program has potential options for waving select courses based on previous coursework or articulated coursework from an approved curriculum or demonstrated portfolio and/or prior occupational learning. A maximum of 175.5 program hours may be earned from prior learning. 

Program Course Sequence

Additional Information

In addition to the Basic HVAC Certificate, students can pursue an Advanced Certificate program and/or Building Automation Systems Program Certificate. These certificates are offered as non-credit or credit courses.​

Career Coach

Research your career interests, explore live job postings, take a career assessment, discover which companies in the Baltimore region are hiring, and more.  View a brief tutorial video on how to use Career Coach at https://youtu.be/C7KpznbPYfA.  Explore career and training opportunities at https://ccbcmd.emsicc.com/.

Program Contact Information

Program Coordinator: Dave Frey | dfrey@ccbcmd.edu | 443-840-2793 | Dundalk| STAT 110

Administrative Assistant: TBA