Student Resources

refrigeration & heating technology program

We Need You! 

 The Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR) industry needs technicians, installers, maintenance and service people. Contractors report that the number one problem is finding qualified people according to articles published in the HVACR News. Can anyone do these jobs? NO! They all require hard work, determination, knowledge, and intelligence. Some new technologies require advanced skills in automated building management logic and computerized networking. Successful candidates can expect to find a sense of professional pride and accomplishment along with considerable financial rewards.
     Homes, office building, malls, food processing plants, restaurants, airplanes, cars, computer technology and medical facilities all rely on complex heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems to create and maintain safe, healthy and comfortable living and working environments. Become a problem solver, an expert who contributes to making equipment work better, more efficiently, quicker and less expensively.
     The Refrigeration and Heating program at Matanuska-Susitna College provides a balance of theory and application in preparing candidates for careers in this growing industry. Out program includes a solid foundation i the principle of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration technology combined with extensive laboratory training. Student learn to test, systematically troubleshoot, repair, and maintain electrical and mechanical HVACR equipment and components.
     Career opportunities for technicians are multiplying on a global scale. The US Department of Labor predicts that the HVACR industry will grow 24% in the 1997 through 2007 period. This is a $150 Billion annual industry with over 600,000 service technicians employed in the United States. More than 20,000 technicians and  installers are needed each year. A graduate with an Associate Degree in Refrigeration and Heating Technology from Matanuska-Susitna College will often have found employment prior to graduation. Pay scales range from $25,000 to $80,000+ annually.
     Practicing professional can also find career enrichment opportunities in the Refrigeration and Heating Technology program at Matanuska-Susitna College. Our program consists of 16 core classes and several elective one. The Heating and Refrigeration staff can help you make selections that will best benefit your training needs and goals. Some classes lead to national certificates in safe refrigerant handling (EPA) and industry competency requirements (ICE).  

Occupational Outlook Handbook
2006-07 Edition
U.S. Dept. of Labor/Bureau of Labor Statistics

http://www.bls.gov/oco/

Job prospects are expected to be excellent, particularly for those with training from an accredited technical school or with formal apprenticeship training.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor

"Obtaining certification through one of several organizations is increasingly recommended by employers and ay increase advancement opportunities." Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor