Get the details on Northland’s Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) Diploma program—outcomes, accreditation, transfer options, and more.
Program Description
Northland’s Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Diploma program prepares graduates for careers in residential and light commercial systems. Students learn to design central heating and air conditioning systems based on load requirements, install, troubleshoot, and repair HVAC equipment, and fabricate and install forced-air and hot-water distribution systems using sheet metal, duct board, copper, PEX, PVC, and other industry-standard materials.
Graduates gain hands-on experience installing oil and gas boilers, forced-air furnaces, and ventilation systems, including exhaust and fresh-air exchangers. The program also covers electrical theory, motor controls, heating and cooling controls, switching relays, pumps, compressors, design variables, and code requirements.
This comprehensive blend of technical and general education equips students with the skills to build and install ductwork, work with high-efficiency heating units, and troubleshoot complex HVAC systems.
Program Accreditation
Northland Community & Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Program Learner Outcomes
- Student will demonstrate appropriate safety practices and procedures at all times in the classroom, shop, and building sites as required by the construction industry.
- Student will demonstrate effective oral and written communications with all clients and customers with respect for diversity of culture, age and gender.
- Student will draw and interpret symbols and blueprints accurately for residential and commercial HVAC projects.
- Student will apply proper design and installation techniques to residential and commercial HVAC ductwork systems.
- Student will estimate cost and site management accurately for HVAC construction projects.
- Student will demonstrate professional workplace habits including punctuality, attitudes, behaviors, and craftsmanship expected of the construction industry.
- Student will perform required tasks and duties within existing ethical and legal parameters of the construction industry.
Employment Information
Graduates of this program will find employment with heating and cooling service companies, local plumbing and heating shops, heating contractors, wholesale supply companies, and manufacturing firms.
Very fast growth in employment is projected in Minnesota over the next few years. Nationwide, above-average growth is expected. A growing concern for energy conservation should also spur the installation of new energy-saving systems in homes and buildings. As the population and economy grow, so does the demand for new residential, commercial, and industrial climate-control systems. This emphasis on better energy management leading to the replacement of older systems and the installation of newer systems will account for a large part of the increased demand for these technicians. In addition, the demand for maintenance and service work will increase as businesses and homeowners strive to keep systems operating at peak efficiency.