Air Conditioning Technology, Certificate of Technology

Keeping Things Cool in Houston

Step into one of Houston’s hottest job markets—by learning to keep things cool. The Air Conditioning Technology (HVACR) program at San Jacinto College prepares you to thrive in an industry that powers our region’s comfort and productivity. With climate control systems essential everywhere—from homes and hospitals to high-rises and industrial facilities—skilled HVACR technicians are in high demand and command competitive salaries.

Career Opportunities and Income

Visit sanjac.edu for information regarding career opportunities and potential earnings in the Greater Houston region.  

Job Entry Requirements. The College informs all students in this program who may have a criminal background that a criminal history could keep graduates from being licensed by the state of Texas. Students with any questions about their background and licensure may speak with the program’s department chair. This is in accordance with Texas House Bill 1508 amendments to Texas Occupations Code Sec 53.152. 

Learning & Career Pathway

The learning pathway for this career track has a series of related and “stacked” certificates and degrees. You may start at any point on the pathway and earn the certificates on your way to completing the degree.

• Air Conditioning Technology, Occupational Certificate (16 weeks, Fast Track)
• Air Conditioning Technology, Certificate of Technology (1 year)
• Air Conditioning Technology, Associate of Applied Science (2 years)

San Jacinto College works with many Houston-area and Texas universities that offer bachelor’s degrees that are a great next step after earning an AAS in Air Conditioning Technology. The MAPS tab above shows transfer plans for these universities. If you know where you want to transfer and your intended major, use that plan to choose the right courses at San Jac.

Learning Outcomes and Career Skills

A student completing the last (terminal) award in the pathway will be able to:

• Apply electrical principles, distributions, electrical components, and electrical safety for HVACR systems
• Perform the principles of heat transfer, refrigeration, pressure temperature relationships, and the components and accessories used in air conditioning systems for safe operations
• Evaluate HVACR systems, equipment and operating sequences used in a variety of residential and commercial HVACR systems, ensuring air side systems configurations are included  
• Apply principles, processes, and devices used to control temperatures, humidity, pressures, and air flow as well as devices used to conserve energy in HVACR systems
• Reference the Uniform Mechanical Code book used by TDLR
• Perform skill techniques and use equipment in trouble-shooting cooling, heating equipment, and analyzing system operation in order to isolate faults in a HVACR system
• Apply an understanding of soft skills in HVACR customer service, interpersonal communication, leadership, teamwork, and organization

Licensure or Certification

The Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation provides information regarding license and certification for air conditioning and refrigeration contractors and technicians. 

Locations

• North
• South

College Admissions

San Jacinto College is an open admission institution. All students are welcome to apply and will be admitted to the College. You may begin the process on the College’s “How to Apply” webpage.

Program Admissions

There are no additional admission requirements for the Air Conditioning Technology program; you only need to complete your application to the College and connect with an advisor.

Plan of Study

4AIRCON

Capstone Experience: HART 2368 Practicum (or Field Experience) - HVAC/R Technology/Technician or HART 2338 Air Conditioning Installation and Startup