Air Conditioning Technology, Occupational Certificate

Program Information

The heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) industry continues to advance technologically, especially in the areas of computerization and sophisticated control systems. Thus, an upward trend is emerging in the changing skill sets required for successful service technicians. If you’re passionate about progressive technology and are interested in a satisfying high-demand career based on skill, then the San Jacinto College Air Conditioning Technology program is right for you.

The San Jacinto College Air Conditioning Technology (HVACR) program:

  • Is designed to provide students with the necessary skills required to become a state-licensed independent business owner/contractor or for employment in the industry as a technician in residential, commercial, and/or industrial air conditioning, refrigeration, and heating; and
  • Is made up of a curriculum that provides the basic preparation for entry-level jobs in the fields of residential and commercial air conditioning, refrigeration, and heating with initial focus on installation, troubleshooting, and service. As students advance through the program, they will learn related topics of indoor air quality, load calculation, system design, and industry code standards.

Additional Information

The Fast Track to HVACR program allows students to complete an Occupational Certificate in just 16 weeks – one semester.

Upon completion of each certificate, students may become registered with the state by registering with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Air Conditioning Technology program will enter a high demand field with excellent wage-earning potential. Presently, industry advisors say the demand for technicians has a 10-year backlog, and a 21 percent growth rate, faster than the average for all occupations.

Graduates of the San Jacinto College Air Conditioning Technology program have the opportunity to work as:

  • Residential/commercial technicians,
  • Industrial or maintenance technicians,
  • Independent business owners or contractors, and
  • Refrigeration technicians.

Earning Potential

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer: $49,0871

1

Source: texaswages.com, median salary Gulf Coast region, 2021

For more information, students may contact North campus at 281-998-6150, x7264 or South campus at 281-998-6150, x3587.

Campuses

North Campus
South Campus

Information

The Air Conditioning Technology program is offered at the San Jacinto College South campus and the North campus. Both programs offer an Occupational Certificate, a Certificate of Technology, and an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. The North campus also offers the Level 2 Certificate. The Air Conditioning Technology program focuses on residential and commercial air conditioning as well as commercial refrigeration. All courses in each certificate apply to the AAS degrees.

Students enrolling into San Jacinto College programs with external learning experiences (i.e., clinical, practicum, externship, cooperative, etc.) will be required to comply with the immunization requirements and policies of the clinical/external learning sites to engage in all clinical/external learning experiences. Vaccination requirements at clinical/external learning sites are implemented pursuant to the independent authority of such facilities and are not mandated by San Jacinto College. Failure to meet the immunization requirements mandated by clinical/external learning sites may limit a student’s ability to complete the program and/or may delay the student’s graduation date. San Jacinto College does not process exemptions, and students should address potential vaccination exemptions directly with the clinical/external learning site.

Occupational Certificate

The College designed the Air Conditioning Technology Occupational Certificate program to provide students with foundational knowledge, skills, and abilities for entry-level employment in the residential and light commercial heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration industry. The purpose of this certificate is to provide short-term training, usually completed in one semester, for the student to move quickly into the air conditioning and refrigeration career field. Students are eligible for the certificate indicated upon completion of the designated courses. All the courses in this certificate apply toward the Certificate of Technology and the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.

Admission

No admission requirements.

Job entry requirements:

In accordance with Texas House Bill 1508, 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 Department Chair. 

Plan of Study

6AIRCON

Plan of Study Grid
First TermCredits
HART 1401 Basic Electricity for HVAC 4
HART 1407 Refrigeration Principles 4
HART 1441 Residential Air Conditioning 4
HART 1445 Gas and Electrical Heating 4
 Credits16
 Total Credits16

Capstone Experience: HART 1441 Residential Air Conditioning