When it’s too hot or too cold, you make it just right. And when it’s 100 degrees and the AC goes out, you’ll be a hero for real.
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If you’d like to learn more about the Air Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Technology (HVAC) program, we’d love to talk with you.

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Air Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Technology (HVAC)
Program Number: 106011
Your Degree:
Associate Degree
Area of Study:
Construction, Manufacturing and Maintenance
Delivery Method:
Some Online/Some In Person
Estimated Time to Complete:
63 Credits | Finish degree in 2 years
financial aid icon Financial Aid Available
transfer icon Program Transfers
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What You'll Pay
Use our Net Price Calculator to estimate your tuition costs.

Estimated Program Cost

$14,255.30

Financial Aid

Applying for financial aid and scholarships help you pay for your education.
  • Program Overview

    Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) equipment is essential in all aspects of modern society from your home to businesses like retail stores, restaurants, grocery stores and hospitals. HVAC/R equipment also is critical in the industrial manufacturing process. Knowing how to build, install, maintain and fix them is a critical skill that is in great demand by employers. As a student in the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology program, you will:

    • Learn skills necessary to program, assemble, install, troubleshoot, repair and modify machinery.
    • Receive hands-on training on residential and commercial (HVAC/R) systems.
    • Training in Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC).
    • Size and design HVAC/R systems used in residential and commercial applications.
    • Understand the applications of building automation systems.
    • Use a variety of computer and electronically controlled systems in both manufacturing and facilities environments.

    Program Details

    Students in the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology program can attend full or part time.

    Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology classes are offered at our Madison Truax campus.

    ​As an Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology student in the Associate Degree in Applied Science program, you will receive a required tool kit in the second year of the program that includes all equipment and supplies needed to complete this program. The kits will be covered by the second year course fees.

    Careers

    Earning your two-year Associate Degree in Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology at Madison College prepares you for valuable work as:

    • HVAC/R Service Technician
    • HVAC/R Systems Designer
    • HVAC/R Systems Installer
    • Building Automation / Controls Technician
    • Building Automations System Designer
    • Building Automations System Installer
    • Lead Facilities Mechanic

    With additional education and/or work experience, graduates may find employment as:

    • Facilities / Maintenance Manager
    • Mechanical Systems Engineer
    • HVAC/R Project Coordinator

    hvac contractor wearing a hardhat
    Get In-demand Skills
    Technology is changing and employers need skilled HVAC workers today.
  • Curriculum and Experience

    Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2024-2025 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.

    Current and newly admitted program students, go directly to your Degree Progress Report to view:

    • Progress toward your specific requirements
    • Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements

    If you have questions after reviewing your degree progress report (advisement report), please see Advising Services.

    First Semester
    10-449-100
    1 credit
    10-457-100
    2 credits
    10-462-321
    1 credit
    10-462-323
    2 credits
    10-462-329
    1 credit
    10-601-330
    2 credits
    10-601-340
    2 credits
    10-606-205
    1 credit
    10-804-107
    3 credits
    Second Semester
    10-462-106
    1 credit
    10-462-325
    2 credits
    10-462-331
    1 credit
    10-601-331
    1 credit
    10-601-342
    3 credits
    Third Semester
    10-601-334
    3 credits
    10-601-370
    3 credits
    10-801-195
    3 credits
    10-809-166
    3 credits
    Fourth Semester
    10-462-109
    1 credit
    10-462-209
    1 credit
    10-601-372
    3 credits
    10-601-420
    4 credits
    10-801-196
    3 credits
    10-809-199
    3 credits
    One of the following courses:
    10-601-162
    2 credits
    10-601-362
    2 credits
  • Admission

    To Apply

    Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!

    International students who wish to apply for, maintain, or transfer their F-1 student visa status to Madison College are required to complete the International Admission Process.

    Application Dates

    Fall 2025

    • Application open
    • Application completion deadline is August 31, 2025

    Admission Requirements

    All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.

    1. Admission Application

    The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.

    2. Education Completion

    Official transcripts must be sent from the institutions you attended and indicate one of the following:

    • High school  transcript (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
    • GED/HSED transcript
    • College transcript(s) showing:
      • Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
      • At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
        • The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
        • Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum

    All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.

    Additional Notes

    • Class capacity is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis.
    • Course prerequisites differ from admission requirements; admission into a program does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses or success in the program. Refer to program curriculum for details.

    After Acceptance

    Once you are admitted into your program, review the Start of Semester Checklist to prepare for your first day of classes at Madison College. 

    Questions?

    Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.

    apply for admission

    Get Started!

    Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Air Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Technology (HVAC) career.

    It's Free to Apply

  • Transfer Opportunities

    Wisconsin Private Schools

    Completion of an A.A.S. Degree at Madison College after 2015, and meeting admission requirements for the Rader School of Business (RSOB) at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) can earn a B.B.A degree in Technical Sales at MSOE.
  • Career Outcomes

    Madison College Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology program graduates are prepared with the following skills:  

    Technical Skills

    • Assemble and install HVAC/Refrigeration components
    • Troubleshoot HVAC/Refrigeration systems
    • Service HVAC/Refrigeration systems
    • Evaluate HVAC/Refrigeration system designs
    • Implement safety and regulation codes
    • Practice job-site skills such as written and verbal communication to customers, co-workers, and supervisors
       
    • Graduate Summary

      Graduate Report Summary Overview

      202120222023
      Number of Program Graduates154
      Number of Surveys Sent154
      Number of Surveys Returned132
      Percent of Surveys Returned
      Available for Employment132
      Percent Available for Employment100.0%100.0%100.0%
      Not in Labor Market
      Percent Not in Labor Market0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Available for Employment

      202120222023
      Graduates Employed132
      Percent of Graduates Employed100.0%100.0%100.0%
      Employed in Related Occupation132
      Percent Employed in Related Occupation100.0%100.0%100.0%
      Employed in Unrelated Occupation000
      Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Employed - No Response000
      Percent Employed - No Response0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Seeking Employment000
      Percent Seeking Employment0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Reaction To Training at Madison College

      202120222023
      Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4)333
      Number of Satisfaction Responses132
      Very Satisfied (4)000
      Percent Very Satisfied0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Satisfied (3)132
      Percent Satisfied100.0%100.0%100.0%
      Unsatisfied (2)000
      Percent Unsatisfied0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Very Unsatisfied (1)
      Percent Very Unsatisfied0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Primary Reason for Attending Madison College

      202120222023
      Number of Primary Reason Responses132
      Preparation for Getting a Job
      Percent Preparation for Getting a Job
      Career Change
      Percent Career Change
      Improvement of Existing Skills
      Percent Improvement of Existing Skills
      Preparation for Further Education
      Percent Preparation for Further Education
      Personal Interest
      Percent Personal Interest
      Other
      Percent Other0.0%0.0%0.0%
      When Employment was Obtained

      202120222023
      Number of When Employment Obtained Responses132
      Before Enrollment010
      Percent Before Enrollment0.0%33.3%0.0%
      While Attending the College010
      Percent While Attending the College0.0%33.3%0.0%
      After Training at the College112
      Percent After Training at the College100.0%33.3%100.0%
      Location of Employment (related and unrelated)

      202120222023
      Number of Employment Location Responses132
      In College District132
      Percent In College District100.0%100.0%100.0%
      In Wisconsin, Not in District000
      Percent of In Wisconsin0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Outside of Wisconsin000
      Percent Outside Wisconsin0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Employer Location Unknown000
      Percent Location Unknown0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Salary Trend
      Salary Trend202120222023
      Full Time Employment (Related Job)Full Time Salary Count032
      Average Monthly Wage$4,788$3,307
      Average Hourly Wage$27.84$19.23
      Average Work Hours per Week45.043.340.0
      Part Time Employment (Related Job)Part Time Salary Count
      Average Hourly Wage
      Average Work Hours per Week
    • Graduate Employers

      Graduate Employers for academic year: 2023
      Employer(s)Job TitleCity*State**Positions
      Bleich HeatingHVAC TechnicianRio
      Dave Jones Plumbing & Heating, IncService Technician ApprenticeMonona

      * - Only cities outside of Madison will display.

      ** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.

      *** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu

Ready to get started?
Your first step is to apply to Madison College. It's easy and free to apply, so get started today!
School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Madison Truax Campus
Main Building, C2433

1701 Wright Street
Madison, Wisconsin 53704

schoolofstem@madisoncollege.edu
608.246.6990

Hours

  • Monday – Thursday: 8 am - 4:30 pm
  • Friday: 8 am - 4:30 pm (Phone and email only.)