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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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
net price calculator sketch
What You'll Pay
Use our Net Price Calculator to estimate your tuition costs.

Estimated Program Cost

$13,821.13

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 2024

    • Application open
    • Application completion deadline is August 31, 2024

    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

    Any Madison College student who has successfully completed an associate degree in applied science after 2015, and meets admission requirements for the Rader School of Business (RSOB) at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) can earn a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Technical Sales at MSOE by successfully completing the AAS to BBA Technical Sales Transfer Track in the Business Administration program. --- In particular, any Madison College student who successfully completes all technical courses and general education courses in their AAS program with a grade of C or better (not C-) in each course; successfully completes all other specified courses, as defined in this transfer agreement, with a grade of C or better (not C-) in each course; and meets the MSOE admission requirements for transfer students into the BBA Program at MSOE, minimum 2.75/4.0 cumulative GPA from the last regionally accredited school will be admitted into the AAS to BBA Technical Sales Transfer Track in the Bachelor of Business Administration program at MSOE.
  • Career Outcomes

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

    Life Long Learning
    Assume responsibility for continuing education in order to maintain skills and enhance professional growth.

    Technical Skills
    Assemble, install, troubleshoot, diagnose and repair plumbing, HVAC/Refrigeration, building structures, mechanical equipment, electrical and electronic controlled building automation systems. Diagnose complex problems using interdisciplinary technical skills.

    Employability
    Demonstrate work ethics and reliable behavior including, but not limited to, assuming responsibility for decisions and actions, utilizing time and stress management skills, displaying initiative, creativity and logical thinking.

    Safety and Regulations
    Demonstrate competent application of safety and regulation code compliance.

    Communication
    Communicate clearly and professionally in both written and verbal communications to customers, coworkers, and supervisors using positive interpersonal skills including, but not limited to, respect, integrity and professionalism.

    • Graduate Summary

      Graduate Report Summary Overview

      20212022
      Number of Program Graduates15
      Number of Surveys Sent15
      Number of Surveys Returned13
      Percent of Surveys Returned
      Available for Employment13
      Percent Available for Employment100.00%100.00%
      Not in Labor Market
      Percent Not in Labor Market0.00%0.00%
      Available for Employment

      20212022
      Graduates Employed13
      Percent of Graduates Employed100.00%100.00%
      Employed in Related Occupation13
      Percent Employed in Related Occupation100.00%100.00%
      Employed in Unrelated Occupation00
      Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation0.00%0.00%
      Employed - No Response00
      Percent Employed - No Response0.00%0.00%
      Seeking Employment00
      Percent Seeking Employment0.00%0.00%
      Reaction To Training at Madison College

      20212022
      Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4)33
      Number of Satisfaction Responses13
      Very Satisfied (4)00
      Percent Very Satisfied0.00%0.00%
      Satisfied (3)13
      Percent Satisfied100.00%100.00%
      Unsatisfied (2)00
      Percent Unsatisfied0.00%0.00%
      Very Unsatisfed (1)00
      Percent Very Unsatisfied0.00%0.00%
      Primary Reason for Attending Madison College

      20212022
      Number of Primary Reason Responses13
      Preparation for Getting a Job00
      Percent Preparation for Getting a Job0.00%0.00%
      Career Change11
      Percent Career Change100.00%33.30%
      Improvement of Existing Skills01
      Percent Improvement of Existing Skills0.00%33.30%
      Preparation for Further Education01
      Percent Preparation for Further Education0.00%33.30%
      Personal Interest00
      Percent Personal Interest0.00%0.00%
      Other00
      Percent Other0.00%0.00%
      When Employment was Obtained

      20212022
      Number of When Employment Obtained Responses13
      Before Enrollment01
      Percent Before Enrollment0.00%33.30%
      While Attending the College01
      Percent While Attending the College0.00%33.30%
      After Training at the College11
      Percent After Training at the College100.00%33.30%
      Location of Employment (related and unrelated)

      20212022
      Number of Employment Location Responses13
      In College District13
      Percent In College District100.00%100.00%
      In Wisconsin, Not in District00
      Percent of In Wisconsin0.00%0.00%
      Outside of Wisconsin00
      Percent Outside Wisconsin0.00%0.00%
      Employer Location Unknown00
      Percent Location Unknown0.00%0.00%
      Salary Trend
      Salary Trend20212022
      Full Time Employment (Related Job)Full Time Salary Count03
      Average Monthly Wage$4,788
      Average Hourly Wage$27.84
      Average Work Hours per Week4543.3
      Part Time Employment (Related Job)Part Time Salary Count
      Average Hourly Wage
      Average Work Hours per Week
    • Graduate Employers

      Graduate Employers for academic year: 2022
      Employer(s)Job TitleCity*State**Positions
      608 MechanicalService TechnicianPoynette
      Harker Heating and CoolingService Apprentice
      Weber Enterprises LLCLead HVAC/R Service TechnicianBaraboo

      * - 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!
Contact the School of Engineering, Science, and Mathematics

Madison Truax Campus
Main Building, C2433

1701 Wright Street
Madison, Wisconsin 53704

esm@madisoncollege.edu
608.246.6990

Hours

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