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Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration Service and Repair Technician, Vocational Certification

Program Information

Vocational Certificate - Code 101101 - Catalog 2025/2026

Bree Castelli, Director of Workforce, 386-506-4171, Bree.Castelli@daytonastate.edu

Rachel Alter, Assistant Chair, 386-506-4175, Rachel.Alter@daytonastate.edu

Diane Mathers, Administrative Assistant, 386-506-4165, Diane.Mathers@daytonastate.edu

Program Mission, Description, and Outcomes

Mission:

The mission of the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration (HVAC/R) Service and Repair Technician program is to provide the knowledge, practice, and skill development necessary for a successful entry level career in the air conditioning, refrigeration and heating industry. The program provides access to the vocational student with the latest technological equipment and methods. The program embraces diversity, equal access, and equal opportunity for training in the local, state HVAC market.

Description:

The program provides a solid foundation in the principles of air conditioning and refrigeration. Instruction is given by classroom demonstrations and laboratory experiments in refrigeration fundamentals; electricity and controls; and installing, operating, servicing and repairing air conditioning and refrigeration equipment. Students work on commercial refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, including heat pumps, ice machines, and oil and gas systems. Students will design, construct, and evaluate refrigeration systems. Students will also receive related training in shop management and customer relations. State of the art, modern equipment with all of the commonly used refrigerants is available for students to gain "hands-on" experience. All graduates have numerous opportunities for employment with local contractors.

Outcomes:

Graduates of the program will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge and implementation of industry standard safety rules, regulations, and procedures.

  2. Identify and make use of advanced tools, equipment, materials, and electrical products required in the industry.

  3. Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of industry related scientific and mathematical theory, including, but not limited to, electrical theory, and the vapor-compression refrigeration cycle.

  4. Demonstrate the ability to perform industry specific tasks, including, but not limited to, installs, change outs, preventative maintenance, and component part replacement.

  5. Demonstrate the process required to correctly troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair electrical and/or mechanical issues with HVACR equipment.

Financial Aid

This program is eligible for federal financial aid and state Bright Futures Scholarship Program. 

Financing Options: All students are encouraged to apply for federal and state student financial assistance by visiting FAFSA at studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.For more information on grants, loans and work programs available please visit the Office of Financial Aid webpage at daytonastate.edu/financial-aid/.  Students are also encouraged to apply for one of the many Daytona State College Foundation scholarships offered each semester. For more information see: daytonastate.edu/scholarships/

Note: Students who do not have a standard high school diploma/GED cannot receive student financial aid.  

Approximate Costs

 Program Tuition and Fees*: $3,700 
 Access Fee: $52.20
 Assessment Fee: $34
 Lab Fees: $2,655.75
 Textbook Estimate: $350

* In-state tuition only; out-of-state tuition will be higher.

Additional Admission Requirements

This is the advanced Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating program.

  • Complete the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration Mechanic, Vocational Certificate (121300) program before entering.

  • Able to lift 50 pounds.

  • Able to climb a 12-foot ladder.

  • Students who do not have a standard high school diploma/GED may be eligible for admission, on an alternative basis, to this program if they meet the following criteria:

    • Achieve specific minimum scores on the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS) for Career & Technical Education (CTE) English and Math skills.

    • Meet with a counselor/advisor for placement test evaluation to receive advice on course selection and registration.

Additional Completion Requirements

  • Achieve specified minimum scores on, or meet exemption requirements for, the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS) for Career & Technical Education (CTE) Reading and Math skills (See an Academic Advisor for exemption criteria). 

  • Earn a grade "C" or better in all program specific courses.

Careers

The following information is required by federal regulations to be provided to students for all vocational and certificate programs. Additional information on any career, job, or salary potential can be found at http://www.onetonline.org.  For additional career information, please see:

49-9021.00 Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/49-9021.00 Bright Outlook

49-9021.01 Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers http://www.onetonline.org/help/bright/49-9021.01 Green

49-9021.02 Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers http://www.onetonline.org/help/bright/49-9021.02

Program Length: The typical length of this program is four (4) semesters (64 weeks) for a full-time student. The Florida Education and Training Placement Information Program (FETPIP) lists the placement rate (2021-22) for this field at 66%.

CIP Code (6 digit) - 15.0501 Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology/Technician (ACH/ACR/ACHR/HRAC/HVAC/AC Technology)

Students who complete this program may qualify for one of the following jobs:

  • Heating, A/C and Refrigeration Mechanic
  • Heating, A/C and Refrigeration Technician
  • Heating, A/C and Refrigeration Service Technician

 

*Note: Most employers may require: Criminal Background Checks - Clean Driving Record - Compliance with Drug Free Workplace Testing

For additional information on wages, trends and career videos:

http://www.careerinfonet.org/occ_rep.asp?optstatus=011000000&soccode=499021&id=1&nodeid=2&stfips=12&search=Go

Note: It’s never too early to prepare for your career! Login to your Daytona State Career Services Student Job Board and create your personal account to submit your resume for review and search for jobs, and practice your interview skills with Big Interview. For questions, please email Career Services to connect with a Career Advisor.

 

Program Specific Courses

ACR0550CIntroduction to HVAC

187.5

ACR0551CFundamentals of HVAC

187.5

ACR0560CResidential Air Conditioning I

187.5

ACR0561CResidential Air Conditioning II

187.5

ACR0744CCommercial Refrigeration I

150

ACR0746CCommercial Refrigeration II

150

ACR0613CAdvanced Technology

150

ACR0810CAdvanced Service Practice

150

 

Sample Program of Study

1st Semester

ACR0550CIntroduction to HVAC

187.5

ACR0551CFundamentals of HVAC

187.5

 

2nd Semester

ACR0560CResidential Air Conditioning I

187.5

ACR0561CResidential Air Conditioning II

187.5

 

3rd Semester

ACR0744CCommercial Refrigeration I

150

ACR0746CCommercial Refrigeration II

150

NOTE: These courses are offered during summer semester ONLY.

 

 

4th Semester

ACR0613CAdvanced Technology

150

ACR0810CAdvanced Service Practice

150

TOTAL VOC. HRS. 45.00
TOTAL CONTACT HOURS 1350.00

Note: Sequence of courses may vary. Check catalog course descriptions for requisite requirements.