Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, & Refrigeration (HVAC-R) Technician
Why choose Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, & Refrigeration (HVAC-R) Technician?
- There is high demand and job security in the HVAC industry.
- HVAC-R technicians enjoy competitive pay and advancement opportunities.
- A great fit for those looking for hands-on work and lots of variety in their day.
Program Locations
Wisconsin Rapids Campus
500 32nd Street North
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
Delivery:
In Person or Hybrid/Blended
Daytime
Full-Time or Part-Time
Varying Class Schedule
Length of Program: Two Years
Credits: 60
Start Dates: Fall
Start at any time or campus by taking general education courses.
What You'll Learn
Mid-State’s HVAC-R program students learn to install, maintain, and repair HVAC and refrigeration systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. This includes the ability to diagnose system issues, identify faulty components, and apply effective repair solutions as well as calibrate and optimize HVAC systems for energy efficiency, airflow, and performance. Students will also understand and work safely with electrical wiring, circuits, and control systems that power HVAC units and gain expertise in handling refrigerants, including EPA-certified safe disposal and adherence to environmental regulations.
The program includes hands-on work to help students gain proficiency with industry-standard tools such as gauges, vacuum pumps, and multimeters. Students also participate in practical training to simulate real-world scenarios, including system installation, repairs, and inspections.
Outcomes
- Install HVAC/R components.
- Service HVAC/R systems.
- Troubleshoot HVAC/R systems.
- Evaluate HVAC/R system designs.
Technical Standards
Students in this program should be able to meet its specific technical standards. These are the essential skills and abilities needed to be successful in the program, with or without reasonable accommodation. It is important to review and understand these standards before applying to the program.
View Technical Standards For This Program
Employability Skills
- Behave Responsibly: Ethical Behavior, Self-Responsibility, Conflict Resolution, Collaboration
- Communicate Effectively: Writing, Technical Documentation, Listening, Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Reading
- Critical & Creative Thinking: Inquiry, Evidence Collection, Analysis, Reasoning, Reflection (Metacognition)
- Cultural, Social, & Global Awareness: Global Awareness, Social & Cultural Awareness, Social Responsibility
- Use Appropriate Technology: Use of Technology, Confidentiality, Security, Digital Civility
Learn more about employability skills at Mid-State.
This course has options available to receive credit for prior learning (CPL) or work experience.
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10804107 | College Mathematics | 3 | |
| 10601150 | Fundamentals of HVAC | 2 | |
| 10601140 | Electricity for the Construction Trades | 2 | |
| 10482107 | Construction Fundamentals | 2 | |
| 10483123 | Piping Installation | 2 | |
| 10601130 | Blueprint Reading for Construction Trades | 2 | |
| 10476171 | Safety for Construction Trades | 1 | |
| 31442320 | Welding Foundations 1 | 1 | |
| Term Total | 15 Credits | ||
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10809103 | Think Critically and Creatively | 3 | |
| 10601120 | Foundations of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration | 2 | |
| 10482103 | Electrical Components & Control Circuits 1 | 2 | |
| 10483113 | Hydronics | 3 | |
| 10601110 | HVAC Heating Fundamentals | 2 | |
| 10601121 | Intro to HVAC Installation | 2 | |
| Term Total | 14 Credits | ||
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10809198 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | |
| -or- | 10809188 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| 10801136 | English Composition 1 | 3 | |
| -or- | 10801195 | Written Communication | 3 |
| 10482113 | Electrical Components & Control Circuits 2 | 3 | |
| 10601124 | Commercial Refrigeration | 3 | |
| 10601125 | Sustainable Energies for HVAC/R | 3 | |
| Term Total | 15 Credits | ||
| Catalog# | Title | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10809172 | Introduction to Diversity Studies | 3 | |
| -or- | 20809226 | Environmental Ethics | 3 |
| 10801196 | Oral/Interpersonal Communication | 3 | |
| -or- | 10801198 | Speech | 3 |
| 10483115 | Energy Load Estimation and Modeling | 3 | |
| 10601126 | Commercial Building HVAC Systems | 3 | |
| 10601127 | Mechanical Service and Troubleshooting | 3 | |
| Term Total | 15 Credits | ||
| Program Total | 59 Credits |
Instructors
MARK HAFERMAN, AD
Mark earned his associate degree in industrial mechanical technologies from Mid-State Technical College. He is also a licensed Journeyman Steamfitter and Journeyman Plumber with EPA 608 certification. His teaching at Mid-State draws on 18 years of experience in HVAC, plumbing, and mechanical field service.
“Being a trades instructor is very fulfilling for me. I love to pour into students, share what I have learned through experience, work alongside them, and help them pursue their career in the trades.”
KARL SCHWINGEL, BS
Karl graduated from Northland College with a bachelor of science in environmental science. His certifications include Solar Thermal Installer by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners® (NABCEP®) and EPA 608. Karl’s teaching is informed by 25 years of experience installing and servicing renewable energy systems and doing general residential construction as well as 15 years specializing in hydronic heating system design, construction, and service.
“I really enjoy developing in my students the skill to ask the right questions, in the right way. If you learn to ask the right questions, the answers will yield actionable knowledge.”
Careers
- Installation and Service Technician
- Refrigeration Technician
- Controls Technician
Fast-Track
High school students are eligible to enroll in this program; however, some courses have age requirements. Speak to a Mid-State advisor for more information. Learn more about Mid-State Fast-Track.
US Citizenship is required to sit for this program's licensure exam. Contact your academic advisor for more information.
Take the Next Step
"I entered the working world right after high school. After 20 years, I learned that the only way out of that rat race was through school. I realized that through Mid-State I could make myself worth more to a lot more companies. Without a doubt, attending Mid-State was the right decision, and the HVAC Installer program absolutely lived up to my expectations."
MICHAEL HAVLOVICK
GRADUATE
Choose Your Path
Career pathways help you take your education one step at a time to maximize your investment and make college fit your life. Earn a credential and start using it in the workforce. Continue with another stack of related courses to gain a more advanced diploma or degree. Explore this program’s pathway in the graphic below. For an even quicker first step to a degree or diploma, check out our short-term certificates.
Transfer • Dual Credit • Credit for Prior Learning
