Construction Technology: Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Diploma

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Diploma: Construction Technology Diploma, HVAC Track

Length: Five semesters

Purpose: A shortage of qualified HVAC technicians, Mechanical (HVAC) Tradesman, and workers with Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning experience has created the need for trained personnel in the construction industry. The Construction Technology HVAC Diploma track is designed for those seeking entry level employment in the Mechanical (HVAC) Trades and is a pathway to Virginia Tradesman Licensure. Successful completion of the two year Construction Technology HVAC Diploma meets eligibility requirements for those seeking Virginia Tradesman Licensure. In addition, a minimum of two years of documented work experience in the trade is required for licensure The HVAC Diploma (including the integrated HVAC Career Studies Certificate) provides training based on the current Virginia adoption of the Mechanical Code. In addition, the track provides training and a pathway that can lead to a number of construction related credentials including Contractor Licensure, OSHA 10-30 Construction Industry Safety Training, NABCEP Entry Level Solar Thermal Installer Testing, and EPA 608/410A Certification.

Occupational Objectives:
Journeyman Mechanical (HVAC) Tradesman
Entry Level Air Conditioning Service Technician
Entry Level Mechanical Trades Worker

Admission Requirements: In addition to the admission requirements established for the college, entry into the Construction Technology Diploma Program requires competency in English ENF 1 and Math Essentials MTE 1-3 as demonstrated through the placement and diagnostic tests, or by satisfactorily completing the required ENF or MTE units or equivalent.

The following list is a suggested sequence in which students may plan their class schedules to ensure graduation in two years.

First Semester

AIR 121 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration I 3 credits *
BLD 110 Introduction to Construction 3 credits
BLD 215 OSHA 30 Construction Safety 2 credits
ELE 115 Basic Electricity 3 credits *
SDV 100 College Success Skills 1 credits

Suggested Credits for Semester: 12

Second Semester

AIR 122 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration II 3 credits *
BLD 105 Shop Practices and Procedures 2 credits
ENG 100 Basic Occupational Communication 3 credits
BLD 111 Blueprint Reading and the Building Code 3 credits
BLD 200 Sustainable Construction 3 credits

Suggested Credits for Semester: 14

Summer Semester

AIR 99 Supervised Study in HVAC 1 credits
BLD 190 Coordinated Internship 3 credits *
or
BLD 198 Seminar and Project 3 credits

Suggested Credits for Semester: 4

Third Semester

AIR 126 Electrical and Control Systems 2 credits *
AIR 235 Heat Pumps 3 credits *
BLD 101 Construction Management I 3 credits
ENE 105 Solar Thermal Active and Passive Technology 4 credits
MTH 111 Basic Technical Mathematics 3 credits

Suggested Credits for Semester: 15

Fourth Semester

MTH 130 Fundamentals of Reasoning 3 credits
AIR 158 Mechanical Codes 2 credits *
AIR 159 Heating and Cooling Safety 1 credits *
AIR 165 Air Conditioning Systems I 3 credits *
Elective Core Elective 3 credits
BLD 290 Coordinated Internship 3 credits
or
BLD 298 Seminar and Project 3 credits

Suggested Credits for Semester: 15

Total Minimum Credits Required for this Curriculum: 60

* Integrated 24 credit HVAC Career Studies Certificate

** Core Electives: ELE 110 , ELE 127 , BLD 140 , BLD 141 , BLD 142

NOTE: Students may only earn ONE Construction Technology Diploma. Completion of additional coursework in multiple Construction Technology tracks MAY lead to the awarding of Career Studies Certificates in the other tracks if appropriate. Consult with your faculty advisor if you wish to earn multiple awards.

Gainful Employment Disclosure

Gainful Employment Disclosure The U.S. Department of Education requires colleges to disclose specific information for financial aid-eligible certificate and diploma programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation. This information includes programs costs, occupations that the program prepares graduates to enter, completion and placement rates, and Title IV and private loan debt incurred by those who complete the program. Gainful employment information is designed to help students make informed choices about their program of study.

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