Student kneeling with wrench beside open AC unit

HVAC/R Technology

1-Year Diploma Program | 35 Credits

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration technology touches many aspects of modern life. From comfort cooling and heating in buildings, to food preservation and transport, to industrial manufacturing - HVAC/R is a career with potential for growth.

As a top HVAC/R technician you could be working in homes, office buildings, factories, restaurants or hospitals to install or repair these systems to maintain proper temperature and air quality in buildings. Your career duties will include testing HVAC/R systems, diagnosing and replacing worn parts, listening to customer concerns and performing routine maintenance. In just one year at STC, you will be ready to launch your career as an HVAC/R technician. You might choose to specialize in such areas as: 

  • Residential heating and cooling
  • Commercial heating and cooling
  • Air Balancing
  • Commercial Refrigeration
  • Controls

Job Placement Rate

100%

Southeast Tech's Accounting program boasts a 100% job placement rate among its 2022 graduates.

* View details and methodology of the Graduate Outcome Report.

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Build Dakota Eligible

Earn a full-ride scholarship to Southeast Tech's HVAC/R program through Build Dakota!

LEARN MORE ABOUT BUILD DAKOTA

Program Video & Virtual Lab Tour

 

Learn HVAC/R Technology From Experienced Instructors

Your HVAC/R Excellence Accredited coursework in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, focuses on installation, maintenance and repair of building climate systems. STC’s experienced faculty will teach duct-work fabrication and installation, piping circuits, as well as the use of power tools and testing equipment in the Ed Wood Trade and Industry Center. Your classes also help you:

Use Technology in Your Field: As HVAC/R systems become more complex, you will be ahead of the competition with your understanding of proper setup and operation of various systems.

Problem Solve: HVAC/R technicians use various testing equipment and manuals to diagnose problems and implement repairs. You will develop relevant math skills to calculate load requirements, interpret manuals and read graphs or schedules.

Be a Valuable Team Member: As a talented HVAC/R technician from Southeast Technical College, your ability to communicate well with customers, organize your thoughts and explain a problem to others will be highly valuable and expected.

Job Outlook

Learn About Refrigeration and Become Employment Ready

Unlike many other HVAC programs, Southeast Technical College's curriculum includes a refrigeration component. Commercial refrigeration equipment is in every grocery store, restaurant and gas station, among numerous other locations. At STC, you will learn how to work on medium- and low-temperature refrigeration equipment including reach-in coolers, prep tables, walk-in coolers, walk-in freezers and ice machines. 

With your training at Southeast Tech, you also have the opportunity to learn an Employment Ready Certification in Light Commercial Refrigeration through HVAC Excellence.

Work Opportunities  

As an HVAC/R technician from Southeast Tech, you will be in demand working for contractors, retail or wholesale supply houses and repair companies. The HVAC/R field is also a great place to start as an entrepreneur! 

Explore Classes   

Southeast Tech’s curriculum for HVAC/R technicians includes classes in heating and cooling technology, basic electricity and controls and system troubleshooting. 

View Curriculum  ADMISSION CRITERIA

Cost 

Costs are calculated based on a charge of $255 per credit hour, plus applicable fees.

Total Costs  Cost and Fee Breakdown

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Other Programs Related to HVAC  

You might also be interested in these other programs at STC: 

Welding   Mechanical Engineering   Electrician   Entrepreneurship

 
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“My experience at Southeast Tech was very good. It was fulfilling and satisfying to learn the HVAC trade and it laid the groundwork for my future successes.”

– Justin Parliment, 1999 HVAC Graduate

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