The climate in New Mexico creates a demand for skilled technicians
in both heating and cooling because people prefer to live and
work in comfort. Every new home, hospital, university building,
shopping mall, or office complex requires installation mechanics,
service technicians, operating engineers, maintenance foremen,
and trained crews to keep complex environmental systems operating
efficiently.
The heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration industry is one of
the country’s most stable. The supply of qualified, trained people
has not kept pace with the demand, and new opportunities are constantly
developing. The demand for trained HACR graduates is also
increasing due to Environmental Protection Agency requirements
that refrigerants be handled by a certified technician.
Technicians knowledgeable in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration
are also needed in defense, space exploration, and
manufacturing. Because climate control is important wherever
microprocessors are used in manufacturing or scientific research,
skilled technicians are in demand in these fields. Many experienced
technicians own and manage their own businesses.
The Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program at DACC
uses training facilities equipped with the most modern test equipment
and tools available. As a student, you will learn to—
service, repair, and maintain heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration
systems;
read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and symbols
to diagnose and troubleshoot problems in a system;
evaluate, diagnose, and service various mechanical and electrical
controls;
apply the mathematics related to the heating, air conditioning,
and refrigeration trade;
handle customer relations, shop management procedures, and
record keeping relative to the trade;
properly use special tools and testing equipment; and
become certified in Section 608, EPA certification.
A unique cooperative training program is offered during the final
semester to provide students with field experiences. Working side
by side with journeymen technicians, students are offered an opportunity
to practice and refine their new skills.
After the first semester, full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration
students must purchase a personal set of technician’s
tools (approximate cost, $850). The tool set includes the basic tools
that most employers require on the job. Part-time students will purchase
only those tools required by the specific course(s) in which
they are enrolled.
Students will also provide their own medical/accident insurance.
They need to be in good physical condition and possess the ability
and desire to work with their minds and hands.
The curriculum is competency based and uses multimedia classroom
instruction and hands-on laboratory exercises. Classroom and
laboratory hours are listed in the Schedule of Classes.
All heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration students are eligible
to join SkillsUSA. Membership provides students an opportunity
to develop their leadership skills and to become proficient in public
speaking and parliamentary procedure. SkillsUSA also offers
students a chance to demonstrate their occupational skills. Skill
competitions are conducted each year in New Mexico for all postsecondary
students.
During the last semester prior to graduation, students will be required
to take the Industry Competency Examination (ICE) or other
approved national competency examinations. There will be an additional
testing fee.
Associate Degree (68-70 credits)
NOTE: In order to remain in the program, students must attain a
final average of 79% or better in each course attempted. Related requirements
must be completed prior to starting nursing coursework.
Courses appearing in italics are identical to those offered at New
Mexico State University Las Cruces (main) Campus.
The following curriculum is designed for students who choose the
certificate option in HVAC/R. The certificate program requires approximately
a year and a half to complete.
NOTE: A final grade of C or better is required in all required OEAR courses.
Same as technical requirements for associate degree.
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Certificate in Residential HVAC (30-32 credits)
The following curriculum, which requires approximately one year
to complete, is designed to prepare a student to install, service, and
maintain residential heating and air conditioning systems.
