HVAC/R Program
This profession is not what you think it is!
Many of our new students expect HVAC/R jobs to consist of duct work, soldering, threading pipe, installing air conditioners and furnaces, etc.
And, yes, this is a part of our work. You can find employment doing this residential work. The industry is begging for more workers, both men and women, right now.
However, there’s so much more! You’ll find HVAC/R is a varied and rewarding profession that pays you for your problem-solving abilities and advanced skills if you choose to develop them. Some HVAC/R technicians make over $100,000 a year with benefits. (This is not everyone, but it could be you if you’re eager to learn and have the determination).
There are so many reasons to enter the field of HVAC/R:
- Your work is foundational and absolutely vital to the functioning of modern societies. Every hospital, school, corporate office, home, small business and industry uses HVAC/R equipment for heating, air conditioning, ventilation, air quality control, refrigeration, and so much more. For example, just think of how vital our profession was when vaccines, being produced by the millions of doses, needed to be kept at constant temperatures while being manufactured, transported to and stored in regional facilities, and then moved to doctor’s offices, pharmacies and clinics.
- There are many different sectors of industry stemming from HVAC/R that you may not have even heard of!
- Often the ‘office’ for a field technician is outside, or on a rooftop!
- HVAC/R is often wrongfully stereotyped as one that may be unfriendly towards women. This could not be further from the truth! Many women excel and find great opportunities in this field.
- Your persistence and determination to figure out how things work and solve problems will be essential – and you can make a very good living doing something you enjoy.
In our program, a stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree, you will learn to:
- fabricate ductwork, solder, braze and thread pipe
- measure and interpret pressures, temperatures, electrical signals to diagnose complex vapor compression systems
- understand advanced electrical diagrams and sequences unique to the HVAC/R industry
- understand direct digital control components, signals, strategies, and sequences applied to modern residential, commercial and industrial HVAC/R systems
- understand the foundational principles of gas laws and combustion so that you can properly commission burners for heating equipment
- understand centrifugal fluid laws as they relate to hydronics and air flow measurements
- how to think critically and problem solve while effectively communicating in sometimes high stress situations
Career Opportunities
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
Median Salary (2021) in Michigan: $49,410
Employment growth (2021-31): 9%
Salary data according to O*NET Online
Is this a program where YOU can use your problem solving skills, keep learning, and come out with a new profession?
If you agree with most of these ideas, the answer may be YES …
- I’m good at problem solving.
- I’m a hands-on learner – the more time in the lab, the better!
- If I see something broken, I immediately want to try and fix it!
- I think it would be fun to learn to diagnose problems and then be able to solve them.
- I’m willing to stretch myself mentally and learn about subjects I may not have looked into before.
- I don’t just want to memorize terms and terminology, I want to truly understand how things work.
- I like to be busy and consider myself a hard worker.
- I’m personable and generally get along well with others.
- I’m motivated and will do what it takes to learn and grow to create a better life for myself and make a greater income.
- I get the concept of lifelong learning. I understand that technology systems are dynamic and always developing.
At Kirtland you’ll finish with either:
HVAC/R, Associate in Applied Science
or
HVAC/R, Certificate of Completion
You will earn your EPA 608 Certification (required for handling refrigerants) and OSHA 10 Safety Certification as a part of your program.
Our faculty has a great reputation in the region
Kirtland’s program director is well known in the industry. A former tenured professor at Ferris State University, he made many recognized contributions to their HVAC/R program.
He’s done the work he’s ready to teach you. He has nearly 25 years in the HVAC/R industry (residential service technician, project manager, commercial-industrial service technician, owner), so his experience is far more than academic.
He maintains relationships with industry leaders and union representatives, a network that will benefit you.
He also stays in touch with former students who are now successful in their careers as service technicians, project managers, building automation system control technicians, and business owners. His knowledge and enthusiasm for Kirtland’s rapidly expanding HVAC/R program creates a great environment for learning.
We’ve designed a program for hands-on learners
You’ll find that the teaching style at Kirtland relies heavily on hands-on learning and provides you with an expanding laboratory for learning and practice. Hands-on learners are our specialty.
You’ll have significant advantages here as you pursue your new career.
Small class sizes
Unlike some colleges that have very large classes, we choose to keep our classes small so that each student receives the individual attention they need. At Kirtland, you can always get your questions answered.
Passionate student-focused advisors provide the guidance you need to succeed.
Our advisors are well-known among current and former students alike for their kindness and exceptional level of interest and commitment to each student’s success. They’ll do everything in their power to get you the right information and answer your questions.
Kirtland makes it easier to work out the finances
You can save a lot of money by enrolling here. Our tuition rates are one-third the cost of most four-year schools and universities, which puts you at a real advantage!
We also have many resources for financial aid and professional staff who’ll help you apply.
Get help with your financial aid
You may be surprised by how simple it is to apply for government grants, scholarships and loans.
Your credit history is not a major consideration in qualifying for federal aid. You DON’T need to attend school full-time to qualify. And we will assist you with the process you’re dreading IF you need help. Often students are eligible for more money than they’re expecting.
Your path to a lucrative & fulfilling future
Step 1 — Get Started
Apply for admission to the college. Apply for financial aid. p.s. If you need assistance with your financial aid application, we’re here to help!
Step 2
Speak to an advisor!
They’ll help you navigate the process, dot the I’s and cross the T’s! Declare HVAC/R as your program of study with your advisor
Step 3
Complete your program courses while earning both your EPA 608 and OSHA 10-hour Safety certifications.
Step 4
Victory! Graduate with a certificate or associate degree in HVAC/R. Congratulations on all your hard work!
FINAL STEP
Time to get your first job in the field! You’re well prepared to enter the workforce.
Bonus STEP
Remember, in this field, the more you know, the more money you’ll make! The sky’s the limit if you’re committed to lifelong learning.