Overview
Eligible Program
careers
HVAC Technician
Service Technician
Environmental Technician
Commercial Refrigeration Technician
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates a 6% increase in heating and cooling technician jobs through 2032. The industry is growing, and the demand for qualified people both in the field and in the office is creating an interesting set of diverse HVACR positions. New career paths for the HVACR industry include energy auditor, green-technology specialist, and equipment performance-testing specialist, to name a few.
The Mitchell Technical College Heating and Cooling Technology program is accredited by HVAC Excellence. The program provides students with skills and knowledge in mechanics, electricity and sheet metal. Students also receive extensive training in energy management and environmental controls technology, including renewable energy resources such as geothermal and solar technology. Laboratory time is spent installing and servicing heating and cooling systems, as well as designing and forming sheet metal patterns for ductwork.
Graduates are prepared for an expanding field that includes jobs in sales, service, installation, and industrial maintenance for a company or as a self-employed contractor. Some typical jobs include service or installation technician, sales, service trainer, industrial maintenance, supervisor, manufacturer’s representative, or business owner.
Students may complete the first year of the curriculum and earn a one-year diploma.
Curriculum
Award: Diploma or AAS Degree
One Year Diploma - First Semester (Fall)
Second Semester (Spring)
Two Year AAS Degree - Third Semester (Summer)
Fourth Semester (Fall)
Fifth Semester (Spring)
Requirements
Computer Requirements
This program requires a laptop computer so that you can effectively integrate computing skills with your technical education. Many resources that instructors assign are online or require specialty software. To address these needs, Mitchell Tech requires that students entering this program purchase their laptops from Mitchell Tech. The cost for a Mitchell Tech laptop averages about $1,150 for this program. Please be aware that our machines come fully loaded with the software required for this program.
Whether it’s Microsoft Office, or a specialty software for a technical program, your needs will be met by your Mitchell Tech laptop. And our laptops are serviced for free by our Technology office. You will not be able to bring a laptop from home into a Mitchell Tech laptop program as we cannot provide support services for every make and model of laptop. Please consider this carefully before making any laptop purchase and check with the Admissions office for more details.
Outcomes
- Use standard HVAC tools correctly and safely.
- Identify and perform various types of duct layouts.
- Accurately perform load calculations for heating and cooling equipment.
- Compare refrigeration pressures to a P/T chart.
- Install new heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems.
- Maintain heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems.
- Use troubleshooting procedures to diagnose heating and cooling equipment faults.
- Install and repair common residential and commercial comfort system controls.
- Perform service technician duties safely.
- Use oral and written communication skills effectively.
- Demonstrate personal and professional ethics and interpersonal skills that are expected in the workplace.
Annual Program Review
Check out the 2025-26 Annual Program Review for information on how faculty ensure the quality and effectiveness of the program.
Accreditation
The Mitchell Tech Heating & Cooling Technology program, offered for the AAS degree and diploma, is accredited by
HVAC Excellence
PO Box 491
Mt Prospect, IL 60056-0491
(800) 394-5268; Fax: (800) 546-3726
NATE Certified
Mitchell Tech’s program director is NATE certified. We proudly display the NATE logo—a symbol recognized throughout the industry as the mark of technician excellence.
Faculty
Instructor
Program Coordinator / Instructor
Cost
AAS
Other Required Costs
Laptop/Software $1,600
Books / Tools (estimated) $3,205
Diploma
Other Required Costs
Laptop/Software $1,600
Books / Tools (estimated) $2,987
Scholarships
Mitchell Tech offers a variety of scholarships to qualified applicants. The application period runs from October 1 through November 1 for current students and January 1 through March 31 for incoming students.
Other Related Programs
If you’re interested in Heating & Cooling Technology, you might also be interested in these other construction & manufacturing programs at Mitchell Tech.
Architectural Design & Building Construction
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Welding Engineering Technology
