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Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning are important to the safety and comfort of our communities. Both residential and commercial buildings require HVAC systems, which means the industry and profession are essential to our everyday lives.

At Johnson County Community College, HVAC studies involve hands-on experiences that prepare you to go out into the community and have a fulfilling career in the industry.

What Will I Learn About HVAC at JCCC?

Work on actual HVAC equipment while pursuing your associate degree or certification. JCCC offers the only HVAC program in Kansas to be accredited by the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA). Our HVAC program arms you with basic job skills needed to service and maintain residential heating and air conditioning equipment.

At the end of your study, you will be prepared to take the Environmental Protection Agency’s Refrigerant Management exam and receive an EPA Refrigerant Management license. You also will be eligible for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 30-hour General Industry Health and Safety training certification.

As an HVAC student, you will start by studying the HVAC basics, while gaining hands-on experience in the lab. Throughout the coursework, you will learn:

  • Electrical and heating fundamentals
  • Electrical systems
  • HVAC installation and start-up procedures
  • Industrial safety and OSHA regulations
  • Plumbing fundamentals
  • Refrigerant management
  • Cooling systems
  • Customer service skills
  • And much more!

JCCC provides two paths for studying HVAC. Both programs prepare students for successful careers in the HVAC trade. You can choose from the following:

  • Associate of Applied Science in HVAC Technology: If you choose to earn your associate degree, you will take HVAC courses and electives, composition and business mathematics. You will gain hands-on practice working on HVAC equipment. This two-year program will prepare you for a rewarding career as an HVAC technician.
  • Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology Certificate: In the one-year certificate program, HVAC students will study basic HVAC principles and gain real-world experience in the lab. After completing the program hours, you will be prepared to take a certification exam.

Why JCCC’s HVAC Technology Program?

There are various benefits of choosing JCCC to receive an HVAC education. JCCC’s HVAC program is nationally accredited by PAHRA, which gives you an advantage with future employers. Let’s take a look at everything that we can offer potential students.

Professional HVAC instructors

At JCCC, you will be learning from highly qualified HVAC instructors. These experienced HVAC professionals have vast knowledge about the industry. You will be learning from the best in the business.

HVAC internship

JCCC gives students interactive learning opportunities to apply what they learn in the classroom. In our labs, you become familiar with HVAC equipment and practice service, repair and maintenance. However, you will get real-world experience as an HVAC intern.

As part of your hands-on training for a degree at JCCC, your internship will keep you up to date on the latest HVAC technologies and green initiatives. These unique learning opportunities will help you make connections in the community that could lead to jobs and careers. Your classroom instruction and training are enriched by interactions with students in the HVAC program who have a wide range of career backgrounds and experience.

Flexible course schedule

Upgrade or increase your skills, get certified, or finish your associate degree by attending evening or weekend classes. We offer courses at convenient times so that you can begin studying HVAC while you continue to work full time.

Networking Opportunities

You may join the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) as a student member — which provides an introduction to the Society while giving you all of the benefits of membership, including access to resources, training and reference materials — at less than half the annual membership cost. You can also join a number of other clubs and organizations to enhance your experience at JCCC.

Philip J., HVAC student
"HVAC Associate Professor Howard Hendren introduced me to the Lennox representatives, who handed me a business card. I followed up and after I completed my certificate, I was hired by Lennox as an entry-level commercial technician. Because of JCCC, I was able to prove to my employer I knew the basics, which is what they were looking for."

Explore the new Career and Technical Education Center

Launch Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC)
Starting Fall 2020 you must have HVAC Department approval to enroll See how to apply

Both an HVAC certificate and associate degree will prepare you for a career as an HVAC technician. The HVAC industry is in high demand and is expected to grow at a rate of 8.5 percent through 2024.

You can complete this certification to enter the HVAC field while working toward an associate degree. A degree prepares you for a bachelor’s degree with courses in operational theory of HVAC equipment, diagnostic skill sets, installation, service and repair of HVAC equipment, and customer service skills

Download the HVAC Technology Program Outlook (PDF) for employment projections and salary information.


Need help with career decisions? Visit the Career Development Center.

The cost of going to college can drastically impact your ability to succeed. At Johnson County Community College, we want our students to be able to afford a program that they love. That’s why we’re constantly working to make tuition more affordable for you.

Here’s what JCCC has to offer:

Textbook and other supply costs vary depending on your courses.

There are several things to consider when budgeting for college. Visit our Cost of Attendance page for detailed information.

Resources and Tools at JCCC

Being a student at JCCC means you have access to a range of services and resources to help you succeed. We offer professional tutoring and small, personalized class sizes. When you attend Johnson County Community College, your education truly matters.

The cost of going to school can be daunting. Fortunately, our Financial Aid office is here to help you through the process. Our counselors can help you find ways to fund your schooling, including scholarships and student loans, both of which can help to reduce the cost of your tuition every semester.

If you need help discovering what your passion will be post-graduation, our Career Development Center and Academic Counseling services are great support tools.

You can also further your education by transferring to a four-year school. JCCC is here to help make the transition to another college program easy and stress-free.