*This program is pending approval from the US Department of Education for Federal Financial Aid / Title IV.*
Contact Information:
Kyle Armitage, dean of career and technical education
kyle.armitage@ndscs.edu
701-671-2264
Tech Center Room 114
Delivery Methods:
Face-to-Face: Career and Innovation Center
Online/Hybrid
Program Information:
The HVAC/R Installation Technology certificate is an accelerated program designed to provide students with the foundational skills for an entry-level career in HVAC/R installation. This program focuses on practical, hands-on experience and classroom theory. Students will learn the essential tools and equipment proficiency needed to safely and efficiently replace old furnaces and air conditioning systems. The curriculum also covers installing ductwork, including basic sheet metal fabrication, and provides training on working with refrigerants and completing the necessary wiring for HVAC/R systems. Upon completion, graduates will be prepared to join a skilled team, confident in their ability to perform the core tasks required of an installation technician.
Strong Employment Outlook and Industry Demand
Graduates of the NDSCS HVAC/R Installation certificate program enter a high demand market with excellent prospects for entry-level roles :
Critical Workforce Shortage: Industry forecasts, including data from the U.S. Department of Labor (which notes the average age of experienced technicians is 55), indicate that the need for skilled technicians is continuous. This ensures strong employment prospects upon graduation for Installation Technicians.
Driving Industry Growth: Demand is consistently spurred by new construction, extensive retrofitting needs, and the critical need for technicians trained to install and integrate modern, energy-efficient, computer-controlled systems.
High Earning Potential: Graduates can expect competitive entry-level salaries, with the potential for substantial earnings growth as they gain experience, specialize, and move into veteran technician roles.
Student Success and Career Pathways
The program focuses intensely on residential and light commercial HVAC/R installation, ensuring students master the essential hands-on skills for unit setup, system configuration, and proper installation of electrical and mechanical HVAC/R systems. Career opportunities for certificate completers primarily include:
Installation Technician (Primary Role)
Service Technician Assistant
Manufacturer's Assistant
Sales Representative (Installation Focus)
By providing the focused skills required for the critical role of the Installation Technician, this certificate ensures graduates are not only employable but are positioned to begin a long, stable, and lucrative career in a field essential to modern infrastructure.
Admission Requirements:
The applicants must be high school graduates or equivalent. Students considered for acceptance must complete all admission requirements.
Please Note: Students are placed into English, math and reading courses based on ACT, ACCUPLACER or other nationally recognized tests. Please see www.NDSCS.edu/current-students/student-success/test-center for the NDSCS Course Placement Policy and testing information. Students may be on an extended plan of study pending their course placement.
*Program Admission Requirements are subject to revision. Please check the department or program website under Program Admission Requirements for current information.
Award:
Upon successful completion of the required courses, students will be awarded a Certificate in HVAC/R Installation Technology.