HVAC Technology
School of Construction & Design Technologies
Lifelong Education Center, Rm. C156 · (570) 327-4518
Frequently Asked Questions
- What kind of job can I get from your programs?
- What is the difference between the HV and HP associate's degree programs?
- Can I switch between the HV and HP programs while attending Penn College?
- Do bachelor's degree (BHD) students take the same courses as the associate's degree (HP or HV) students?
- What is the 2+2 program?
- What is the future of the industry?
- When do I need to have my tools and what tools do I need?
- What is the placement rate for graduates?
- What is the advantage of a four-year degree? Is it for everyone?
- What is the difference between the BHD bachelor's degree and the BBT (Building Automation Technology) degree?
Q: What kind of job can I get from your programs?
A: Many jobs are available in a growing industry that will never be transplanted overseas. Every conditioned building needs designers, installers and service technicians. [Visit the Career Opportunities page for more information]
Q: What is the difference between the HV and HP associate's degree programs?
A: Both programs are two years in length and require most of the same courses. The big difference is that HV students take two concentrated courses in commercial refrigeration where they learn to and actually install and service food service coolers and freezers. HP students take two concentrated courses in commercial plumbing where they learn to and actually install and service commercial plumbing equipment as is found in all commercial buildings and restaurants.
Q: Can I switch between the HV and HP programs while attending Penn College?
A: As long as there is space in the program you desire to transfer into, you may do so. As in all majors, you must make sure all requirements are met for graduation before a degree will be conferred.
Q: Do bachelor's degree (BHD) students take the same courses as the associate's degree (HP or HV) students?
A: A unique and valuable aspect of Penn College’s HVAC programs is that they share courses in the first two years. All bachelor's degree students take the same courses as the associate's degree students. Why is this “valuable”? Because the employers of our BHD students say one of their strongest assets is their understanding of actual equipment and how it is installed and how it needs to be serviced. Most mechanical engineers that enter the HVAC design field lack knowledge of these important aspects. The BHD students have slightly different requirements for math and social science during their first two years than the associate's degree students.
Q: What is the 2+2 program?
A: We use 2+2 to refer to the fact that our BHD program is a continuation of our associate's degrees – adding important components of design skills. This makes it possible for interested associate's degree students to decide to go on for a bachelor's degree without much hassle. Care must be taken to make sure all requirements of the degree program are met.
Q: What is the future of the industry?
A: HVAC including plumbing and refrigeration is historically stable and less affected by economic cycles than are many other industries. Our field rapidly incorporates advances in combustion, refrigeration, zoning and control technologies into practice.
Q: When do I need to have my tools and what tools do I need?
A: You need to get your tools during your first week of classes, just like you do with your textbooks. Tools can be purchased from the College Store or by adding to your own collection by buying at your favorite retailer. [View the tool list]
Q: What is the placement rate for graduates?
A: According to our 2002-03 Graduate Survey 94% of our graduates go on to full-time employment or other education. We hear wonderful stories from our graduates and their employers about how well they are equipped for their jobs.
Q: What is the advantage of a four-year degree? Is it for everyone?
A: No, a bachelor's degree in HVAC is not for everyone. It is for those interested in more theoretical and computer design work done at a desk than 100% of time spent in the field. Our BHD students are often important links between engineers and technicians on the job. Those interested in troubleshooting, installing and repairing equipment may be better served by using their valuable associate's degrees to land their technician job of choice.
Q: What is the difference between the BHD bachelor's degree and the BBT (Building Automation Technology) degree?
A: The BHD bachelor's degree is taught by mainly HVAC faculty members and equips graduates to design heating, cooling and refrigeration systems, or work with business management in these areas. The work is likely to be a combination of office and field work.
The BBT (Building Automation Technology) bachelor's degree prepares graduates to install, service, and work with programming involved with controls systems. These controls may involve more than the HVAC system, encompassing security, elevators, and other mechanical systems.
HVAC associate's degree students may enter either program.