About this program

Interested in a hands-on career in an in-demand field? Pursue a certificate in plumbing and you’ll take the lead installing and repairing pipes in commercial and residential settings. In just one academic year, this power-packed curriculum covers everything from understanding code compliance and blueprints to mastering electrical systems and exploring new technologies.

Next steps...

You're on your way to becoming a tomorrow maker.

Diverse Skills in Residential, Institutional, & Commercial Applications

2

Semesters

Seamless Pathway to HVAC Associate Degree

Careers

  • Plumbers
  • Pipefitters
  • Steamfitters
Courses

At Penn College, we believe your educational experience should go beyond specialized skills. Real-world ready means taking a broader approach that builds communication skills, inspires collaboration, and encourages exploration of arts, history, and science.

​​Specialization requires in-depth knowledge and high-level proficiency. Students learn and apply major-specific concepts, skills, and methods.

  • Introduction to Refrigeration (ACR111)
  • Mechanical Systems Design & Operation (PLH113)
  • HVAC/R Electricity (ELT250)
  • HVAC Print Reading & Automated Design (ACR103)
  • Mechanical Systems (PLH221)
  • Introduction to Welding Processes (WEL100)

​Perspectives are points of view, offering a variety of ways of understanding, interacting, and influencing the world. Students identify, explain, and utilize the approaches used by academics and professionals to study, analyze, or understand problems, and offer solutions.

​​Foundations are the practical, intellectual, and social skills: communication, collaboration, critical and ethical thinking, quantitative thinking, and technological literacy that are crucial to every student at every stage of education and at every stage of life.

  • Communications (ENL010) or
  • English Composition I (ENL111)
  • Career Mathematics (MTH011) or
  • Technical Algebra & Trigonometry I (MTH123) or
  • College Algebra & Trigonometry I (MTH181)
Fully Equipped Learning Labs
Facilities

Fully Equipped Learning Labs

Test your skills in 7,500+ square feet of lab space that houses more than 100 pieces of equipment including gas and oil units, water heaters, heat pumps, gas and oil burners for steam or hot water heat, compressors, and more.

Tour Schedule

Seeing is believing.

Think Penn College might be a good fit for you? Make plans to visit and discover what hands-on learning is all about.

Oct 7

Undergraduate Open House

Saturday, October 7 8:30 AM - 3 PM

Nov 5

Undergraduate Open House

Sunday, November 5 8:30 AM - 3 PM

More tour dates are on the way.

But let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.

Need a different date?

Let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.

Contact

Admissions Office

Tomorrow is in the Making

The Dr. Welch Workshop

The makerspace is an open workshop for all students. Take hands-on learning to the next level. Explore your creativity. Bring your ideas to light. Collaborate with other students, faculty and staff, or work independently to test theories, explore ideas, and gain real-world skills to power your career. 

Read About What Happens Here

Industry Partners

Work with experts to become an expert

Penn College's strong partnerships impact every step of your journey – from your first day in the classroom and labs, to career placement (oftentimes before graduation) and beyond.

PAHRA Logo
ACCA Logo
NORA logo
Student Life

Lead and put your skills to the test

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)

Take part in community service projects, College service projects, field trips, and national ASHRAE meetings and activities including design competitions.

Skills USA

Skills USA

Participation in SkillsUSA gives students a chance to compete in more than 80 national competitions.

Student Organizations at Penn College

Student Organizations at Penn College

Your college experience is about more than the classroom. Join one of 65+ clubs and organizations, or create your own.

Penn College News
08.31.2023

Penn College shares in Johnson Controls’ generosity

Johnson Controls, among Pennsylvania College of Technology’s cherished Corporate Tomorrow Makers, has granted a total of $100,000 to support the institution’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning program. Penn College is one of 10 grantees in the 2023-24 cohort of Johnson Controls’ $15 million Community College Partnership Program, now in its third year of inspiring the next generation of workforce leaders.

06.15.2023

Authenticity assures HVAC grad's happiness, success

Jeffrey C. Comitz, who holds two HVAC degrees from Penn College, was recently spotlighted by his Greater Nanticoke Area High School alma mater through its "GNA Success Stories" feature on social media.

04.24.2023

Female building automation student adds to diverse skill set

Emily K. Cummins says she relishes the challenge of mastering new skills. Her effort at Pennsylvania College of Technology proves that she’s telling the truth.

Student Experience

The community as their classroom

Women in Construction builds confidence in tomorrow’s workforce

Women in Construction builds confidence in tomorrow’s workforce

The Women in Construction club coordinated activities for ninth through 12th graders, including a networking lunch and group sessions in the architecture/sustainable design, building construction and HVAC/plumbing labs.

Read More

More Information

Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA).

View general transfer information

Students are required to purchase their own personal tools as they progress through the program. Not all tools are required initially, and students should talk to their instructors on the first day of classes to find out which ones are required. Students who qualify for financial aid may purchase their tools through the College Store.

View the Plumbing Tool List.

Tools are available for purchase through The College Store .

Alternative Credit refers to academic credits earned through means other than traditional college course completion, including: credit by exam, articulation, proof of competency gained in high school, work/life experience, and advanced placement.

Visit the Alternative Credit Options page for requirements and procedures and for information on credit through Advanced Placement.

  • Mr. S. Curtis Bierly, Jr., President, The Bierly Group, Inc.
  • Mr. Jason Bowes, '16, Manufacture Sales Rep, M&H Sales
  • Mr. Darin Bressler, '92, Facilities Supervisor, Bldg. Services, HVAC/Refrigeration, PSU
  • Mr. Eric Horvat, President, AJC Professional Services
  • Mr. Joseph D Jennings, Store Service Refrigeration Service Manager, Weis Markets
  • Mr. Jerry Mahonski, '87, Williamsport Branch Manager, Enginuity
  • Mr. John C Makdad, CEO, Makdad Industrial Supply Co., Inc.
  • Mr. Brandon M Marshall, '15, North America Marketing Manager - Refrigerants/Fluorochemicals, The Chemours Company LLC (Formerly Dupont)
  • Mr. Christopher McNally, '87, Service Branch Manager, Johnson Controls, Inc.
  • Mr. Gregory J Miller, '12, Project Manager, MMC Contractors Northeast Inc.
  • Mr. Jason Urich, General Manager of Service & Special Projects, HB McClure
  • Mr. Aaron A Weaver, '99, East Coast Regional Sales Manager, Raypak
  • Mr. Bradley Willis, '16, System Application Engineer, Johnson Controls