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.
This program has reached capacity and is waitlisted for Spring 2026. Seats are still available for Fall 2026. Prior to application deadlines, you can still apply for this program but will not begin technical coursework in your first semester.
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.
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.
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.
Feb 21
Undergraduate Open House
Saturday, February 219 AM - 3 PM
Apr 26
Undergraduate Open House
Sunday, April 269 AM - 3 PM
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.
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.
Related Programs
Follow your passion
Student Life
Lead and put your skills to the test
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
Participation in SkillsUSA gives students a chance to compete in more than 80 national competitions.
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
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Lester receives Pennsylvania Impact Award
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Johnson Controls continues support for Penn College students
Friday, November 14, 2025
Penn College and Thaddeus Stevens partner for HVACR industry
Student Experience
The community as their classroom
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.
More Information
This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (http://www.pct.edu/admissions/transfer/transferring-credits). Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.
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.
Laptop Computer Required
- Windows 11 or higher (recommended).
- Intel Core i7 (12th generation) or AMD Ryzen 7 processor (recommended).
- 16+ GB RAM (required); 32+ GB RAM (recommended).
- 250+ GB Solid State Disk (SSD) drive (recommended).
- Wired Connection – Gigabit Ethernet (recommended).
- Laptop must include a webcam and microphone (required).
- Laptop must include a wireless network card (required).
- Broadband Internet connection when working off campus (required).
- Additional plug-ins may be required (Information Technology Services Service Desk available for assistance).
- Chromebooks and other devices running Chrome OS are prohibited.
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. Eric Horvat, President, AJC Professional Services
- 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. Scott Scheesley, Corporate Manager of Refrigeration, Weis Markets
- Mr. Jason Urich, General Manager of Service & Special Projects, HB McClure
- Mr. Bradley Willis, '16, System Application Engineer, Johnson Controls