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 (ACR116)
  • Mechanical Systems Design & Operation (PLH113)
  • Fundamentals of HVAC Electrical Controls (ACR152)
  • HVAC Print Reading & Automated Design (ACR103)
  • Mechanical Systems (PLH223)
  • 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.

Apr 7

Undergraduate Open House

Sunday, April 7 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.

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
03.01.2024

Construction management firm visits architecture, HVAC classes

Two Whiting-Turner Contracting Co. employees visited classes recently in architecture and heating, ventilation & air conditioning engineering technology to introduce students to career paths with the company’s virtual design & construction operations group. That team constructs buildings virtually before they are built physically, explained 2011 construction management alumnus Sean Scully, who is a project manager for Whiting-Turner, and Brandon Hurlburt, a VDC manager for the company.

01.05.2024

Industry blog again benefits from HVAC faculty member's know-how

An associate professor of HVAC technology at Penn College has again contributed to the HVAC Classes blog, this time considering "What Are the HVAC Industry's Priorities in 2024?" “The HVAC industry’s top priorities for 2024 will bring interesting challenges,” department head Jason W. Killinger says. "As always, the HVAC industry will embrace, adapt and overcome these challenges."

10.28.2023

HVAC department head lends insight to industry blog

An associate professor of HVAC technology at Penn College has contributed to the HVAC Classes blog, sharing his expertise on meeting the demand for a well-educated workforce. “The HVAC industry will continue to advance in response to environmental concerns, technological advancements and changing customer expectations, providing opportunities for those who are prepared to change and grow with it,” department head Jason W. Killinger says in "How to Expand & Support the HVAC Workforce."

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

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. 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. Aaron A Weaver, '99, East Coast Regional Sales Manager, Raypak
  • Mr. Bradley Willis, '16, System Application Engineer, Johnson Controls
  • Career Fair Connections

    Career Fair Connections

    Penn College graduates are in high demand. Employer participation at the Career Fair is proof. Attracting 400+ organizations, this popular event is hosted twice per year and introduces students to all types of businesses from startups to Fortune 500 companies. 

    Learn More About Career Fair