Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, & Refrigeration (HVAC-R) Technician

Why Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, & Refrigeration (HVAC-R) Technician?

HVAC-R technicians are essential to keeping environments safe, efficient, and comfortable year-round. In this program, you will learn to install, maintain, and repair heating, cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration systems used in homes, businesses, and industrial settings. You’ll gain the problem-solving, technical, and safety skills needed to succeed in a field known for its strong demand and long-term career security.

At Mid-State, you’ll receive hands-on training with state-of-the-art equipment and expert guidance from instructors with real industry experience. You’ll graduate prepared for certification opportunities and ready to begin or advance your career in this high-growth skilled trade.

Install and maintain modern heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems.
Gain practical, hands-on experience in labs equipped with advanced HVAC-R technology.
Apply safety and troubleshooting skills to diagnose and repair complex systems.
Learn from experienced faculty and a curriculum aligned with industry standards.
Connect with employers through strong partnerships and job placement support.
Enter a stable, high-demand trade with excellent wages and career advancement potential.

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Program Facts

Total Credits

61 Credits

Degree Type

Associate in Applied Science (AAS)

Program Length

Two Years

Delivery Method

In Person

Location

Wisconsin Rapids

Start Dates

Fall

Estimated Program Cost

$13,206.29

View Cost of Attendance

Financial Aid Eligibility

Fully Eligible

View Types of Aid

Program Outcomes

Graduates leave ready to succeed in their careers. Each year, data from Mid-State's Graduate Survey and statewide reports show consistently high satisfaction and strong starting salaries. Here's a snapshot of what success looks like after graduation.

Career Opportunities

Controls Technician

Installation and Service Technician,

Refrigeration Technician

Steamfitter

$61k Median Annual Salary

Recent program grads in Wisconsin earned a starting salary of $61,310. Source: Lightcast Data Set

222

Average Monthly Hires

222 of recent Wisconsin program grads landed jobs within six months of graduation. Source: Lightcast Data Set

Program Details

Take a closer look at what the program offers and what to expect.

Program Courses

Your course plan may vary, and you'll get a recommended sequence once you're enrolled. See below for full course details, see the program information guide, or talk with your advisor.

Program Information Guide (PDF)

Instructors

Meet our full-time instructors.

Mark Haferman, AD
Mark earned his associate degree in industrial mechanical technologies from Mid-State Technical College. He is also a licensed Journeyman Steamfitter and Journeyman Plumber with EPA 608 certification. His teaching at Mid-State draws on 12 years of experience in HVAC, plumbing, and mechanical field service.

“Being a trades instructor is very fulfilling for me. I love to pour into students, share what I have learned through experience, work alongside them, and help them pursue their career in the trades.”

Karl Schwingel, BS
Karl graduated from Northland College with a bachelor of science in environmental science. His certifications include Solar Thermal Installer by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners® (NABCEP®) and EPA 608. Karl’s teaching is informed by 25 years of experience installing and servicing renewable energy systems and doing general residential construction as well as 15 years specializing in hydronic heating system design, construction, and service.

“I really enjoy developing in my students the skill to ask the right questions, in the right way. If you learn to ask the right questions, the answers will yield actionable knowledge.”

Program Outcomes

Employers will expect graduates of this program to be able to:

Install HVAC/R components.
Service HVAC/R systems.
Troubleshoot HVAC/R systems.
Evaluate HVAC/R system designs.

Employability Skills

Alongside your career training, you'll develop key workplace strengths. Explore the additional skills you'll build.

Employability Skills (PDF)

Technical Standards

To succeed in this program, you'll need to meet certain technical standards. These are the key skills and abilities needed for the program and future career success—with or without reasonable accommodations. Be sure to review them carefully before you apply.

Technical Standards (PDF)

Licensure Info

This program prepares you for licensure to work in Wisconsin. If you plan to work in another state, be sure to check that state's licensure requirements—Mid-State's program may not meet them all. If you've applied to the program and have any questions about this information, talk to your advisor.

Licensure Information (PDF)

Additional Resources

Explore the resources and next steps below. Your academic advisor will help you know what to complete and when.

US Citizenship
US Citizenship is required to sit for this licensure exam.

Career pathways help you build your education step by step. Each stage offers one or more credentials that are recognized by employers and lead to real jobs—and you can keep building toward your career goals as you go.

Prior Learning

Certificate

Technical Diploma

Associate Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Get credit for what you already know. You may be able to earn college credit for prior learning through skills you’ve gained through high school classes, previous college work, self-study, military training, jobs, or volunteer experience.

Credit for Prior Learning
High School Dual Credit
Mid-State Fast-Track – Open to high school students (age requirements apply)

“Most students go to college to find good-paying careers doing something they enjoy. Mid-State gave me that and so much more, as I discovered my passion and achieved more than I ever could have anticipated.”

- Bryce C.

Mid-State Grad

“I couldn't have asked for a better education. My instructors were some of the most incredible people, and they were willing to do whatever was necessary to help everyone.”

- Leslie T.

Mid-State Grad

“Mid-State’s hands-on learning, convenient scheduling, updated technology, and instructors who can relate to the field have all helped me become successful and even advance in my career in under a year.”

- Stephanie B.

Mid-State Grad

“I value my experience at Mid-State tremendously. Even with a disability my education gave me the opportunity to join the workforce before I even graduated. Education equals opportunity.”

- Jake A.

Mid-State Grad

“My degree from Mid-State and the encouragement I received from my teachers gave me the skills and confidence to move forward in my life and excel in my career.”

- Sharon R.

Mid-State Grad

“The education I received at Mid-State has been invaluable. It built a foundation that is endlessly improving, providing excellent growth opportunities in my career.”

- Kevin B.

Mid-State Grad