AIR CONDITIONING, REFRIGERATION, AND HEATING (HVAC)
With often-sizzling temperatures, air-conditioning technicians are in high demand in the Sunshine State. Indian River State College will prepare you for a variety of jobs in the heating, ventilation, AC and refrigeration field.
CHOOSE HVAC AT THE RIVER TO…
- Join a program that’s ranked the #6 best HVAC school in the nation
- Find an option that fits your unique needs, whether an associate degree, technical certificate or on-the-job training
- Prepare for HVAC-R technician roles in residential, commercial and industrial settings
AVAILABLE PROGRAMS
- Associate in Applied Science in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Systems Technology
- Residential Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Systems Assistant
- Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Systems Certificate
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration (HVAC-R) I
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration (HVAC-R) II
Associate in Applied Science in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Systems Technology
Associate Degrees
The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Technology is a two-year degree program offered at our Fort Pierce Campus and begins each fall semester. This 64-credit program includes all of the technical coursework offered in the certificate pathways while adding general education courses in English, mathematics, science, and the humanities to prepare students for career advancement and lifelong learning.
Students receive hands-on training in residential, commercial, and industrial air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration systems. Coursework covers electrical systems, HVAC controls, refrigerant recovery, heat pumps, duct systems, heating and cooling load calculations, service management, and industry certifications. Graduates are prepared for employment in South Florida’s growing HVAC/R industry, where skilled technicians are in high demand.
Many graduates continue their education to pursue an HVAC contractor’s license, a bachelor’s degree, or a business degree. The estimated cost of the full program is approximately $9,000.
Residential Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Systems Assistant
Technical Certificate
Gain the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to begin a career in the HVAC industry. This 12-credit technical certificate, taught at our Fort Pierce Campus, introduces the fundamentals of residential heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems through hands-on training and classroom instruction.
Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions in the HVAC industry while building a pathway to advanced technical certificates and the Associate in Applied Science degree. This certificate can be completed in about 11 months (three semesters). The estimated cost of the program is $1,250, not including books and required tools.
| ACR 1008 | Principles of A/C and Refrigeration (N) – Corequisite ACR 1112 | 3 credits |
| ACR 1101 | Applied Electricity I (Air Conditioning) (N) – Prerequisites ACR1008, ACR1112 | 3 credits |
| ACR 1112 | Basic Electricity for A/C and Refrigeration (N) | 3 credits |
| ACR 1612 | Heat Pump Systems (N) – Prerequisites ACR1008, ACR1112 | 3 credits |
Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Systems Certificate
Technical Certificate
Gain the advanced knowledge and hands-on skills needed to launch a career in the HVAC/R industry. This 24-credit technical certificate, taught at our Fort Pierce Campus, builds on the fundamentals of residential heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems, with training in electrical systems, heat pumps, heating and cooling load calculations, and HVAC service management.
Graduates are prepared for entry-level employment as HVAC technicians and can apply these credits toward the Associate in Applied Science degree, creating a clear pathway for continued education and career advancement. This certificate can be completed in about 18 months (five semesters). The estimated cost of the program is $2,800, not including books and required tools.
| ACR 1008 | Principles of A/C and Refrigeration (N) | 3 credits |
| ACR 1101 | Applied Electricity I (Air Conditioning) (N) – Prerequisites ACR1008, ACR1112 | 3 credits |
| ACR 1112 | Basic Electricity for A/C and Refrigeration (N) | 3 credits |
| ACR 1113 | Applied Electricity II (Air Conditioning) (N) – Prerequisites ACR1008, ACR1112 | 3 credits |
| ACR 1611 | Heat (N) – Prerequisites ACR1008, ACR1112 | 3 credits |
| ACR 1612 | Heat Pump Systems (N) – Prerequisites ACR1008, ACR1112 | 3 credits |
| ACR 2067 | Heating and Cooling Load Calculations (N) | 3 credits |
| ACR 2071 | Air Conditioning and Heating Service Management (N) | 3 credits |
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration (HVAC-R) I
Career and Technical Education Program
Build practical skills for a career in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration. Indian River State College’s HVAC/R I program combines classroom instruction with hands-on technical training to prepare students for entry-level employment in the HVAC/R industry.
New for Spring 2027! The HVAC/R I — Mechanic Assistant Certificate is expanding to Mueller Campus in Vero Beach, giving Indian River County students a new, convenient location to begin their training.
HVAC/R 1 – Mechanic Assistant Certificate
This 750-clock-hour program prepares students for entry-level employment as HVAC/R mechanic assistants. Students complete five courses covering foundational skills in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
The program can be completed in approximately 11 months (three semesters), with an estimated cost of $3,300.
Spring 2027 — Mueller Campus, Vero Beach
- Classes Begin: January 11, 2027
- Registration Deadline: December 14, 2026
- Class Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Location: Mueller Campus, Building D, 6155 College Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32966
- Program Length: Approximately 11 months (three semesters)
- Instructional Hours: 750
- Estimated Cost: $3,300
Fort Pierce Campus
HVAC/R I is also offered at the Fort Pierce Campus. Day and evening scheduling options may be available, with start dates and class schedules varying by term.
Admission Requirements
Students must take the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) and achieve minimum scores of 9 in reading, language, and mathematics, or qualify for an exemption. The TABE is free for students and available at Indian River State College testing centers.
For TABE information, call 772-462-7616.
Courses
| ACR 0523 | HVAC/R1 (N) | 150 hours |
| ACR 0100 | HVAC/R2 (N) | 150 hours |
| ACR 0525 | HVAC/R3 (N) | 150 hours |
| ACR 0548 | HVAC/R4 (N) | 150 hours |
| ACR 0607 | HVAC/R5 (N) | 150 hours |
Ready to get started?
Applications are being accepted for the Spring 2027 HVAC/R I program at Mueller Campus. Register by December 14, 2026, for classes beginning January 11, 2027.
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration (HVAC-R) II
Career and Technical Education Program
Our Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC/R) certificate programs offer flexible scheduling options to meet student and industry needs. Classes are available in both day and evening formats, typically Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Weekend instruction may be scheduled for EPA training and testing. Night classes begin in the Fall (August), and day classes begin in the Spring (January). To help students balance coursework while making steady progress toward completion, the recommended course load is two classes per semester.
Students must take the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) test. They must pass the TABE with the following minimum scores: Reading: 9; Language: 9; Mathematics: 9 or qualify for a TABE exemption. The TABE is free to students and offered at all Indian River State College testing centers. For TABE information, call 772-462-7616.
HVAC/R 2 – Mechanic Certificate
This program requires successful completion of HVAC/R 1 and prepares students for employment as HVAC/R mechanics. The curriculum provides advanced training in commercial installation, maintenance, and system diagnostics for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
This series includes four courses totaling 600 clock hours and is taught at our Fort Pierce Campus. This certificate can be completed in about 10 months (two semesters). The approximate cost of the program is $3,000.
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CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
At Indian River State College, our students who study Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating (HVAC) can go into these careers:
QUESTIONS ABOUT HVAC-R AT THE RIVER?
Learn more about how The River can prepare you for a successful career in the skilled trades. Reach out for information or speak to an admissions counselor.
NEXT STEPS
APPLY TO THE RIVER
Discover what’s possible at Indian River State College. When you’re ready, our simple application process is here to help you take the next step.
PAYING FOR COLLEGE
We’re here to help you understand your options. From financial aid to scholarships and affordable tuition, The River is committed to making college accessible for everyone.
VISIT CAMPUS
Experience the energy of campus life for yourself. Schedule a tour to explore our facilities, meet students and staff, and discover what makes The River an incredible place to learn and grow.
