Refrigeration Essentials
Technical Diploma
14 Credits | Less than 1 Year
Superior
Career Cluster: Architecture and Construction
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The Northwood Tech HVAC/R program and pathway programs operate out of a state-of-the-art facility on our Superior campus. Through partnerships with Trane USA, Snap-On Tools, and the National Coalition of Certification Centers, Northwood Tech trains students to work with light commercial and residential refrigeration and air conditioning systems. As a graduate, you can leave with credentials in multiple National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) certifications and EPA Section 608 Technician Certification.
Program Overview
The Refrigeration Essentials program will allow students to complete coursework in the fundamentals of air conditioning, refrigeration, and basic mechanical systems. Full-time students will be able to complete this short-term technical diploma in one semester. Students will be prepared to test for the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification and NC3 Certifications. The certifications allow graduates of the program to perform installation and services on refrigeration and air conditioning systems with the oversight of an HVAC Technician.
Program Outcomes
Refrigeration Essentials graduates will be able to:
- Perform limited service on refrigeration and air conditioning systems
- Perform limited installation on refrigeration and air conditioning systems
- Demonstrate ability to solder, braze and flare copper piping
- Demonstrate ability to troubleshoot electrical systems on refrigeration and air conditioning systems
Technical Standards
In this program, students should be able to meet specific technical standards, which are the essential skills and abilities needed to be successful in a program, with or without reasonable accommodation. It is important to review and understand these standards before applying to the program.
Northwood Tech's state-of-the-art facilities were completed in spring of 2017 under the guidance of Trane USA, Snap-On Tools and the National Coalition of Certification Centers. The facility provides multiple work stations with individual power and gas supplies.
State-of-the-art facilities.
Hands-on learning.
Industry-leading core instructors.
Academics
Refrigeration Essentials is available at the Superior campus. Foundational skills and principles learned in this program prepare you to work on small-scale air conditioning systems and refrigeration systems.
Career Pathways
As a student, you can build upon your skills and continue in the HVAC Installation Technician or HVAC/R technical diploma programs.
Industry Certifications
This program will prepare you to earn the EPA Section 608 Technician Certification and an NC3 Certification. NC3 certification exams administered
include: Building Performance Instruments (BPI) - Leak Detection, BPI - Indoor Air Quality, Residential – Air Flow, Residential – Refrigeration Diagnostics, and 575 Multi-Meter Certification.
Experienced Instructors
Core instructors for this program come with a diverse background in the HVAC/R trade with a combined experience of over 65 years.
Required Courses
You will learn the fundamentals of air conditioning, basic mechanics, refrigeration and AC/DC.
Featured Refrigeration Essentials Courses
Refrigeration Essentials is Part of a Career Pathway
As a Refrigeration Essentials student at Northwood Tech, you can earn credentials each step of the way!
This is the program you're looking at.
Advance your skills.
Continue your education to earn a two-year technical diploma.
Earn a bachelor's degree through Northwood Tech's transfer opportunities.
Admissions and Tuition
Northwood Tech has an easy admission process that can be completed in one visit. Please see the details under the "Requirements and Application" section to get started.
Tuition and Fees
Northwood Tech breaks down the cost of education, so you'll have a good idea of how much your education will cost.
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Cost of Attendance
The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of the costs that you may incur while attending Northwood Technical College.
Estimated Total Program Tuition 2024-25*
Refrigeration Essentials
14 Credits | Less than 1 Year
$2,489
*Tuition is an estimate and does not include any miscellaneous fees for various courses, tools, books, supplies or uniforms. Program book costs are in addition to tuition and fees and vary depending on course selection and where the books are purchased or rented.
After the Northwood Tech Refrigeration Essentials Program
Upon completion of the program, you will earn a Refrigeration Essentials technical diploma.
Transfer Center
Transfer your Northwood Tech credits to a four-year college to earn your bachelor's degree and beyond.
Career Outlooks
Northwood Tech's graduates experience success. Learn more about the types of careers you can get after graduation.
National Coalition of Certification Center
The National Coalition of Certification Centers is a value-driven organization and the future model for Career and Technical Education, creating highly-skilled, job-ready professionals through a growing network of educational partners and global industry leaders.
Get the Northwood Tech experience
Attend an event or schedule a campus tour/program shadow.
Download the Catalog
Learn more about programs, courses, tuition and fees, services and more.
Finding the class you want to take has never been easier.
