Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician
Make yourself more employable.
- Compressed 42 week format allows you to get a diploma in only 3 semesters
- By studying in the ACCE building, you have the opportunity to work in a fully-outfitted facility where you learn both traditional and advanced technologies used in the industry.
- Program includes curriculum for Gas Technician 3 (G3) and Gas Technician 2 (G2) to prepare for and write your TSSA exams in order to become a licensed Gas Technician
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Fall 2024
No
Winter 2025
No
Schedule
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Work Integrated Learning
The two-year Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician Ontario College Diploma program delivered in a compressed format over 42 weeks, is approved by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) and is taught in Algonquin`s state-of-the-art Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE) building. By studying in the ACCE building, you have the opportunity to work in a fully-outfitted facility where you learn both traditional and advanced technologies used in the industry.
Start the program by learning electrical, refrigeration and heating essentials - all courses have a strong hands-on component. To better prepare you for a career in the industry, vocational subjects are enriched with courses in:...(read more)
Overview
Make yourself more employable. In addition to the diploma, this program prepares you to write TSSA exams.
The two-year Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician Ontario College Diploma program delivered in a compressed format over 42 weeks, is approved by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) and is taught in Algonquin`s state-of-the-art Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE) building. By studying in the ACCE building, you have the opportunity to work in a fully-outfitted facility where you learn both traditional and advanced technologies used in the industry.
Start the program by learning electrical, refrigeration and heating essentials - all courses have a strong hands-on component. To better prepare you for a career in the industry, vocational subjects are enriched with courses in:
- communications
- mathematics
- related sciences
Continue to enhance your knowledge and skills throughout the remainder of the program, and learn about controls, forced air gas/oil heating systems, hydronics and advanced refrigeration.
Algonquin College`s program also includes an approved curriculum for:
- Gas Technician 3 (G3) and Gas Technician 2 (G2)
- Oil Burner Technician 3 (OBT3)
This means that you have an opportunity to prepare for and write your TSSA exams, in order to become licensed as a Gas Technician and Oil Burner Technician during the program. At the end of your second term, you may be eligible to apply to write your TSSA G3 and OBT3 certificates of qualification. At the end of your final term, you may be eligible to apply for your TSSA G2 certificate of qualification, making you more employable in the field.
Upon completing the TSSA exams, you will be able to install, service, maintain and troubleshoot residential heating systems.
Upon graduation, you may find employment opportunities as a service technician or installer. Graduates may also pursue a career in parts or equipment sales with a variety of employers such as:
- residential and commercial heating companies
- air conditioning or refrigeration contractors
- wholesalers
- public utilities
- oil distribution companies
- government
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Enjoy a hands-on approach to learning about the heating, refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
- Are team-oriented and enjoy working with others.
- Are self-reliant and enjoy challenges.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
ELE8131
Course Name:
Electrical Fundamentals
Course Description:
Students are provided with both theoretical and practical concepts of basic electricity and electrical circuits that are related to heating,... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
ENL1813T
Course Name:
Communications I
Course Description:
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-orient... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HRA8130
Course Name:
Refrigeration Concepts
Course Description:
Students are introduced to heat transfer and thermodynamics related to air conditioning and refrigeration. The basic refrigeration cycle and... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
HRA8151
Course Name:
Heating System Fundamentals
Course Description:
A theoretical and practical introduction to the fundamental principles of natural gas, propane and fuel oil heating systems is provided. Stu... + Read More
Hours:
112.0
Code:
MGT8100
Course Name:
Career and College Success Skills
Course Description:
To succeed at college, in the workforce, and in the community, we must adapt to changing environments, manage our time effectively, study ef... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
SCI8510
Course Name:
Math and HRAC Science
Course Description:
The heating, refrigeration and air conditioning industry has a long and rich history based on many scientific principles, from thermodynamic... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
ELE8132
Course Name:
Control Fundamentals
Course Description:
An overview of building electrical service and basic circuits is provided. Students learn principles and applications of electromechanical a... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
ENL2003
Course Name:
Communications II for Technicians
Course Description:
Communicating effectively in the workplace is a key component of career advancement and essential skills development. The ability to read, u... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HRA8140
Course Name:
Climate Control and the Environment
Course Description:
The heating and cooling systems that we use to stay comfortable affect our environment. Students examine the alternatives to fossil fuels an... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HRA8142
Course Name:
Gas Heating Systems
Course Description:
Students are introduced to gas and propane fired water heaters, forced warm air heating systems, and other gas appliances in both classroom ... + Read More
Hours:
112.0
Code:
HRA8143
Course Name:
Oil Heating Systems
Course Description:
Theoretical and hands-on activities in relation to familiarization, installation, wiring, start-up, and troubleshooting of oil fired furnace... + Read More
Hours:
98.0
Code:
SCI8511
Course Name:
Advanced HRAC Science
Course Description:
The heating, refrigeration and air conditioning industry has a long and rich history based on many scientific principles from thermodynamics... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
ELE8133
Course Name:
Advanced Controls
Course Description:
This course is a continuation of the interpretation and use of various wiring diagrams along with developing an understanding of control ter... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
HRA8139
Course Name:
Forced Air Systems
Course Description:
Students acquire the theoretical and practical background required to install, maintain and service air handling systems including high effi... + Read More
Hours:
112.0
Code:
HRA8144
Course Name:
Hydronics and Space Heating
Course Description:
Students acquire the theoretical and practical background for the service, installation, and maintenance of water heaters, combination syste... + Read More
Hours:
126.0
Code:
HRA8160
Course Name:
Refrigeration II
Course Description:
Students apply the fundamentals learned in Refrigeration Concepts. Students advance their theoretical knowledge by addressing residential an... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
GED0590
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates may find employment as service technicians, installers, parts or equipment sales with a variety of employers, such as residential and commercial heating, air conditioning and refrigeration contractors, wholesalers, public utilities, oil distribution companies and different levels of government.
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Relate effectively to heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning supervisors, coworkers, and customers.
- Work safely and in accordance with all applicable acts, regulations, legislation, and codes to ensure personal and public safety.
- Select and use a variety of heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning tools and equipment safely and properly.
- Solve math and applied science problems required to effectively install and maintain heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning systems, and associated components.
- Prepare and interpret electrical, mechanical, and piping drawings.
- Install, service, and troubleshoot heating, refrigeration, air conditioning systems, and associated components.
- Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development that will lead to enhanced work performance and career opportunities, and keep pace with industry changes.
- Identify and apply discipline specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2023/2024 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program related expenses include:
- Books and supplies total approximately $2,000 for the program and can be purchased in the campus bookstore.
- Students are responsible for the TSSA certification exam fees, which are approximately $250 per exam.
- Students must supply their own personal protective equipment such as CSA-approved safety footwear and non-tinted eye protection as required in each lab environment.
- Students are responsible for parking and locker fees, if applicable.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or Mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee of $50 (subject to change) will be charged.
Program Eligibility
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent)
- Mathematics, Grade 12 (MAP4C or equivalent)
- Mathematics, Grade 12 (MCT4C is recommended)
- Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
- IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT) Overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.
Not sure if you meet all of the requirements? Academic Upgrading may be able to help with that: https://www.algonquincollege.com/access/.
Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English and mathematics.
Application Information
HEATING, REFRIGERATION AND AIR CONDITIONING TECHNICIAN
Program Code 0590X04FWO
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Additional Information
Program Resources
Electrical test meters and toolkits are provided by the College within the incidental fee and become the property of the student.
Students of this program will have the opportunity to obtain additional industry related certifications (such as IPEX System S636, and Gastite CSST).
Students are required to attend 80% and maintain a 75% grade in all core classes in order to write their TSSA Gas and Oil exams.
Apprenticeship is required after graduation for those who wish to become tradespersons.