Is a Career in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology (HVACR) Right for You?

HVACR is an industry that is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations between 2010 and 2020.  With the right HVACR education, graduates can be well on their way to a world of career opportunities. The Bryan University Associate of Applied Science in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology offered at the learning site in Topeka, KS can be completed in as little as 70 weeks and is currently accepting applications.  This program is designed to prepare the successful graduate with the theory and working knowledge to work in the field as an entry-level air conditioning, heating and refrigeration technician or other field related industries.  Students preparing for a career in the field of heating, air conditioning and refrigeration will study residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

Here are some of the top reasons we think you should consider the HVACR program at the Bryan University learning site in Topeka, KS.

Stability

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-2013 Edition (BLS)*, employment of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is expected to grow 34 percent from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations. Commercial and residential building construction will drive employment growth as the construction industry continues to recover from the 2007-09 recession. The growing number of sophisticated climate-control systems is also expected to increase demand for qualified HVACR technicians.

Further, the BLS* indicates that climate-control systems generally need replacement after 10 to 15 years. A large number of recently constructed homes and commercial buildings will need replacement climate-control systems by 2020, spurring demand for technicians.  The growing emphasis on energy efficiency and pollution reduction will require more HVACR technicians as climate-control systems are retrofitted, upgraded, or replaced entirely. Regulations prohibiting the discharge and production of older types of refrigerant pollutants also will result in the need to modify or replace many existing air conditioning systems.

Variety

The BLS* indicates that many career options can get monotonous, and if you are someone that doesn’t like doing the same thing day in and day out, HVAC/R might be a good option for you.  HVACR technicians mostly work in residential homes, schools, stores, hospitals, office buildings, or factories. Some technicians are assigned to specific job sites at the beginning of each day. Others travel to several different locations making service calls.

Technicians generally work indoors, but some may have to work on outdoor heat pumps, for example, even in bad weather. They often work in awkward or cramped spaces, and some work in buildings that are uncomfortable because the air conditioning or heating system is broken.

Technology

Candidates familiar with computers and electronics will have the best job opportunities as employers continue to have trouble finding qualified technicians to work on complex new systems.* As a consequence, not only has the HVACR program at Bryan University’s Topeka learning site been designed to provide training on commercial and residential heating and cooling systems, refrigeration, it also includes training on basic electricity concepts and computer software management.  In addition, it provides exposure to geothermal system air conditioning both in commercial and residential applications.

*, indicates information obtained at Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers, 
on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm (visited October 18, 2012).

For more information about Bryan University graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed our programs, and other important information, please visit our website at www.bryanu.edu/disclosure.