Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, & Heating Associate of Applied Science Degree
This program provides hands-on training for HVACR systems, including air conditioning, heat pumps, combustion furnaces, hydronic systems, and commercial refrigeration. Multiple career paths match your interests, while providing rewards and challenges: from sales, distribution, engineering, design, installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting to controls and operations. While completing this AAS degree, you will also complete the Refrigeration and Commercial Refrigeration Career Studies Certificates.
Program Length 2 years (4 semesters)
Career Opportunities Provides skills for a rewarding HVACR career in an essential industry that is in demand worldwide.
Is this pathway for you? Yes, if you enjoy problem solving and a variety of challenges.
G3 Eligible This program is G3 eligible. G3 Scholarships cover tuition and fees for Virginia residents of modest income who are pursuing high demand careers.
Tuition & Fees At only $162.11 per credit hour, you’ll save $10K to $22K, in tuition costs alone, by starting at VHCC! Out-of-state students living within a 30-mile radius qualify for in-state tuition.
With an AAS in HVACR from VHCC, plus 15 years of practical field experience in multiple industries to provide a wealth of knowledge, Bruce brings extensive practical and real-world experience to the classroom. He is involved in RSES, where he served as a local chapter officer, and is EPA proctor for refrigerant certification exams.
Bruce Olivo Program Coordinator OTC 221
Why start at Virginia Highlands?
For more than 50 years, VHCC has been committed to making our region a better place to live, work, and learn!
Beautiful 100 acre campus in Abingdon
SAT & ACT Not Required for Admission
The SAT and ACT are merely numerical indicators of college readiness and are therefore not required. We’ve found that if you’re committed to your own success, regardless of your scores, then we’ll be able to help you cross the finish line!
Career Services & Job Opportunities!
Our instructors and career coaches are recognized by regional industry leaders and enjoy tremendous success connecting our students with employment opportunities upon degree completion
Student to Faculty Ratio
Programs of Study
#1 College in the Region
of Students Get Financial Aid
Virginia Highlands Community College was recently voted the #1 College in the Region through the Best of Bristol Awards program – from a group of two and four year colleges and universities in southwest Virginia and northeast Tennessee.