Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Technology

The Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating Technology Associate Degree Program at CBT Technology Institute blends lectures and lab work, so you gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in a simulated work environment in well-equipped labs.

The program is designed to prepare students for a mid-level position in the air conditioning, refrigeration and heating industry, covering the installation, basic design, maintenance and repair of residential and commercial refrigeration, air conditioning, and heating equipment. It is offered in English and Spanish and prepares students to take the Journeyman Certification once they have the required years of experience. The school recommends speaking with an air conditioning advisor before registering.

Program details. 60 semester credits over 20 months, on-ground or in a hybrid distance education format. The catalog says the program is currently offered at the Hialeah and Flagler locations. Certification goals include OSHA-10, EPA 608, EPA 609, Low GWP, Brazing and Soldering, Basic Refrigeration and Charging Procedures, NCCER CORE and NCCER HVAC Level 1.

CBT Technology Institute has served Miami since 1988, growing from a small vocational school into a workforce-education school focused on high-demand fields like HVAC, Electricity, and Information Technology. More than 13,000 alumni have graduated, and the school partners with employers to make sure graduates are equipped to meet evolving workforce demands.

• Students create a portfolio based on the classes they take, which they may take with them to job interviews.
• One laptop per student.
• Classes are designed to reflect what is needed in the job market.
• Job placement assistance, plus free tutoring, resume preparation, and career workshops.
• Small classes and personalized attention, with flexible schedules for students balancing work, family, and school.
• After graduation, you can come back and refresh your knowledge by participating in the classes you have already taken, at no additional charge.

Each of the three campuses (Flagler, Hialeah and Cutler Bay) offers small classrooms, computer labs, a resource center with reference materials, and offices for financial aid, career assistance and student services. All locations are near expressways, transit routes and restaurants.

Applicants for admission must be a high school graduate or equivalent, complete an interview with an Admissions Representative, and submit a completed Admissions Application. High school diplomas are subject to verification. The same admission requirements apply to students applying for on-ground, hybrid or online programs.

Every prospective student completes an on-campus interview with an Admissions Representative and receives a campus tour. Applicants provide valid government-issued photo identification, their Social Security Number, any documents the Financial Aid Department requires to establish eligibility, and two personal references with name, phone number and address.

Application fee. A $25.00 non-refundable application (processing) fee is paid when signing the admissions application. It is waived for applicants from CareerSource South Florida, Vocational Rehabilitation, military veterans, and CBT students who re-apply.

If a course in your program does not meet the enrollment minimum to open, you will be offered the option to take it at another CBT location. Programs taught in a language other than English may reduce employability where English is required.

Class times. Classes are scheduled for four hours a day, up to five days a week. Morning classes run 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM and evening classes 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Monday to Friday; laboratory work may be done from 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM. CBT also offers weekend classes on Fridays from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM and Saturdays from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

Terms. A semester is sixteen weeks, made up of two 8-week terms, and an academic year is two semesters. A full-time load is at least twelve credits per semester and a part-time load six. Students must complete the program within 150% of the scheduled time.

Upcoming term starts (catalog Appendix C): January 11, March 8, May 3, July 5, August 30 and October 25, 2027; the Fall 2 2026 term began October 26, 2026.

Delivery. This page covers the program in the traditional on-ground format at the Hialeah Campus. The catalog notes the program is also available in the hybrid distance education modality. It is also taught in Spanish; completing a course or program in a language other than English may reduce employability where English is required.

Graduates are prepared for mid-level roles in the HVAC-R industry, and associate program graduates are eligible to take the Miami-Dade County certifications as Journeyman if requirements are met.

• Master OSHA regulations and EPA procedures for the HVAC-R trade.
• Install, evaluate, maintain, troubleshoot and repair air-conditioning and refrigeration systems.
• Read and interpret wiring diagrams for system installation and troubleshooting.
• Size, install, test, balance and troubleshoot air distribution systems, including ductwork.
• Apply industry-accepted procedures for HVAC-R system design that meet construction codes.
• Operate and test commercial refrigeration and air conditioning systems and their automatic controls.
• Estimate HVAC-R projects and perform energy audits in buildings.

Sample job titles: A/C Technician, HVAC Installer, HVAC Mechanic, HVAC Service Technician, HVAC Specialist, Refrigeration Mechanic, Refrigeration Operator, Refrigeration Technician and Service Technician. The school cites a Bureau of Labor Statistics median annual wage of $53,510 (May 2024) for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers.

Orientation. Orientation runs in three phases. The week before the first day of class, new students get a general orientation and welcome from the Campus Director, program managers and student services, and receive their class schedule, uniforms and a technology orientation. Week two covers career services and financial aid.

Career preparation. CBT runs workshops and career assignments so students know what to expect after graduation and are prepared for job interviews. While the institute does not guarantee placement, it makes every effort to help graduates find positions in the Miami-Dade and Broward Counties area, and Career Services may help schedule interviews and send resumes to employers.

Graduation. To graduate you complete the full curriculum, earn a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0, meet satisfactory academic progress, meet all financial obligations, complete exit interviews with Financial Aid and Career Services, and file for graduation with the Registrar. A formal graduation ceremony is held at least once a year.