Industrial Maintenance and Ammonia Refrigeration Technology

Industrial Maintenance and Ammonia Refrigeration Technology is designed to instruct the student in the related field of industrial maintenance and prepare the student for an entry-level position in maintenance and repair of industrial machines, equipment, and power distribution. Emphasis is placed on troubleshooting skills, preventative maintenance techniques and safety. Students will gain the knowledge and performance potential to work in the industrial, commercial, or private sector.

The theory of refrigeration and related subjects are covered to give students an understanding of the task-oriented topics and activities in the classroom and laboratory. The course covers refrigerant flow, system layout, and component synergy, emphasizing safe work practices, and examines OSHA’s Process Safety Management Program, EPA’s Risk Management Plan, and Homeland Security Anti-Terrorism Standards as they relate to ammonia refrigeration. It challenges students to master the operation and maintenance of industrial refrigeration systems. The program’s mission is to provide industry with entry-level employees who possess a working knowledge of the industrial maintenance field and ammonia refrigeration maintenance field, with an emphasis on electrical theory, concepts, and repair.

NWTI’s Ammonia Refrigeration Program is the only one of its kind in the State of Arkansas.

A shortage of skilled technicians in the industrial maintenance industry has created considerable opportunity for employment, and today’s high-tech equipment fuels demand for certified technicians. Students learn the proper safety procedures in the operation, care, and maintenance of machinery and instruments related to their vocation, and get hands-on experience in machinery repair and related repair and maintenance. The program is part of NWTI’s articulation agreement with Northwest Arkansas Community College.

Northwest Technical Institute is open to all persons who have completed high school or its equivalent and meet required entrance test scores. Enrollment is not complete until the following have been received and reviewed by the school:

• Completed Application for Enrollment
• $10.00 Application Fee
• Official transcripts of high school credit and graduation and/or GED scores, and official transcripts of previous post-secondary education
• Accuplacer® or ACT® exam scores (taken within the last three years). A $10.00 fee is assessed before taking the Accuplacer exam at NWTI.
• Immunization records

Federal Student Aid and Northwest Technical Institute reserve the right to evaluate the validity of a student’s high school diploma if the institution or FSA has reason to believe that the diploma is not valid or was not obtained from an entity that provides secondary school education. Due to limited space in certain programs, students may be required to complete an admissions interview as part of the selection process.

Minimum entrance scores. Students applying to Automotive Service Technology, Diesel Truck Technology, Electronics and Automation Technology, Information Systems, Industrial Maintenance and Ammonia Refrigeration Technology, and Welding Technology must submit minimum scores from one of the approved exams: ACT® Reading Comprehension 10 and Math 16, or Next Generation Accuplacer® Reading Comprehension 224 and Arithmetic 222 (or Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics 220).

Immunizations. Act 141 of 1987 requires that full-time students born on or after January 1, 1957 provide NWTI with two immunization records dated after the first birthday against measles and rubella, or an authorized waiver (religious or health reasons only) signed by the appropriate official.

Classes meet Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm. The program runs two semesters and one summer term. Semester I covers Industrial Maintenance Fundamentals I and II, Industrial Systems and Industrial Power Mechanics; Semester II covers ammonia refrigeration, industrial electricity, Industrial Applications I and II, controls and automation and technical communications; Boiler Operator Theory is taught in the summer.

Application enrollment dates. Applications are accepted February 1 – May 31 for a fall 2026 start.

2026-2027 calendar. New Student Orientation is August 10 and the fall semester begins August 17, 2026 (ending December 14). Spring orientation is January 12 and the spring semester begins January 19, 2027 (ending May 17). The summer semester runs May 19 – June 23, 2027, with graduation on June 24. For financial-aid purposes the academic year is two 16-week semesters and a 5-week summer term.

Estimated cost. The estimated cost of the program, including in-state tuition, fees, books and supplies, is $7,025.

Tuition. For 2026-2027, diploma-program tuition is $85.00 per credit hour in-state and $90.00 per credit hour out-of-state. Fees include a $10.00 application fee, and per-semester administrative ($75), facilities ($75), student support ($170) and technology ($140) fees for full-time students. Industrial Maintenance program fees are a $200 lab fee (fall and spring) and a $25 OSHA testing fee (fall).

Financial aid. The Financial Aid Office administers Title IV funding, the Pell Grant, as well as state aid programs; federal aid may cover school expenses, including tuition and fees, books, and supplies. To determine financial need, complete the FAFSA — NWTI’s school code is 014044. The Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be paid back. NWTI chooses not to take part in the Federal Direct Loan program; students interested in an alternative loan can apply for the Sallie Mae Smart Option Student Loan® for Career Training.

Paying your bill. Payments are due the first day of class each semester, but NWTI allows students up to the census date (11th day of class in fall and spring, 5th day in summer) to pay or arrange payment. In extenuating circumstances, a Tuition Installment Plan may be granted for fall and spring, with a 25% down payment. Arkansas citizens aged 60 or older are exempt from tuition for credit courses.

Refunds. Diploma tuition is refunded 100% before the first class meeting, 75% during the first week, 50% during the second week, and not after the second week.

An NWTI Industrial Maintenance and Ammonia Refrigeration Technology graduate is qualified for a variety of job positions, including:

• Industrial Maintenance Technician
• Maintenance Generalist
• Maintenance Specialist
• Refrigeration Roundsman
• Industrial Refrigeration Operator
• Refrigeration Maintenance Technician

Associate degree pathway. NWTI does not offer associate degrees, but Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) will accept up to 30 hours of elective credit toward an Associate of General Studies or an Associate of Applied Science from this NWTI diploma once the diploma is completed.

The program’s objectives are to learn the proper safety procedures related to industrial maintenance; develop good working habits necessary to obtain and sustain employment; develop troubleshooting skills for the care and operation of industrial machines and instruments; become familiar with preventative maintenance techniques; recognize the importance of continuing education and involvement in student organizations; and facilitate energy management.

Course work moves from industrial maintenance fundamentals, power transmission, fluid power and electrical systems into ammonia refrigeration — the refrigeration cycle, ammonia’s thermodynamic properties, and Direct Expansion, Flooded and Overfeed systems — and boiler operation, including high- and low-pressure boilers, startup and shutdown, inspection and safety. Hands-on training reinforces real-world problem-solving across multiple types of industrial machinery and systems.