Wildcats earning 'cool' and competitive HVAC degrees

POPLARIVLLE, Miss. — Pearl River Community College is offering a career opportunity for Wildcats that will also help keep residents in South Mississippi cool this summer.

Rated No. 1 in Mississippi, Pearl River’s Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology (HVAC) Program is a two-year program available at PRCC’s Poplarville and Forrest County locations. Upon graduation, students enter a field that offers them a median annual income of $51,420.

“There has never been a better time to get a degree and specialize in air-conditioning and heating,” Director of Career and Technical Education Dr. Ed Pinero said. “Pearl River Community College offers the best Associate Degree HVAC program available. Our instructors are successful business owners who are current in the industry. During a hot and humid Mississippi summer, it is more than obvious the career opportunities that are available. Our students are successful in the commercial and residential heating and air conditioning industry.”

The Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology program prepares individuals to work installing, maintaining, and operating small or medium air conditioning, heating and refrigeration systems. Students have the opportunity to complete a 45-hour Career Certificate and a 60-hour Associate in Applied Science Degree. Instruction prepares individuals to work in a commercial setting performing special tasks relating to designing ductwork, assembly, installation, servicing, operation, and maintenance of heating and cooling systems according to the standards for the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), and Air Conditioning Refrigeration Institute (ARI). Instruction includes air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration devices; equipment, techniques, and systems; and maintenance and operation of these systems.

“Now is the time to get a career and technical education,” Pinero said. “Companies are starving for educated skilled workers who have an associates degree. Pearl River Community College offers everything you need to get the education and degree needed to maximize your future earnings potential.”

Pearl River has 42 career and technical program degree offerings across its three locations as well as a wide range of academic offerings. To learn more about HVAC or other career and technical programs at Pearl River visit PRCC.EDU/ACADEMICS/PLANS.

For the latest news on Pearl River Community College, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats) and Facebook (@PRCCMKTG).

Pearl River Community College offers equal education and employment opportunities. The College does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, veteran status, or disability. For inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies or to request accommodations, special assistance, or alternate format publication please contact Tonia M. Seal, Director of Admissions and Records/ ADA/Civil Rights Coordinator at P.O. Box 5559, Poplarville, MS 39470 or 601-403-1060 or Maghan James, Assistant Vice President of Student Services/Title IX Coordinator at P.O. Box 5805, Poplarville, MS 39470 or 601-403-1132. 

Each community college president is asked to bring two (2) wrapped door prizes, minimum value of $50 each. We will have a station set up at the conference for you to drop off the door prizes.

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