The HACR industry is one of the country's most stable, and the supply of qualified, trained people has not kept pace with the demand. 

Technicians with heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration skills are also needed in defense, space exploration, and manufacturing. Because climate control is important wherever microprocessors are used in manufacturing or scientific research, skilled technicians are in demand in these fields. In addition, the demand for trained HACR graduates is also increasing due to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements that a certified technician handle refrigerants. Many experienced technicians own and manage their own businesses.

The heating, air conditioning and refrigeration training program at NMSU-C uses facilities equipped with the most modern equipment and tools available. As a student, you will learn to:

• service, repair, and maintain the mechanical, electrical and microprocessor controls of residential, commercial and industrial heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems;

• read and interpret mechanical and electrical technical drawings, schematics, and symbols in order to diagnose and troubleshoot problems in a system;

• evaluate, diagnose, and service various mechanical, electrical and electronic controls;

• apply the mathematics that are needed for efficient troubleshooting of systems;

• conduct effective customer relations, shop management procedures, and record keeping required of an HACR technician;

• properly and safely use special tools and test equipment.

NMSU-C will make every effort to provide a cooperative training program during the final semester.  Working side by side with journeymen technicians, students are offered an opportunity to practice and refine their new skills and gain on-the-job experience.

In addition to these skills, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires that all persons who work with refrigerants must pass a series of examinations to become certified.  Preparation for the certification examinations is included in the program.