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Building Utilities Mechanic
Career/Program Overview
RCTC’s Building Utilities Mechanic (BUM) major is designed to prepare students for careers requiring skills in the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of electrical and mechanical equipment found in commercial buildings. RCTC also offers a certificate as a Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Service Technician. Visit us at http://www.rctc.edu/program/bum/
Curriculum-at-a-Glance
RCTC’s BUM program is comprised of 72 credits. First year instruction includes courses in boiler operation, electricity, plumbing, tool usage, welding, electrical controls, and programmable controls. The second year of instruction includes courses in residential and commercial refrigeration, air conditioning pneumatics, heating and cooling controls, and computerized energy management systems. Also in the second year, students are placed with a co-op training sponsor to gain hands-on work experience. After initial training, students may take the state examination for a special steam engineer’s license. After completion of the second year, students who qualify may take the state examination for second class “A” steam engineer’s license and/or refrigeration certification.
The HVAC Service Technician is 30 credits in length. The program prepares students for careers in the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of HVAC electrical/electronic and mechanical equipment found in residential and commercial buildings. For more detailed program information, refer to RCTC’s program course requirements at http://www.rctc.edu/catalog/programs/index.html.
Program/Degree Options
RCTC offers both a Diploma and an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree in Building Utilities Mechanic. The Diploma and A.A.S. options are 72 credits and can be completed in as little as two years if taken full-time. Part-time options are also available. The HVAC Service Technician Certificate is 30 credits and can be completed in as little as one year.
Program Start Date(s)
The Building Utilities Mechanic and HVAC Service Technician courses begin fall and spring semesters. Professional core courses are not offered summer semesters; however, some of the general education requirements may be offered during the summer.
Career Opportunities/Information
Building Utilities Mechanic graduates usually start at entry level positions in various maintenance operation areas in medical clinics, hospitals, waste to energy plants, power plants, hotels, educational, manufacturing, processing and industrial facilities. Graduates of both the BUM program or the HVAC Service Technician program can be employed as service technicians in the heating/ventilation/air conditioning (H.V.A.C) field, building trades, and some are self-employed in the H.V.A.C. field.
Articulations/Accreditations
Rochester Community and Technical College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission: A Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
For additional information on the most current list of RCTC program articulations see us at: http://www.rctc.edu/catalog/articulations/index.html
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Contact Information:
Rochester Community and Technical College
851 30th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904-4999
Contact Info: (507) 285-7210 or 1-800-247-1296 / TTY Relay 1-800-627-3529
RCTC is a University Center Rochester partner and a member of the MnSCU system.
© 2007 Rochester Community and Technical College, All rights reserved.
RCTC is an affirmative action, equal opportunity educator and employer.
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