Pennsylvania College of Technology achieves ACCE Accreditation of its Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning Engineering Technology B.S. and A.A.S. degree Programs
- Michael R. Copp, MA, Hon. MIRM
- Mar 16
- 2 min read
Michael R. Copp, MA, Hon. MIRM
March 13, 2026
The American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) recently awarded Accreditation to Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technology AAS degree and its Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Engineering Technology BS degree programs during ACCE’s Midyear Conference in Las Colinas, TX. These are the first HVAC degree programs to be accredited by ACCE since it took over the Partnership for Air Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA) accreditation program back in 2023.
Penn College of Technology followed a rigorous accreditation review process for each of its HVAC degree programs, which are now ACCE-accredited for 7 years.
After being accepted as a Candidate for accreditation, Program Leader and Associate Professor Jason Killinger, together with his faculty team, prepared and submitted a comprehensive Self-Evaluation Study Report detailing the structure, curriculum, and strengths of each HVAC degree program at Penn College of Technology.
As part of the careful evaluation, the college hosted two ACCE Visiting Teams, which included both academic professionals and industry experts. These teams visited the Williamsport, PA campus, touring the HVACR labs and classrooms to observe the facilities and instructional practices firsthand. Throughout this process, the Penn College of Technology team demonstrated exceptional hospitality and responsiveness to the Visiting Teams. The successful outcome of this collaborative effort was the awarding of ACCE accreditation, marking an exciting achievement for both ACCE and Penn College of Technology.
Professor Jason Killinger (above right), Program Leader and Associate Professor, recently shared on LinkedIn,
“We are proud to accept accreditation from the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) for our HVAC program. This recognition affirms our commitment to industry-aligned instruction, hands-on technical training, and preparing students for successful careers in the HVAC and construction industries.”
This acknowledgment highlights the program’s dedication to providing high-quality, practical education that meets the demands of the HVAC sector and equips graduates with the knowledge and skills needed for success.
Given the significant demand for skilled professionals in the HVAC industry, preparing students for these roles is essential for the sector’s continued growth and prosperity. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are projected to be 42,500 HVAC technician job openings annually through 2033. Additionally, the HVAC market was valued at $156.2 billion in 2025, according to Leads4Build. These figures underscore the importance of robust academic programs and industry-recognized accreditation.
ACCE accreditation offers substantial advantages for HVACR degree programs. These benefits include potential access to more grant opportunities, a comprehensive third-party peer review of curriculum materials, and clear assurance for students and employers that the program adheres to rigorous industry standards. Furthermore, accreditation verifies that graduates are well-prepared for employment and remain up to date with the latest advancements and requirements in the construction field.
Looking ahead, two more HVACR degree programs are anticipated to achieve accreditation in 2026 and 2027, further expanding the reach and impact of ACCE-accredited education. To learn more about ACCE’s accreditation of HVACR and related degree programs, additional information is available at https://www.acce-hq.org/accreditation-process.
