ARLINGTON, VA — The hvacr departments at Linn State Technical College (Linn, MO) and Delaware Technical and Community College (Newark, DE) have become the first schools in the country to receive national accreditation through the Partnership for Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA) program.

Accreditation from PAHRA certifies that the hvacr programs at these colleges exceed industry standards in instruction, curriculum, students, faculty, and facilities.

“It’s a great thing for both our students and the industry,” said Bill Matthews, Linn State hvac department chair. “The students know they are getting the highest quality education available. And the industry knows we’re doing things right here at Linn State.”

PAHRA is the only hvacr accreditation program that is validated by representatives from each major hvacr trade association. Those with partnerships in PAHRA include the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI), the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), the Gas Appliance Manufacturing Association (GAMA), The North American Heating, Refrigerating & Air Conditioning Wholesalers Association (NHRAW), the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors — National Association (PHCC), and the Council of Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Educators (CARE).

To become accredited, a training school must first evaluate its own strengths and weaknesses as compared to industry standards and then submit its findings in a self-study report. A survey team then conducts an on-site visit.

For more information, go to www.ari.org (website).

Publication date: 03/11/2002