How to Get an Associate of Occupational Studies Degree in 15 Months

Are you ready for your Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) Degree? Did you know the degree program can be completed in as little as 15 months? Before you know it, you will be working as a mechanical maintenance engineer. Classes start every 4-5 weeks, with options available in the morning, evening, and online. So, how can you earn an Associate of Occupational Studies Degree in just 15 months?

Steps to Earning an Associate of Occupational Studies Degree in 15 Months

There are a few steps to getting your Associate of Occupational Studies degree. The steps to job security, higher wage potential¹ and management opportunities include:

Step #1: Earn Your High School Diploma or GED

The first step is to complete your secondary education. This will lay a solid foundation for your Mechanical Maintenance Engineering program’s success. This is also a requirement when enrolling at The Refrigeration School (RSI).

Step #2: Complete the Electro-Mechanical Technologies Program

The Electro-Mechanical Technologies program can be completed in as little as 9 months. This will help you build a broad knowledge of electrical and mechanical technologies, including HVAC/R. The classes included in the Electro-Mechanical Technologies program include:

• Fundamentals of Solar
• Electrical Wiring – Residential and Commercial
• Fundamentals of Refrigeration
• Comfort Systems – Residential and Commercial
• Refrigeration Systems and Practices
• Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques.

Step #3: Apply for the AOS Program

After completing the prerequisite courses, you’re eligible to apply for the AOS program. Below is a list of the classes included in the AOS program:

• Principles and Applications of Air
• Motors and Applications
• Predictive Maintenance and Piping Systems
• Transformers and Technical Math
• Cooling Towers and Maintenance
• Chillers
• Fundamentals of Boilers
• Boilers and Boiler Systems
• Preventative Maintenance and Planning
• Computer Applications and Decision Making
• Entrepreneurship
• Basic College Math and English

Benefits of Applying for the AOS Program

There are many reasons to apply for the AOS program. Among the most important are:

Enhanced Job Security for a Stable Future

Having a degree helps you stay competitive in our current workforce climate. You need every edge you can get to find a role at a top-rated company. Having the degree not only makes you more sought after but also helps secure your role throughout your career.

Additionally, enhancing your employability, a degree can open doors to advanced positions and higher salary potential. Many employers view a degree as a sign of commitment and expertise, which can lead to greater responsibilities and leadership opportunities. Furthermore, the networking connections you make during your studies can be invaluable, providing support and resources that extend well beyond graduation.

Higher Wage Earning Potential

Did you know that graduates of the Mechanical Maintenance Engineering program earned over 41% more than Electro-Mechanical Technologies graduates at RSI?² If you want higher salary potential, we recommend completing the AOS program.

Autonomy – Embrace Your Independence in the Workplace

Want to own your own business? The AOS program not only teaches you the knowledge and skills to perform the mechanical maintenance engineering role but there is also an entrepreneurial class that will get you up to speed on running your own business.

Career Growth and Advancement Opportunities

When employers review resumes and applications for managerial roles, they look for educational achievement that signals a commitment to the role. Completing the Associate of Occupational Studies degree program tells employers that you are ready for more responsibility and managerial roles.

Additional Educational Knowledge

The AOS program takes climate control and refrigeration theories that you learn in the Electro-Mechanical Technologies program to the next level. In addition to your knowledge of residential applications, you will further your understanding of commercial climate control and refrigeration theories. This will open up additional opportunities to advance in your career.

Want To Learn More?

Ready to start your new career at one of the best schools for Mechanical Maintenance Engineering in Phoenix? Because Mechanical Maintenance Engineering is a hands-on job, technical training is typically required for anyone to enter this field. Many people invest in a trade program to learn the trade skills they need to be safe and effective as a professional.

To learn more about our Mechanical Maintenance Engineering program offered at the Phoenix, AZ campus, contact us at The Refrigeration School or call 1-888-671-5803.

1.  10th percentile & median wage for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (499021) is respectively $37,270 & $57,300 in the U.S., and $37,650 & $49,620 in AZ – Reported as of May 2023 – http://data.bls.gov/oes. Data pulled April 2024. Visit https://www.rsi.edu/oes for specific details and data backups.
2. For students with reported salaries who graduated between 7/1/22 – 6/30/23 (Does not include overtime and/or per diem wages) RSI graduates reported starting salaries of $46,611 & $66,040 for Electro-Mechanical Technologies & AOS in Mechanical Maintenance Engineering respectively (Less than 10 reported graduate salaries so this may not be indicative of actual average salaries for this program). View the most current right-to-know document at: https://www.rsi.edu/wp-content/uploads/rsi-right-to-know.pdf