Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration is an Associate Degree program offered by San Joaquin Valley College in Phoenix, AZ. The program takes 60 weeks to complete, with a total cost, including fees, of $36,094.
Program Overview
The Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program is 60 weeks in length and prepares students to work in the heating and cooling industry. Training focuses on theories of heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning. Students study the operation, maintenance, and repair of residential and commercial equipment.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the successful student will be able to:
- Discuss theories of heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning and relate these concepts to practical applications.
- Apply proper procedures for the installation, operation, maintenance and repair of both residential and light commercial heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment and systems.
- Demonstrate proper usage of the basic tools of the trade.
- Demonstrate requisite mastery to apply for and obtain the EPA 608 certification from the Environmental Protection Agency.
- Create effective reports and documents electronically and in writing.
- Apply advanced electrical concepts and critical thinking skills to interpret and draft schematic wiring diagrams and perform system diagnostics and interpret results.
- Relate and apply concepts of communication, reasoning, critical analysis, ethical behavior and appropriate interpersonal interaction to situations in his or her career and personal life.
- Demonstrate social skills, professional appearance, attitudes, and behavior that employers expect of all SJVC graduates.
- Adhere to national, state, and local safety practices used by service technicians working on HVAC-R systems.
What Sets This Program Apart
Graduates earn an Associate of Science in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration, and have the opportunity to earn OSHA 10-Hour Construction and EPA 608 certification. Graduates from the Arizona location looking to work in Arizona are generally not required to achieve licensure to begin entry-level HVAC-R employment.
Admission Requirements & Process
Making the decision to go back to school is one of the biggest steps on your journey to enrolling. At SJVC, our admissions process is straightforward, and our Admissions Department is dedicated to helping prospective students select the programs that best suit their needs and qualifications.
General Requirements
- High School Diploma or EquivalentApplicants must possess a high school diploma or the equivalent. International diplomas and transcripts must be translated into English and academically evaluated for equivalency…
- Minimum AgeApplicants must meet the minimum age requirement as defined by the state where they plan to attend SJVC: 16 in Arizona and Idaho, 17 in California and Nevada, and 18 in New…
- Admissions InterviewApplicants must participate in an interview with an Enrollment Services Associate. During the interview, the Enrollment Services Associate will discuss available programs,…
- Wonderlic SLE (Minimum 14)Applicants for all on-ground programs are required to take the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam (SLE) prior to enrolling; the minimum score for this program is 14. Applicants who…
- English Language ProficiencySJVC does not offer English as a Second Language (ESL) coursework; students are required to have proficiency in English as all instruction is presented in English. Proficiency may…
- Valid Driver’s LicenseApplicants must hold a valid state driver’s license.
- Acceptance InterviewApplicants must meet with either the Enrollment Services Director or a campus manager (or their designee) for an acceptance interview. In addition to this interview, applicants…
Application Process
- 1Request InformationFill out the Request Information form. Once you do, an Admissions Representative will reach out to schedule you for a visit to one of our campuses, or to help you understand how our Online Programs work.
- 2Meet with Your Admissions RepresentativeOur Admissions team will give you a tour of the campus and help you select the program that aligns best with your interests. Every applicant participates in an interview with an Enrollment Services Associate.
- 3Take an Entrance ExamComplete the admissions assessment (Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam for on-ground programs) and achieve the minimum required score for your program.
- 4Acceptance InterviewMeet with the Enrollment Services Director or a campus manager (or their designee) for an acceptance interview. You may also be required to meet with the Director of your selected program.
- 5Meet with Financial Aid and Complete the FAFSAMeet with the Financial Services Department to confirm arrangements to meet tuition obligations. Our Financial Aid team can help you plan out how you will pay for college and identify aid you may qualify for.FAFSA Code for Phoenix: 014741Fill Out the FAFSA
- 6Sign Your Enrollment AgreementSign an Enrollment Agreement, which sets forth specific information such as start and graduation dates, tuition information, and academic schedule, and complete all enrollment documentation. Then ring the admissions bell to celebrate getting accepted!
- 7Attend New Student OrientationAll new students must complete New Student Orientation prior to their first class session. The specific date, time and location of orientation will be provided during the admissions process.
- 8Start ClassAll new students are required to be in attendance on their first day of class(es); absence on the first day will result in cancellation of the enrollment.
Program Schedule
60 weeks in length (Associate of Science). Offered to new students at the Phoenix campus.
Admission Requirements: Valid State Driver's License.
- November 09th, 2026
- December 14th, 2026
- January 25th, 2027
- March 01st, 2027
- April 05th, 2027
- May 10th, 2027
- June 14th, 2027
- July 19th, 2027
- August 23rd, 2027
- September 27th, 2027
- November 01st, 2027
- December 06th, 2027
Cost of Attendance & Financial Aid
SJVC participates in federal financial aid programs; students who wish to apply for financial aid assistance must establish financial aid eligibility each year. In order to determine financial aid eligibility, students must complete the application process, meet academic progress standards, and be enrolled at least part-time. Financial assistance awarded through SJVC may consist of a combination of grants, loans, and scholarships. SJVC participates with federal, state and private agencies in providing various aid programs.
Types of Financial Aid Available
- Federal Pell Grant Program – an important source of aid for students who demonstrate a financial need; a grant does not have to be repaid.
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants – a limited number of awards targeted to students who have the lowest calculated family income.
- Federal Direct Stafford Loans (Subsidized) – for students requiring additional financial assistance; must be repaid, beginning six months after graduation or termination.
- Federal Direct Stafford Loans (Unsubsidized) – independent students may borrow and begin interest payments while in school.
- Federal Direct PLUS – parents of dependent students may borrow funds to meet educational expenses.
- Institutional Loan – the College offers a low-interest loan program used only to pay tuition charges not covered by financial aid.
- Student Scholarships – the College awards up to $40,000 annually in scholarships to high school seniors who meet certain requirements.
Total program tuition is $36,094 (tuition only; any fees billed separately).
Curriculum
Core Course Requirements
- HVAC-R 100 Theory & Applications of HVAC Systems – 5.0
- HVAC-R 101 Theory & Applications of Refrigeration – 5.0
- HVAC-R 102 Theory & Applications of Electricity – 10.0
- HVAC-R 103 Advanced HVAC Systems – 5.0
- HVAC-R 104 Advanced Refrigeration – 5.0
- HVAC-R 105 Advanced Electricity – 5.0
- HVAC-R 106 Air Distribution Systems – 5.0
- Core Total: 40.0 units
General Education Course Requirements
- ENG 121 Composition and Reading – Part A – 3.0
- ENG 122 Composition and Reading – Part B – 3.0
- MTH 121 College Algebra – Part A – 3.0
- MTH 122 College Algebra – Part B – 3.0
- NSC 1 Introduction to Natural Sciences – 3.0
- PHIL 1C Ethics – 3.0
- PSY 1 General Psychology – 3.0
- SOC 1 Introduction to Sociology – 3.0
- GE Total: 24.0 units
- Program Total: 64.0 units
The required courses below are from San Joaquin Valley College's published catalog.
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Career Outcomes
The Career Services Department offers a wide variety of career planning and employment-related services to current SJVC students and alumni. While SJVC does not guarantee employment, income, or wage rate, Career Services staff are available to assist students in developing job-readiness skills and pursuing employment in their chosen career fields. Some of the services offered include:
- Résumé development
- Job search assistance
- Interview techniques
- Career development courses
- Career information panels
- Employment-related workshops and programs
Career Academy
The Career Services Department partners students with the Career Academy to prepare students for the job search process. Utilizing an innovative, interactive hub, students will:
- Engage in a variety of professional development games and activities.
- Create high-quality professional résumés highlighting the skills acquired throughout their program.
- Participate in mock interview sessions to develop effective interviewing skills.
A final exit interview will capstone the student's preparedness for interviewing with potential employers. Successful completion of each of these items is a graduation requirement.
What to Expect as a Student at San Joaquin Valley College
Housing
San Joaquin Valley College does not have dormitory facilities under its control, nor does it assist students in securing housing. However, limited guidance may be available through the Academic Dean to help students explore local housing options. According to the California Student Aid Commission's 2025–26 Student Expense Budget, students should budget approximately $1,691 per month for housing, which includes rent and utilities. These estimates are intended to help students plan their budgets and do not reflect actual housing offers or guarantees; students are solely responsible for evaluating and securing their own housing arrangements.
Additional Information and Student Services
Additional information related to the provision of student services and campus life in general may be found in the Student Handbook.
Location
Accreditation & Approvals
Institutional Accreditation: San Joaquin Valley College is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 1080 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 500, Alameda, CA 94501, (510) 748-9001. WSCUC.org. The WSCUC is an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.
SJVC is a private institution and is approved to operate as an accredited institution by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). Approval to operate means that SJVC has been found in compliance with the standards set forth in the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 (as amended) and Title 5, Division 7.5 – Private Postsecondary Education of the California Code of Regulations.