Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Basic Refrigeration is a Diploma program (Hybrid) offered by South Texas Vocational Technical Institute in Arlington, TX. The program takes 10 months to complete, with a total tuition of $17,500.
Program Overview
Hands-on HVAC training is at the center of what STVT does. You’ll train in supervised lab environments designed to simulate real residential and commercial job conditions — not just watch demonstrations, but get your hands on the equipment, troubleshoot real problems, and build the technical skills that HVAC work demands. Each lab session builds on the last, turning technique into skill and skill into the kind of practical knowledge that travels with you into any HVAC job.
The Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Basic Refrigeration (HVAC/BR) diploma program is designed to prepare the student for an entry‐level position in the residential and commercial air conditioning, heating and refrigeration fields. Classes combine theory with practical application of hands-on job skills. Shop courses include the use of hand and specialty tools and emphasize equipment and shop safety procedures as well as customer service skills.The HVAC/BR program curriculum is recognized by the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) and students can earn credentials issued by the NCCER throughout their program. During the HVAC/BR program, students will be preparing and sitting for the EPA section 608 certification. The HVAC & BR program is intended for persons with a high school diploma, GED, or recognized equivalent, who desire a career in the air conditioning, heating and refrigeration fields. The HVAC & BR graduate may be awarded a diploma and can expect to find entry‐level employment as a service technician capable of troubleshooting, servicing and repairing residential and commercial air conditioning, heating and refrigeration systems.
What sets this Program apart
- Specialized Experiences. An education, just like your career goals, is deeply personal to you. As part of our commitment to our students, we work together to create a plan that works for you so you can create the future you want using the skills you learned at STVT.
- Affordable Education. Our Financial Aid team is here to help guide you through your options.* You can submit your FAFSA to explore eligibility for grants, loans, and scholarships and we can help you understand what’s available.
- Quick Program Timelines. At STVT, we understand that education means more than textbooks. That’s why we provide hands-on experience, practical support, and guidance designed to help you succeed.
- Career Services Support. Our Career Services team is here to support you throughout your vocational training and beyond. From resume building to interview preparation and job search guidance, we offer resources that help you prepare to enter the workforce.
- An Accredited Education. STVT is proud to be an accredited career institute that provides quality training programs for careers like dental assisting, automotive service, and more.
Admission Requirements and Process
The admission procedure requires an exchange of information between the applicant and an Admissions Representative either on campus or by remote representatives, who conduct a personal interview with each applicant. South Texas Vocational Technical Institute admits, as students, applicants having an acceptable high school diploma, a General Educational Development (GED), or a recognized equivalent. A student is officially enrolled upon completion of all admission requirements and the enrollment agreement is fully-executed.
Admission requirements for distance education hybrid or flex programs do not vary from admission requirements for programs of study offered entirely on ground, except that applicants must complete the SmarterMeasure Learning Readiness Indicator entrance assessment.
General Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalentApplicants must have an acceptable high school diploma, a General Educational Development (GED), or a recognized equivalent, and must submit proof of graduation or equivalency…
- Admissions interviewApplicants complete an application for admission and a personal interview with an Admissions Representative, on campus or with a remote representative.
- SmarterMeasure assessmentDistance education applicants complete the Technical Competency, Technical Knowledge and Learning Styles sections of the SmarterMeasure Learning Readiness Indicator before…
- Background checkAll students applying for admission are required to undergo a background check performed by an unaffiliated service provider.
- No student loan defaultTo be officially accepted, a student must not be in default in repayment of any student loan indebtedness.
Application Process
- 1Pick Your Program & CampusThe first step to starting your education journey at South Texas Vocational Technical Institute is to pick the program you want to pursue; admissions representatives can help you select the program that fits your long-term goals.
- 2Connect with an Admissions RepresentativeConnect with an admissions representative to get help navigating the application process; your representative will help answer questions about timelines, curriculum or other related questions you may have about STVT.
- 3Schedule Your Campus VisitOur goal is to make you feel as comfortable as possible as soon as you step on campus at STVT. We recommend all students take a campus tour as soon as possible.
- 4Get Help From Our Financial Services OfficersSTVT offers a dedicated team of Financial Services Officers that can help answer questions as you navigate your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and identify potential scholarship and grant opportunities to help offset your tuition costs.
- 5Get Started on Your Diploma or CertificateOur admissions representatives will help make sure your enrollment paperwork is filled out correctly so you can start working your way toward a new career.
Program Schedule
The class schedule is based on five ten week terms. The school offers its programs through both day and evening classes; program lengths may vary for students enrolled in some programs and in evening classes. Morning Shift classes are conducted Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm; Afternoon Shift classes Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm; Evening Shift classes Monday through Friday from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Individual schedules may vary by program.
Start dates. Programs Start Every 5 Weeks. The 2026-2027 catalog academic calendar lists upcoming module class start dates of November 16, 2026; January 4, 2027; February 8, 2027; March 15, 2027; April 19, 2027; May 24, 2027; June 28, 2027; August 2, 2027; September 6, 2027; October 11, 2027; and November 15, 2027. Contact Admissions for the next Arlington start date for this program.
Hybrid learning. Hybrid programs contain courses that are a combination of online and face-to-face instruction. Students are required to participate in all face-to-face classroom activities and online activities as outlined in the course syllabi. Under certain circumstances, students enrolled in hybrid programs may be required to take fully online classes to graduate.
Campus hours. Monday–Thursday 8:00 AM–8:00 PM, Friday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Program charges (Arlington, 2026-2027 catalog). Total tuition $17,500; program fee total $3,500; registration fee $40; total program charges $21,040 for 4 terms.
Program fees. Program fees represent the cost of specialized facilities, equipment, and materials required to offer a program and where applicable, tool kits, supplies and uniforms, which are non-returnable. Replacement and/or additional materials may incur additional charges. Students may purchase required books and supplies through a third party online bookstore, or opt out and obtain them on their own.
Payment plans. Payment for tuition and program fees should be arranged during the registration process. Arrangements may be made for students to pay on a monthly basis the portion of their charges not met by financial aid or other sources. Students are billed per term; total tuition and program fee charges are divided by projected terms to calculate a per-term charge, and STVT does not charge additional tuition or program fees for course retakes.
Financial aid. Financial Assistance is available to assist those who qualify with paying for educational expenses. All students seeking or applying for financial assistance must meet with a member of the School’s Financial Aid Office staff, who will guide the student on completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Programs include the Federal Pell Grant (maximum award of $7,395 for full-time enrollment in the 2025-2026 award year), the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Direct PLUS Loans for parents, Federal Work Study, and private loans.
Veterans education benefits. Veterans or eligible beneficiaries may qualify to use the GI Bill® at South Texas Vocational Technical Institute, including Post 911 GI Bill (Chapter 33), Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30), DEA/Chapter 35, Chapter 1606 and Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants. A student with a physical or mental disability which may be a handicap to employment may be eligible for training services through the state Vocational Rehabilitation agency.
Institutional awards. The High School/GED to Career tuition discount ($1,000) is awarded to high school graduates or GED recipients who begin classes within 12 months of receiving their diploma or GED. Up to fifteen $2,500 Empowering Equality in Trade Professions Scholarships may be awarded annually to first time students enrolling in this program; applicants complete a scholarship application and a 150-word essay. Students who qualify for multiple discounts/grants may only utilize one per program.
FAFSA school code. E40505 (Arlington campus). Net Price Calculator: https://www.stvt.edu/NetPrice/Arlington/
Curriculum
The Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Basic Refrigeration program requires 50 quarter credit hours for completion: 400 lecture hours, 400 lab hours and 0 externship hours (800 total hours).
Note – Other than stated prerequisites, the courses above do not necessarily have to be taught in the order in which they are outlined above.
Skills You’ll Cover in This Program. Along with classroom education, students at STVT will get the opportunity to participate in hands-on training to strengthen their skills.
- System Design Fundamentals. Understand piping, ductwork, circuitry, wiring design, and mechanical controls across heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
- Heating Systems. Train on the equipment used in residential and commercial heating applications, including operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
- Air Conditioning Systems. Learn how AC systems work, how to maintain them, and how to diagnose and repair the problems technicians face every day.
- Refrigeration Systems. Develop hands-on skills with commercial and residential refrigeration equipment and the refrigerants that power them.
- EPA Section 608 Guidelines and the Clean Air Act. Understand the federal regulations that govern refrigerant handling, and prepare for the certification required to work with them.
Instructional Equipment. The equipment provided for instructional purposes is comparable to that found in the industry for which the student is being trained. The Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Basic Refrigeration program utilizes special tools and test equipment required to properly troubleshoot and repair air conditioning, refrigeration and heating units, including basic refrigeration cycle demonstrator, domestic and commercial refrigeration units, selected air conditioning units, heat pump systems and other specialized tools associated with the trade.
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Career Outcomes
Entry-Level Jobs Graduates May Pursue:
- HVAC Apprentice
- HVAC Helper
- HVAC Installer
- HVAC Technician
- Maintenance Technician
- Service Technician
Industries and Jobs That Hire HVAC Technicians. Graduates of the HVAC & Basic Refrigeration program are prepared to pursue entry-level opportunities across a range of employers, including:
- Residential HVAC service and installation companies, the businesses keeping homes in South Texas comfortable through scorching summers and cool winters
- Commercial HVAC contractors, firms that service offices, restaurants, retail centers, and large commercial facilities
- Property management and facilities teams, organizations that utilize in-house technicians to maintain HVAC systems across apartment complexes, hospitals, and commercial buildings
- Industrial and manufacturing operations, facilities where climate control and refrigeration systems keep production running
Graduation and employment rates. As reported to ACCSC in the 2025 Annual Report (report date July 1, 2025) for Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Basic Refrigeration at the Arlington campus, report period 1/23 – 12/23: graduation rate 69% (72 of 104 students available for graduation); employment rate 70% (46 of 66 graduates available for employment). These disclosed employment rates reflect historical outcomes of graduate employment and should not be relied on as a representation or promise of future employability.
What to expect as a South Texas Vocational Technical Institute student
- Hands-On Training. Practice your skills in labs and training spaces that mirror industry standard work environments across Arlington and the Dallas–Fort Worth area.
- Supportive Environment. Our instructors and staff are committed to helping you stay on track and achieve your goals—inside and outside the classroom.
- Flexible Scheduling. Choose day or evening schedules so your training fits your work and family life.
- Career Support. Get help with resumes, interview practice, and job search strategies as you prepare for opportunities in Arlington and the broader DFW job market.
Campus Address
Why Accreditation Is Important
South Texas Vocational Technical Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) as a branch campus of Miller-Motte College – Chattanooga, TN. STVT is approved and regulated by the Texas Workforce Commission, Career Schools and Colleges.
- A reliable indicator of quality
- Approved program of study
- Qualified instructors
- Recognition by employers nationwide
Accreditations
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