Weekend Flexibility and New Curriculum Features Now Available at in Phoenix

The Refrigeration School, Inc. (RSI) in Phoenix, Arizona is introducing strategic updates that offer students even more flexibility and value in their skilled trades training. Effective summer 2025, several important changes go into effect—including the launch of new weekend schedules for two flagship programs and expanded curriculum offerings for refrigeration students.

These updates are part of RSI’s ongoing commitment to meet the needs of working adults, military students, and career changers who want accessible, industry-focused education in HVAC, electrical, and welding trades.

New Weekend Schedules for Electrical and Refrigeration Programs

For students seeking flexible electrical training or HVAC education, RSI’s new weekend program options make balancing work, family, and school more manageable. Starting July 1, 2025, both the Electrical Applications and Refrigeration Technologies programs will be available in a weekend format.

Schedule Details

Each of these programs will feature:

• Lecture Format: Asynchronous (completed online at your convenience)
• Lab Sessions: In-person, Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Mandatory Sunday Labs (Electrical Applications only): 9/28/2025 and 10/26/2025

These hybrid weekend tracks allow students to complete most academic components online while still receiving hands-on lab experience through intensive, full-day sessions on weekends.

This is a significant shift in accessibility for those interested in electrical training but unable to attend weekday classes. It also makes the Electrical Applications and Refrigeration Technologies programs viable for more adults looking to upskill without sacrificing weekday employment.

Curriculum Changes: Refrigeration Students Now Learn Solar Fundamentals

RSI has also enhanced the Refrigeration Technologies program with an added course that reflects current trends in sustainable energy systems. Starting with classes that begin on or after May 13, 2025, all students enrolled in Refrigeration Technologies will receive the Fundamentals of Solar course at no additional cost.

This addition expands the program’s focus from traditional HVAC and refrigeration systems to include knowledge and techniques related to solar integration—skills increasingly requested in Arizona’s evolving energy job market.

With the added course, the updated Refrigeration Technologies program now consists of:

• 700 contact hours
• 28 semester credit hours
• 30 weeks (7 months) of total duration

Graduates will not only be well-versed in core HVAC/R competencies but will also understand how solar components interface with climate control systems—an important value-add for prospective employers.

Discontinuation of the 16-Week Welding Specialist Track

RSI is also streamlining its welding education offerings. Effective June 1, 2025, the 16-week version of the Welding Specialist program will no longer be available to new students.

This move reflects a growing demand for more comprehensive, in-depth training across the skilled trades. While welding remains a large program at RSI, the school is refining its focus to ensure that students receive the depth of instruction necessary to be competitive in today’s job market.

The standard Welding Specialist program continues to be offered and remains a strong choice for students seeking focused, hands-on welding experience.

Program Costs and Tuition (Effective May 1, 2025)

Here is a breakdown of updated tuition and fees for the Electrical Applications and Refrigeration Technologies programs. These totals apply to all enrollments on or after May 1, 2025:

Electrical Applications

• Tuition: $17,400 (Standard) / $15,660 (Military)
• Registration Fee: $25
• Technology Fee: $500
• Lab Fees: $2,000
• Course Materials/Textbooks: $1,700
• Gear Package: $1,800
• Accident Insurance: $100
• Total Cost: $23,525 (Standard) / $21,785 (Military)

Refrigeration Technologies (including new Solar course)

• Tuition: $18,400 (Standard) / $16,560 (Military)
• Registration Fee: $25
• Technology Fee: $500
• Lab Fees: $2,000
• Course Materials/Textbooks: $1,000
• Gear Package: $1,800
• Accident Insurance: $100
• Total Cost: $23,825 (Standard) / $21,985 (Military)

Both programs remain eligible for financial aid to those who qualify. RSI continues to support active-duty service members and veterans with dedicated military pricing and benefits, including special refund provisions for those called into active service.

Support for Military Members and Veterans

RSI has updated its military grading policy to further accommodate students who are called to active duty. A new grade designation—”M” for Military—will now be issued in these cases. It will not affect GPA or academic progress calculations, and returning students may re-enroll within a year without penalty or additional tuition costs.

Want to Learn More?

These updates at RSI represent more than a policy shift—they show a continued investment in student accessibility, program relevance, and workforce alignment. For those interested in electrical applications, weekend courses open up entirely new pathways to certification. And for refrigeration students, the addition of solar fundamentals reflects a school that is always looking ahead.

If you’re considering enrolling at RSI for electrical training, HVAC, or welding, now is the time to explore these new options. The weekend format, military support, and updated curricula provide more flexibility and future-focused training than ever before. To learn more, contact us today.