Adult Vocational Academy

AVA Program Pre-requisites

To participate in an AVA program, you must meet all of the following:

• Be 18 years of age or older (21 years of age or older for CDL programs)
• Be a resident of Tarrant County or a surrounding county, including Johnson, Hood, Erath, or Somervell County
• Have a high school diploma or be actively working toward a High School Equivalency (HSE) certificate
• Provide valid work eligibility documentation (I‑9 documents), such as:
  • A state‑issued ID and Social Security card, or
  • A U.S. passport
• Complete a basic skills assessment (CASAS) in reading and math and meet the required minimum scores
• Have reliable internet access and access to a computer or laptop for the duration of the academy
• Be able to commit to the full program schedule and attend all required class sessions

Selective Service: All male applicants must be registered with the Selective Service System, as required by federal law.

Current Enrollment Restrictions

Applicants must not:

• Be currently enrolled in a high school, college, or university (credit programs)
• Have completed an advanced degree (Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate) from a U.S. institution
• Be currently enrolled in, or have previously completed, another career training program

Health Science Academies

Certified Medical Assistant

• Course length: 21 weeks
• Schedule: Weekdays (8 a.m.–5:30 p.m.)
• Training locations: Arlington and Fort Worth
• Topics covered:
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Medical Asepsis and Infection Control
  • Medical Terminology
  • Billing, Coding, and Collections
  • HIPAA & OSHA Compliance
  • Medical Office Computerization
  • Supervised Clinical Practical Experience

Certified Patient Care Technician

• Course length: 14–19 weeks
• Schedule:
  • Weekdays (8 a.m.–5:30 p.m.)
  • Weekend (Evening)
• Training locations: Arlington and Fort Worth
• Topics covered:
  • Patient Care and Site Preparation
  • Venipuncture and Capillary Specimen Collection
  • Specimen Handling and Transport Procedures
  • Infection Control and Safety Practices
  • HIPAA Compliance & Confidentiality
  • Professional Conduct and Ethical Standards
  • Supervised Clinical Practice Experience

Certified Dental Assistant

• Course length: 16–19 weeks
• Schedule: Weekdays (8 a.m.–5 p.m.)
• Training locations: Arlington
• Topics covered:
  • Dental Ethics and Legal Responsibilities
  • Dentistry and the Law
  • Tooth Morphology & Oral Anatomy
  • Dental Radiology Fundamentals
  • HIPAA & OSHA Compliance
  • Front Office and Administrative Procedures
  • Supervised Clinical Practical Experience

Transportation and Skilled Trade Academies

Commercial Driver License (CDL)

• Course length: 6–14 weeks
• Schedule: Weekdays (7 a.m.–6 p.m.)
• Training locations: Fort Worth and Mansfield
• Topics covered:
  • Commercial Driver Safety and Regulations
  • Vehicle Systems and Basic Maintenance Awareness
  • Pre-Trip, En-Route, and Post-Trip Inspections
  • Basic Vehicle Control & Maneuvering
  • Safe Driving Practices and Defensive Driving
  • Hours of Service & Logbook Compliance
  • Supervised Behind-the-Wheel Driving Experience

American Welding Society (AWS)

• Course length: 10 weeks
• Schedule: Weekdays (7 a.m.–5 p.m.)
• Training locations: Forest Hill
• Topics covered:
  • Welding Safety and Shop Practices
  • Blueprint Reading and Welding Symbols
  • Measurement, Layout, and Fabrication Basics
  • Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) Fundamentals
  • Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) Fundamentals
  • Equipment Setup and Materials Handling
  • Supervised Hands-On Welding Practice

Maintenance Repair Technician (MRT) & HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing

• Course length: 12 weeks
• Schedule: Weekdays (7 a.m.–5 p.m.)
• Training locations: Fort Worth
• Topics covered:
  • MRT Fundamentals & Industry Safety Practices
  • Electrical Troubleshooting & Diagnostics
  • Plumbing, Light Electrical &HVAC Basics
  • Job Search & Interview Skills
  • EPA 608 Universal Certification