Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
Grade 12 English (C, U)

Note: The following is required for students planning to enroll in the Paramedic Bridging program:

• Grade 11 or 12 Biology (C, U or equivalent)
• Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry (C, U or equivalent)
• Grade 11 or 12 Mathematics (C,M, U or equivalent)

Northern College does not offer testing for the science equivalencies.

Or equivalent

Or mature student status (an applicant who does not have a high school diploma or equivalent, and will have reached the age of 19 years on or before the start of the program). Mature students must undergo academic testing prior to admission into a program. Call the Admissions Office at 705-235-7222 for more details.

Where the Pre-Service Firefighter program does not require a math course as an entrance requirement, employers may require additional tests that include mathematical skills and reasoning. It is strongly recommended that applicants take a senior high school math credit prior to enrolling in the Pre-Service Firefighter program. Academic prerequisites for this program may be obtained free of charge through Academic Upgrading.

Additional Admission Requirements

• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support Certificate (C.P.R. – HP content) (Must be obtained prior to the start of the program).
• Standard First Aid Certificate, or equivalent. (Must be obtained prior to the start of program).
• Completed Form.

Many fire service employers are implementing the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Standard as their applicant medical requirements. This standard covers the fire department physical and medical evaluation process and provides in-depth information that will be of assistance in determining if those interested in a career in firefighting meet the medical criteria for employment.

Candidates for the program must be free of criminal offences in order to be allowed in the field setting. An unpardoned criminal record will result in inability to participate in clinical practice courses and will prevent the student from graduating. A recent criminal reference/vulnerable sector check – (within 3 months) is required prior to the end of the first week of classes in September. Any costs for these checks will be the responsibility of the applicant.

Applicant Selection Criteria
Where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available spaces in the program, the Applicant Selection Criteria will be:
a) Permanent Residents of Ontario.
b) Receipt of Application by February 1st.
c) Achievement in the Required Academic Preparation*
Note: Grade and course requirements are used in the selection process. If applicants are enrolled in Grade 12 required subjects (as indicated above), in the second semester (February to June), grade 11 marks will be used to assess admission eligibility.

Fees and Equipment
All Pre-Service Firefighter students must take part in a mandatory two-day orientation session the first week of September. Students must purchase personal items of bunker gear apparel (gloves and balaclava, bunker boots, work boots, NFOA helmet and uniforms – approximately $500 which is included in the $1250 overall estimate for additional course supplies/texts.

Semester 1
FF1013 Fitness for Firefighters I
FF1022 Emergency Patient Care
FF1041 Emergency Patient Care Practice and
FF1051 Introduction to Fire Service
FF1061 Fire Behaviour & Building Construction
FF1111 Fire Operations I Practical Testing
FF1113 Fire Operations I
FF2041 NFPA 1006 Technical Rescue
MA1053 Mathematics Fundamentals I
CM1903 Communications I – Model A

Semester 2
FF2010 Fire Operations II
FF2013 Fitness for Firefighters II
FF2021 Advanced Emergency Patient Care Practice
FF2031 Fire Operations II Practical Testing
FF2032 Advanced Emergency Patient Care
FF2042 Fire Prevention
FF2044 Hazmat Awareness & Operations
CM2903 Communications II – Model A

Semester 3
FF2110 Practical Fire & Rescue Evolutions
FF3041 Technical Rescue Practical Testing

Semester 1

FF1013 Fitness for Firefighters I
This course will provide students with general and job-specific knowledge of fitness, enabling them to improve and maintain life-long personal and occupational fitness levels.  Emphasis will be placed on areas that relate to the physical demands of a firefighter (appropriate cardiorespiratory fitness, lifting safety and core endurance/health).  Additionally, attention to health and fitness as it relates to the whole individual including muscular strength/endurance/power, cardiorespiratory conditioning, psychological well-being and nutrition.  Special consideration will be place on nutrition and healthy eating habits and its importance for occupational performance and healthy living.

FF1022 Emergency Patient Care
The emphasis of this course is placed upon developing assessment skills for use in planning the stabilization and management of patients in a variety of medical/trauma situations. Students will be introduced to patient assessment, pathological processes and the management of various medical and traumatic problems that may afflict pre-hospital patients. Assessment is taught using a “hands on” approach that involves demonstration, performance and practice to hone skills. Practical sessions will follow the same outline as theoretical components of the course to assist in reinforcing knowledge and skills.

FF1041 Emergency Patient Care Practice and
The emphasis of this course is placed upon developing assessment skills for use in planning the stabilization and management of patients in a variety of medical/trauma situations. Students will be introduced to patient assessment, pathological processes and the management of various medical and traumatic problems that may afflict pre-hospital patients. Assessment is taught using a “hands on” approach that involves demonstration, performance and practice to hone skills. Practical sessions will follow the same outline as theoretical components of the course to assist in reinforcing knowledge and skills.

FF1051 Introduction to Fire Service
This course focuses on the professionalization process and the role of the firefighter. Included is a provincial overview of the fire service as it has evolved historically to the present day. Legislation, ethical and legal requirements of today’s professional firefighter are highlighted. The knowledge, attitudes and skills required by a professional firefighter are covered. Hiring criteria, career planning and professional development are examined.

FF1061 Fire Behaviour & Building Construction
This section assists firefighters in analyzing, planning and strategizing for effective responses to emergency incidents. It also provides the firefighter with the knowledge to identify safety concerns that affect emergency responder safety at emergency situations, and a general understanding of building construction types and how each performs under exposure to fire. Another essential element to building construction is how buildings and structures react under stress conditions that may result in structural collapse. Having a better understanding of building construction will assist firefighters in size up and scene stabilization for all types of incidents involving a collapse.

FF1111 Fire Operations I Practical Testing
This hands-on component of Fire Ground Operations focuses on the integration of fire ground theory into practice. Students will be introduced to and practice with communications and dispatch systems utilized within the fire department. The purpose, process and operation of communications equipment will be emphasized. The inspection, operation and maintenance of personal protective gear, breathing apparatus, tools and fire fighting equipment will be practiced. Students will have the opportunity to implement the use of firefighting equipment, and practice with ropes and knots within emergency and non-emergency lab simulation exercises.

FF1113 Fire Operations I
This course provides an overview of fire ground operations within the structure of an incident command system. Common techniques, tools, equipment and their use are incorporated. Specific knowledge, attitudes and skills of the fire fighter are emphasized. The final component of this course covers common ropes and knots used to raise and lower fire-fighter equipment in emergency and non-emergency situations. Types, sizes and uses of rope are highlighted. Practical experience focuses on tying common knots and raising and lowering fire fighting equipment.

FF2041 NFPA 1006 Technical Rescue
This course is designed to focus on the principles, practices and conduct of basic fire service search and rescue operations – level rescues based on the requirements of NFPA 1006, Chapter 5, 2013 Edition.

MA1053 Mathematics Fundamentals I
Students will review mathematical concepts and operations of basic arithmetic skills and their applications. Whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percent, ratio and proportions are topics covered.

CM1903 Communications I – Model A
Communications I is a practical course designed to help strengthen essential oral and written communication skills. Students will be exposed to a variety of learning methods and communication formats. Emphasis will be placed on the use of appropriate structure, writing conventions, tone and style as well as the enhancement of interpersonal, teamwork and presentation skills. Students will also develop discipline-specific documents, practise proper business etiquette and learn the importance of ethical behaviour and professionalism in the classroom and workplace. Attention to detail is emphasized.

Semester II

FF2010 Fire Operations II
This course will focus on an overview of components and goals of fire ground operations. The content will include: forcible entry, ventilation, water supply, fire hose, fire streams, loss control and fire origin and cause determination. Safety and effectiveness are threads that go hand-in-hand throughout fire ground operations.

FF2013 Fitness for Firefighters II
This course is a continuation of the previous semester’s fitness course. It will provide students with general and job-specific knowledge of fitness, enabling them to improve and maintain life-long personal and occupational fitness levels.  Emphasis will be placed on areas that relate to the physical demands of a firefighter (appropriate cardio-respiratory fitness, lifting safety and core endurance/health).  Additionally, attention to health and fitness as it relates to the whole individual including muscular strength/endurance/power, cardio-respiratory conditioning, psychological well-being and nutrition.  Special consideration will be place on nutrition and healthy eating habits and its importance for occupational performance and healthy living.

FF2021 Advanced Emergency Patient Care Practice
The emphasis of this course is placed upon developing advanced assessment skills for use in planning the stabilization and management of patients in a variety of medical/trauma situations. Students will be introduced to patient assessment, pathological processes and the management of various medical and traumatic problems that may afflict pre-hospital patients. Assessment is taught using a “hands on” approach that involves demonstration, performance and practice to hone skills. Practical sessions will follow the same outline as theoretical components of the course to assist in reinforcing knowledge and skills.

FF2031 Fire Operations II Practical Testing
This hands-on component of Fire Ground Operations II focuses on the integration of fire ground theory into practice. Students will be introduced to equipment and methods of application for fire suppression, ventilation, forcible entry, search and rescue as well as salvage and overhaul. The types, classification, propulsion methods and use of fire extinguishers are reviewed. Students will implement the use of firefighting equipment, extinguishing devices and equipment utilized in forcible entry, search and rescue, salvage and overhaul within emergency and non-emergency simulation exercises.

FF2032 Advanced Emergency Patient Care
The emphasis of this course is placed upon developing advanced assessment skills for use in planning the stabilization and management of patients in a variety of medical/trauma situations. Students will be introduced to patient assessment, pathological processes and the management of various medical and traumatic problems that may afflict pre-hospital patients. Assessment is taught using a “hands on” approach that involves demonstration, performance and practice to hone skills. Practical sessions will follow the same outline as theoretical components of the course to assist in reinforcing knowledge and skills.

FF2042 Fire Prevention
This section describes the types, classification system, propulsion methods, extinguishants, characteristics and use of portable fire extinguishers used by the fire service. It also describes the limitations of these devices and the precautions associated with their use.

FF2044 Hazmat Awareness & Operations
Content will focus on the role, responsibilities and actions taken by firefighters as firefighter emergency responder at an awareness level during a hazardous materials incident. There will be a focus on recognition, firefighter protection, interagency coordination securing the area and accessing of information from additional resources.

CM2903 Communications II – Model A
Communications 2 is a one-semester course which applies the oral and written communication tools learned in the first semester to specific business/technical applications as required by industry today. The student will enhance writing skills acquired in COMM1 and learn to produce effective documents including business letters, memoranda, emails, employment documents as well as reports and problem-solving documents as applicable to their field of study. The course presents the theory and practice necessary for the planning and presentation of short informal and formal reports and introduces the dynamics of planning and participating in meeting situations. Students will participate in mock interviews (as applicable), so that they are prepared to sell themselves as they transition into the competitive employment market. Students will continue to review grammatical structures and apply editing strategies to business/technical documents through both in-class activities and the usage of the customized online grammar tool. As with COMM1, the content will be inclusive and reflect the diverse workplace that students will find themselves in in the future

Semester 3
FF2110 Practical Fire & Rescue Evolutions
This course will focus on the culminating performances of all the skill learned in fire ground operations, patient care, hazardous materials awareness/operations and technical rescue.

FF3041 Technical Rescue Practical Testing
This course will focus on the roles, responsibilities and actions taken by firefighters as first responders to take appropriate action at WMD incidents and hazardous materials spills or releases. The scope is limited to giving detailed information about internal and primary defensive operations.

Download the complete Articulation Agreement list for Universities and Colleges (PDF, 113KB).

You can also visit OnTransfer. This site provides information and resources to help students and potential students find their way through Ontario’s postsecondary system.