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Pre-service firefighter education & training Program
*The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs and the Office of the Fire Marshal through the Endorsement Review Board, endorses the standardized curriculum used in the Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training Program. The three semesters of this program are offered consecutively from September to the first week in August. A dress code is in effect for all lab practice sessions and field placement activities. Students are required to purchase the student fire uniforms, crests, as well as basic personal fire boots and clothing items. Cost of additional supplies with required program textbooks is approximately $1,500.00. Fire turn-out gear will be provided by the College. Employment Opportunities Graduates of this program may obtain employment in industry, nuclear plants, natural resources-forest fire fighting services, airports, community firefighting services, colleges, and in rural or urban firefighting services. Upon successful completion of this program, students who choose to pay the required $100.00 fee can undergo provincial testing and skill-based scenarios to meet the Office of the Fire Marshal's requirements and receive a letter of achievement from the OFM. After obtaining employment with a fire service, after an appropriate time period and at the discretion of the fire chief, the firefighter may then apply to the Fire College to receive the Certificate of Achievement. Admission Requirements Note: This program is oversubscribed and receives more than enough qualified applicants to fill the seats available. Applicants accepted into oversubscribed programs confirm their offer and pay their fees early to reserve a place in the program. Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) 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 and must demonstrate equivalency to admission requirements. Call the Admissions Office at 705-235-7222 for more details. Note: Northern College does not offer testing for the science equivalencies. Ontario Class 'G' driver's licence recommended. It is also recommended that students attain a Class DZ driver’s licence by program completion. Class DZ driver’s licence is a prerequisite to employment in the fire services. Current Basic Cardiac Life Support Certificate (C.P.R. - Level C with HCP 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.) Physician’s medical report as per guide supplied by the College; immunization record including Hepatitis B; 2-step Mantoux (with follow-up chest x-ray if the T.B. test is positive). 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. The NFPA Standard is available on-line at http://www.northernc.on.ca/programs/hsci/ffighter.html 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 check –Ontario Education Services Corporation (OESC) - (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. Fees and Equipment All Pre-Service Firefighter students must take part in a mandatory two-day orientation session the first week of September. As part of the orientation, students require aptitude testing for which there is a fee ($50 at time of printing). Results are processed individually within two weeks and provided to each student. Students must purchase personal items of bunker gear apparel (gloves and balaclava, bunker boots, work boots and uniforms – approximately $500 which is included in the $1,500 overall estimate.) Program of Studies Pre-Service Firefighter students must participate in an intense two-week live burn training session at the College’s live burn centre. This training occurs at the beginning of the third semester and is essential for successful completion of the program. Rescheduling is not possible and is non-negotiable. Semester I Semester II Semester III *Electives: For program information: |
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