Fire Academy - Technical Certificate

The purpose of this program is to prepare students for employment in the fire science realm that ranges from a frontline fire fighter to entry level fire inspectors and investigators. State administered practical examination will be conducted on site on the final day of class. The curriculum is prescribed by the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training (BFST).

Prerequisite Program Requirements:

• Prior to enrollment, student must complete all PHSC and Bureau of Fire Standards requirements to include, background check, BFST forms, fingerprint card, physical fitness evaluation, health and physicians certificate (in accordance with Fire Administrative Code 69a-37.037) and all other pre course documents
• Candidates may either self pay, using student loans or sponsored by an agency.

• Students must attend an orientation where all of the requirements will be outlined and paperwork completed

• Application packets can be obtained at the orientation or by request from the program coordinator

• ICS 100, 200 and 700

• Valid current CPR Healthcare provider card

• State of Florida Certified EMT or Paramedic (student can take EMT through PHSC)

• Valid Florida Driver's License

Special Program Requirements:

• The total number of class hours must equal a minimum of 398 contact hours. Students will be responsible for their attendance to ensure they are present for all mandatory classes and have completed the required number of hours.

• Students must adhere to the policies of PHSC and the student manual which will be provided at orientation.

• This course is physically and mentally demanding, students are responsible to maintain proper physical conditioning, hydrate accordingly and follow the directions of the instructors regarding their health, safety and wellbeing.

• The candidate will be responsible for obtaining and maintaining personal protective equipment, uniform items, self contained breathing apparatus mask and necessary textbooks and supplies. These items will be outlined in the student manual distributed at the orientation.

• The minimum class average must be maintained is 80%. Failure to maintain this average will \be cause for dismissal.

• Students with disabilities must make PHSC and the instructors aware of any qualifying disability prior to enrolling in the program. NFPA 1582 will be the governing standard for accommodations regarding task and job performance skills.

• There may be additional responsibilities of the student at the t;me of enrollment and at any time during the completion of the course based on changes to state law and administrative rule.

• Upon completion of the Firefighter I program the student will be eligible to obtain a Volunteer Firefighter Certificate of Completion and be eligible to operate as a volunteer firefighter in accordance with F.A.C 69a62.039.

• Upon completion of the Firefighter II program, the student will be eligible to sit for the State Firefighter exam to obtain the Certificate of Compliance. (CCC)