Firefighter – Pre-service, Education and Training

Program Overview

Firefighters take responsibility for things many people wouldn’t want to carry on their shoulders including saving lives, homes, buildings, schools and churches and protecting the environment. Sounds a lot like a job description for a real-life super hero – are you ready to apply? Students entering the January intake should note that they will experience a compressed delivery model.

Service

Training

Live Fire Training

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma or Mature Student Status
Grade 12 English (C or U)
Grade 11 mathematics (C, M or U)
One of the following sciences:
- Grade 11 or 12 biology (C, M or U)
- Grade 11 or 12 chemistry (C, M or U)
- Grade 11 physics (C, M or U)
- Grade 11 or 12 exercise science (C, M or U)
One additional senior-level credit

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Intakes and Availability

Date	Domestic Availability	International Availability
September 2019	Open
January 2020	Open

Tuition

Year one domestic: $12,972 (CDN)

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Semester 1 Courses

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Career Options

WHAT YOU COULD BE:

Fire alarm technician
Fire ranger
Firefighter
Hazardous material technician
Medical attendant
Volunteer firefighter

View all Career Options

Program Details

The program will provide you with the knowledge and practical skills required to become a firefighter. The curriculum is based on the current National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) standards and is recognized across North America.

The course is delivered in a professional model and all program participants will be required to adopt the professional standards of behaviour required of a modern day firefighter. Applicants are advised to participate in after-class hours since self-study is an essential component for success.

Note: All competencies specified for this program must be met therefore attendance in class, lab and off-site practicums is a requirement for success.

The program will consist of a heavy classroom component progressing to practical application. You will apply your practical skills in simulated and controlled live fire training scenarios on campus and at local fire training facilities. You will also receive assistance in preparations for the hiring process.

Upon successful completion of this program, you will be eligible to take the exams for NFPA 1001 and 1002 (Firefighter 1 and 2) as well as the NFPA 472 (Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations). All exams are administered by the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshall and Emergency Management.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma or Mature Student Status
Grade 12 English (C or U)
Grade 11 mathematics (C, M or U)

AND
One of the following sciences:

Grade 11 or 12 biology (C, M or U)
Grade 11 or 12 chemistry (C, M or U)
Grade 11 physics (C, M or U)
Grade 11 or 12 exercise science (C, M or U)

AND

One additional senior-level credit

Please note: This program may be highly competitive and have a specific selection process and application deadline. For more information, please contact recruitment@durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.3126. Please refer to Admission Processes for more details regarding highly competitive programs.

Post-admission requirements:

Purchase Durham College approved Uniform, Equipment and Bunker Gear that is a mandatory requirement in order to participate in the program, please see the Bunker Gear Information Sheet under Helpful Downloads
Attend a Mandatory Pre-Service Firefighter Program Orientation Session a minimum of two months prior to the start of the program. At this Orientation Session you will be provided with an opportunity to meet with the three vendors who supply the Uniform, Equipment and Bunker Gear for this program to receive your professional fittings, make your payment and place your order
Obtain a Criminal Background Check (no convictions) with Vulnerable Sector Screening. Clear record checks are required for off-site practicums
Provide proof of current First Aid Certification that must remain current for the length of the program
Provide proof of current Canadian Heart & Stroke Foundation CPR Certification with a minimum of Level C

Please note if you have been convicted for an offense under the criminal code for which you have not been pardoned, you may be unable to participate in off-site practicums, a requirement of graduation.

Courses

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Fire Ground Practical III (FGP 3400)

Courses and course descriptions are subject to change.

Costs

YEAR ONE FEES	Domestic
Tuition	$12,972
Compulsory Ancillary	$1,380
Program Incidental	$105
Total Fees:	$14,457

Please note: fees are based on the 2018-2019 academic year and do not include textbooks. For more information please see Other fees to consider.

Career Options

WHAT YOU COULD BE:

Fire alarm technician
Fire ranger
Firefighter
Hazardous material technician
Medical attendant
Volunteer firefighter

WHERE YOU COULD WORK:

Industrial fire services
Municipal fire services
Safety services

Program Transfer, Degree Completion And Additional Credentials

Qualified graduates can go on to take Durham College’s Fire and Life Safety Systems Technician program or 911 Emergency and Call Centre Communications program.

Graduates may also be eligible to apply their academic credits toward further study through Durham College’s partnerships with many Canadian and international colleges and universities. Please visit our pathways page to learn more about how you can transfer your credits towards a degree.