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MINISTRY-APPROVED PROGRAM TITLE: PRE-SERVICE FIREFIGHTER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
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 superhero – are you ready to apply?
This program is delivered in a compressed format, meaning that students complete it in two consecutive semesters.
A non-compressed delivery is also available, which sees students complete the program in three consecutive semesters.
Please note: This program may be highly competitive and have a specific selection process and application deadline. Please refer to Admission Processes for details regarding highly competitive programs.
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To help students succeed in programs with remote learning requirements, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified minimum technology recommendations. While these are not program requirements, these suggestions will help ensure students have the right tools to support a quality remote learning experience.
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905.721.3000
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 Level 1 & 2 (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 Marshal and Emergency Management.
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.
Courses and course descriptions are subject to change. Please note that as a result of COVID-19 the 2023-2024 program of study may be modified to accommodate program delivery changes.
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.
To help students have the best remote learning experience possible, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified technology recommendations for each program based on course needs and software requirements. While not required, students may want to consider these suggestions if they are purchasing a computer or laptop for the upcoming academic year.
Processor: i7 RAM: 16GB Storage: 256GB SSD Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional or Education x64 SP1 Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 11 or Google Chrome (newest version) or Firefox (newest version) Network Adapter: 802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless adapter Camera: Webcam/built-in camera Internet connection
Questions regarding technology recommendations can be directed to the IT Service Desk or the school office.
Students will be given the opportunity to practice and progress in a controlled setting at a variety of training facilities. Live fire exercises will further enhance the student experience, including but not exclusive to: fire behavior and progression, vehicle fires, Class B fires, fire streams and methods of interior fire attack.
For more information contact, Treina Kennington, field placement co-ordinator.
Project Lord Ridgeback (PLRB) is multi-disciplinary experiential learning exercise that simulates a local disaster. Interacting with actors who play victims, casualties, emotionally distressed persons and the elderly in a staged, choreographed event, students from a wide range of programs learn by acting and responding as they would in real emergencies. Subject matter experts design injects into disaster-related scenarios which simulate authentic workplace demands.
Following the mock disaster, students participate in follow up exercises to apply learning in mock court testimony, critical incident stress debrief, crime-scene lab work, and form completion specific to their program areas.
Student participants are from a wide range of DC programs including: Practical Nursing, Primary Care Paramedic, Police Foundations, Protection Security & Investigation, Paralegal, 911 Call Centre Communications, Advanced Law Enforcement and Investigations, Journalism Mass Media Program, Social Service Worker, Activation Co-ordination – Gerontology, Court Support Services.
Pre-Service Firefighting candidates can improve their professional portfolio with the addition of the Fire & Life Safety Systems Technician diploma. Strengthen your fire safety credentials by acquiring knowledge of codes, legislation, fire safety planning and fire safety systems. This program has an exceptionally high hire rate and offers students professional designations which allow graduates to work on and maintain fire protection systems.
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