The Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training program at Algonquin College will provide students with the challenge of training for a career as a professional firefighter. The students\’ education is enhanced by applying the theory and basic firefighting skills they have learned directly to an intensive pre-graduate experience in the last semester in a simulated environment, including live fire.
Starting Fall 2013: This is a Mobile Learning Program.
As a student in this program you will require a mobile computing device, for example a laptop or tablet computer. Review the Mobile Requirements >>
The Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training Ontario College Certificate program provides the challenge of training for a career as a professional firefighter. Students learn to become effective functioning members of the "fire team." Through this program, "making the difference" becomes a reality generated through qualities of leadership, commitment, dedication and strength of character.
The program provides a theoretical/lab basis for entry to the career of firefighter. Students develop a sound understanding of fire science principles, practices of fire prevention, fire suppression, rescue, emergency care and community service. Students gain practical experience and perform various exercises in the field using tools, personal protective equipment, and systems under controlled situations, such as confined space rescue, salvage, auto extrication, fire streams, nozzles and hoses, water/ice rescue and emergency response. Students can practise their knowledge and skills in a pre-graduate experience in Level 03 of the program.
The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) through the Endorsement Review Board (ERB) endorses the program content of the Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training program. This curriculum is based on the Ontario Fire Marshal's "Ontario Standardized Curriculum for Firefighters(2008)" which meets the body of knowledge and practical skills required to meet the job-related performance objectives specified in the Ontario Fire Services Firefighter Standards. Graduates of the Pre-Serivce Firefighter Education and Training Program are eligible to write the OFM Provincial Firefighter Test.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
See themselves contributing as a team member in dynamic environments.
Enjoy a hands-on approach to learning about the firefighter occupation.
Want to make a difference in their community.
Your Career
Graduates may find employment with a municipal, regional or territorial fire department as a structural firefighter. Many graduates have also found employment with the federal government as a Canadian military firefighter or with an airport authority as an airport firefighter.
Graduates are eligible to write the OFM provincial test. Passing this test meets the academic requirement for Ontario firefighter certification.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of
instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab,
entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom
sessions with online learning activities. Upon registration, each
full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is
used to communicate important information about program or course
events.
Tuition Fees: $4,636.19 per term in Levels 01 and 02 and $2,472.62 in Level 03.
Information Technology Fee: $62.00 per term.*
Student Activity/Sports Fee: $200.50 per term in Levels 01 and 02 and $120.00 in Level 03.
Student Commons/Auditorium Fee: $22 per term in Levels 01 and 02.
Student Centre Building Fee: $17.50 per term in Levels 01 and 02.
Health Service Fee: $20 per term in Levels 01 and 02 and $10 in Level 03. Health Plan Fee: $117.02 paid once annually. **
A $40 graduation fee is payable in final term.
A $25 transcript fee is payable in the first term a student attends Algonquin College.
International Students pay all relevant Canadian fees plus an International Premium of $3,473.68 per term in Levels 01 and 02 and $1,852.64 in Level 03. * Students paying the Information Technology fee are provided with a network account, an email address, and Internet access. For more information please visit our website at algonquincollege.com/its/support/IT-Fee/index-it-fee.htm .
** Students who have coverage with another plan can request a refund by supplying the Students' Association with documentation supporting the request. This request will have to be made annually.
Books, uniforms, personal protective clothing and supplies cost approximately $1,600 for the program duration.
Admission Requirements
College Eligibility
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee of $40 (subject to change) will be charged.
Program Eligibility
English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
Mathematics, Grade 12 (MAP4C or equivalent).
Biology, Grade 11 or 12 (SBI3C or equivalent).
Chemistry, Grade 11 or 12 (SCH3C or equivalent).
Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English, mathematics, biology and chemistry. Recognition of previously earned postsecondary credentials is given during the selection process for this program.
Current CPR (Basic Rescuer, Level "C").
Current Standard First Aid.
Although we have eliminated the need for a fitness test prior to entering the program, we need to inform you that candidates who are accepted into the program will be given a Physical Abilities Test during their second semester. The files of the students who are unsuccessful in this test will need to be reviewed to determine if they will be allowed to go into the live fire component of the Fire Ground Operation II Lab during level 02. Without successful completion of this component the student will not graduate.
Police Records Check Documentation: Successful completion of pre-graduate experience placement is a requirement for graduation from the Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training program. Agencies that provide placement opportunities may require you to have a clear Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS). Your acceptance for placement is at the discretion of the agency. If you register in the program without a clear PRCSVS and as a result are unable to participate in placement, you will not be able to graduate.
Pre-Graduate Experience Eligibility:
To be eligible for any pre-graduate experience placement, you must submit proof of a PRCSVS, which will be retained on your departmental file and used only for purposes related to your placement. You will be required to disclose the contents of the PRCSVS, including all notations, to the placement agencies.
It is your responsibility to obtain the PRCSVS from your local Police Department prior to the deadline identified by your Department and to pay any associated costs. It may take a long time to obtain this documentation; please submit your application as early as possible. Should you require further information, please contact the Program Chair.
College Eligibility
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee of $40 (subject to change) will be charged.
Program Eligibility
English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
Mathematics, Grade 12 (MAP4C or equivalent).
Biology, Grade 11 (SBI3C or equivalent).
Chemistry, Grade 12 (SCH4C or equivalent).
Current CPR (Basic Rescuer, Level "C").
Current Standard First Aid.
Although we have eliminated the need for a fitness test prior to entering the program, we need to inform you that candidates who are accepted into the program will be given Physical Abilities Test during their second semester. The files of the students who are unsuccessful in this test will need to be reviewed to determine if they will be allowed to go into the live fire component of the Fire Ground Operation II Lab during level 02. Without successful completion of this component the student will not graduate. Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English, mathematics, biology and chemistry. Recognition of previously earned postsecondary credentials is given during the selection process for this program.
Police Records Check Documentation:
Successful completion of pre-graduate experience placement is a requirement for graduation from the Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training program. Agencies that provide placement opportunities may require you to have a clear Police Records Check for Service with the Vulnerable Sector (PRCSVS). Your acceptance for placement is at the discretion of the agency. If you register in the program without a clear PRCSVS and as a result are unable to participate in placement, you will not be able to graduate.
Pre-Graduate Experience Eligibility:
To be eligible for any pre-graduate experience placement, you must submit proof of a PRCSVS, which will be retained on your departmental file and used only for purposes related to your placement. You will be required to disclose the contents of the PRCSVS, including all notations, to the placement agencies.
It is your responsibility to obtain the PRCSVS from your local Police Department prior to the deadline identified by your Department and to pay any associated costs. It may take a long time to obtain this documentation; please submit your application as early as possible. Should you require further information, please contact the Program Chair.
Application Information
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
Due to physical demands of this program for job related activities, it is highly recommended that students get a medical exam before enrolling.
Applicants are advised that good vision and hearing are important health requirements.
Candidates must be aware that some components of the program require students to wear a breathing apparatus and climb high ladders; therefore, claustrophobia or acrophobia may prevent candidates from completing their studies.
Please note that for FIR1701 - Firefighter Emergency Patient Care, current Standard First Aid and Targeted Responder Level C CPR are requirements of the course.
Candidates should be aware that 70% is a passing grade in this program.
FIRE SERVICE EMPLOYMENT CRITERIA: For employment, fire departments require a Police Records Check, good vision, hearing and physical fitness. Although a class DZ Ontario drivers licence is not required for the Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training program, it is required for employment with an Ontario Fire Service. Candidates can contact the Ontario Ministry of Transport for further information on obtaining the licence.
For more information, please contact the Police and Public Safety Institute at 613-727-4723 ext. 5791.
Every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy
of the information in this publication. The College reserves the
right to modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable, or
campus location at any time
Starting Fall 2013: This is a Mobile Learning Program.