Dec 03, 2024  
2023-2024 Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Fire Fighter I/II Career Certificate


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Graduates of the Fire Fighter I/II Career Certificate Program are prepared to become a credentialed Firefighter after successful completion of the State of Florida Firefighter II Certification Exam. This program provides training for Southwest Florida firefighters in partnership with the North Collier Fire Training Center. Students must satisfy the requirements set forth by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1001 and Florida Administrative Code Rule 69A-37.

Firefighters control and extinguish fires or respond to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk. Duties may include fire prevention, emergency medical service, hazardous material response, search and rescue, and disaster assistance.

This 492 clock-hour Career Certificate takes seven (7) months to complete. Classes are held in North Collier Fire Training Center on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and on Saturdays. The cost for this course varies due to equipment needs. Approximately $4,100 will cover course application, gear rental (if needed), uniforms, books, testing, fingerprinting, etc. Current occupational employment and wages data for Firefighters are published by the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics at www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes332011.htm.

Application Deadlines:

Spring Semester Start - Application due by November

Summer Semester Start - Application due by May

Admission Requirements:

The Firefighter I/II Career Certificate Program has limited enrollment. The Program is physically and mentally challenging and include extensive classroom and practical field components. Students must be physically prepared for the vigorous physical activity required to successfully complete the program. The Physical Agility Test (PAT) will ensure that all candidates entering the program have the physical ability to complete the course. Students must pass the Physical Agility Test prior to admission to the program.

Acceptance to Florida SouthWestern State College does not imply acceptance into the Firefighter I/II Career Certificate Program. Each applicant must meet specific criteria which are listed in the admission policies. The Criteria for Admission Policies are available through the program office or through the School of Health Professions Emergency Medical Services office at (239)489-9392. Admission applications are located at www.fsw.edu/academics/programs/certfireacademy.

After acceptance, students must complete the following:

  • State Fire Marshall Medical Health Form (DFS-K4-1022)
  • Current Certification in American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Professionals (CPR and AED).
  • Criminal background check and drug screening at the applicant’s expense.

Career Pathway: to AS to BAS Degree


Per Florida Career and Technical Education Statewide Articulation Agreement: School District Technical Center and state college faculty committee met and agreed to propose that the 492 clock hour program in Firefighter I/II shall articulate three (3) college credit hours to the AS degree in Fire Science Technology.  Students must enroll at a Florida College System institution in the AS/AAS program specified herein within three years of completion of the Career Certificate program in order to redeem the college credit.

After earning the AS degree, students may continue at FSW in the Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Safety Administration or the Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision Management.  Consult with a college advisor to learn more about the unique career pathways available at FSW. 

Firefighter I/II, Career Certificate Program of Study:


Total Career Certificate Program, Firefighter I/II - 492 Clock Hours


Information is available online at: www.fsw.edu/academics/ and on the School of Health  Professions Home page at: www.fsw.edu/sohp

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