Student Experience

What to Expect

As a student in the program, you will be taught various firefighting, rescue, hazmat and medical response techniques in both theoretical and practical lab classes. Additionally, you will participate in associated classes such as psychology and fitness training that will include specific firefighting related drills. There are also many opportunities to volunteer outside of class hours in various charitable events.

You will be expected to complete homework and various assignments, participate fully in all classes, be respectful of all students and instructors, and maintain various equipment and safety gear, as required. You will be assigned to a platoon, and this platoon will work together throughout the duration of the course.

Your instructors bring a wide range of experiences from several different fire services, both career and volunteer. Your instructors will challenge you to be the best that you can, and opportunities to practice skills will be afforded outside of regularly scheduled classes.

First semester runs from September to December, second semester runs from January to April, and third semester runs from May to late June. Successful completion of each semester is required to move on to the next. Third semester will include off-campus training culminating with live fire training at the Ottawa Fire Services Training Centre. Provincial certification testing is completed by the Office of the Fire Marshal during the month of June.

Successful completion of all course requirements will be awarded with a college certificate. Successful completion of the Fire Marshal testing will be awarded with Firefighter 1, Firefighter 2 and Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations Level Certifications.

Work Integrated Learning

The program includes 400 hours of experiential learning, including the opportunity to put your skills into action and take part in both a fire simulation and a live-fire training practice. After completion of the program and meeting necessary prerequisites students may qualify for testing administered by the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal, leading to NFPA 1001 Firefighter I or Firefighter II certification.