Modesto Junior College's Regional Fire Training Center offers a 530 hour California State Fire Marshal approved Fire Academy Program. Located in Modesto, California, the RFTC has offered our Fire Academy since 1994. Two Academy classes are held each year, one in the spring semester and one in the fall.
The Fire Academy Program Includes the following subjects;
What Does it cost?
The Fire Academy requires registration with Modesto Junior College and material fees, and we as uniform and rental fees. The total cost of the Fire Academy is approx. $2000 - $2500.
Is the Fire Academy Difficult?
Firefighting is a very strenuous and physically demanding job. The course involves a great deal of manipulative training. In addition the fire service requires knowledge of academic subjects from English to math and chemistry. The classroom training is intensive and requires dedicated effort on the part of each student.
How do I Earn My Firefighter I Certification?
The California State Fire Marshal and State Fire Training have developed the certification path to become a State Certified Firefighter I. There are two components of the certification, which are education and experience.
The education component consists of a task book of various firefighting related competencies with a total of 348 hours of training and education. The Regional Fire Training Center's Fire Academy accomplishes these requirements through the culmination of the Fire Academy and its prerequisites.
The experience component consists of working for six months as a full-time paid firefighter or twelve months as a volunteer or part-time paid firefighter.
The Regional Fire Training Center cannot sign off a student's Firefighter I certificate, this may only be done by a Fire Chief. Upon completion of the Fire Academy you will, however, have completed your State Fire Training Firefighter I task book, and you will receive a Certificate of Completion from a State Fire Training accredited Fire Academy.
For more information from State Fire Training, Click Here.
What About EMS training?
Both First Responder Medical and Emergency Medical Technician classes are offered at the Regional Fire Training Center. A minimum of First Responder Medical (MEMS 350) is one of the pre-requisites for out FIre Academy.
EMT training is required as a minimum level of training to work on any ambulance as well as most fire departments. Click Here for more information on our EMS programs.
What are the pre-requisites?
The pre-requisites for application to the Fire Academy are;
How do I Apply?
Acceptance to the Fire Academy program is through an application process. Prospective candidates are evaluated on the basis of their college and fire experience. Successful candidates will be offered enrollment in the class.
Applications for the Fire Academy are accepted during the semester prior to the Fire Academy, though the exact dates vary each semester. If you would like an application please contact the Regional Fire Training Center to find out when applications will be available, or check this page for application updates.
If you need additional information please contact the Regional Fire Training Center at (209) 548-5706.
Courses and programs are subject to change without notice by the administration of the Yosemite Community College District or Modesto Junior College.
