Fire Fighter Academy

Yuba College offers a Certificate of Achievement - Fire Fighter Academy Program leading to certification as a Fire Fighter 1(and Fire Fighter 2 based on class selection) through the California State Fire Marshal. A career ladder program for Fire Fighters wishing to advance to positions such as Driver Operator and Company Officer is also available. All students are advised to check the Yuba College Website for Fire Technology (https://yc.yccd.edu/publicsafety/home-page/fire-technology) often for new information relative to application and admission. Graduates of the Fire Fighter Academy Certificate of Achievement program will have a variety of employment opportunities in local, state, and federal firefighting positions.

The courses which include Emergency Medical Technician 1 prepares students to work immediately for those agencies that have these certifications as the minimum requirements. The courses without EMT 1 prepare students who have EMT training already or are planning to attend EMT 1 later.

Costs: In addition to the expenses of regularly enrolled students (living costs, activity fees, books, tuition, etc.), Fire Academy students have the additional expenses of uniforms, personal protective equipment, state certification testing, health examination, drug testing, and criminal background checks. Fire Technology students are eligible for grants and loans available to any Yuba College student meeting the financial aid criteria.

Drug Policy: Yuba College has a “zero tolerance” policy; all campuses and centers are to be alcohol and drug free. See the student manual for more information.

Criminal Background Checks: For students choosing the academy with EMT 1 included, background checks will be required. All clinical agencies used in the EMT 1 programs require criminal background screening. Applicants who are found to have certain violations that preclude clinical placement will not be able to complete the EMT 1 course requirements. National Registry Testing and State EMT 1 Certification requires an additional Live Scan criminal background check. Costs associated with the background screening is the responsibility of the applicant.

Advisory: It is highly recommended to complete FIRTC 1- Introduction to the Fire Service and Emergency Services and FIRTC 6- Fire Fighter Safety and Survival prior to enrolling in the Fire Fighter Academy.

Enrollment Eligibility: To apply for enrollment in the program, the student must complete an application which must be received by the Fire Technology Department prior to the application deadline as explained on the department website. If more applications are received than available course openings, a scoring matrix will be used to admit applicants to the program. Information about the scoring matrix is available on the Fire Technology Website.

Enrollment Process: Once eligible students are selected for the program, additional actions must be taken such as completing a physical exam, purchase all books, uniforms, and procure required personal protective equipment.

Students who complete this program should be able to:

1. Demonstrate technical, cognitive, and psycho‐motor skills necessary to achieve and maintain employment in the fire service.
2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of fire service industry history, trends, operational developments, and legal implications.
3. Demonstrate respect and acceptance for differing opinions, feelings and, values of others through the development of listening skills that promote ethical and equitable application of Fire and EMS services through classroom discussion, activities, and written assignments.
4. Communicate effectively in both oral presentations and written reports.

Required courses