Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training

A group of students in the pre-service firefighter program are wearing professional gear and using appropriate attire to get a fire out from a car.

Firefighters are on the front line of emergency response and are an integral part of any community, contributing to public safety, fire awareness and education. Learn the skills and knowledge to prepare you for success in the fast-paced and rewarding field of firefighting.

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Home / Learn / Programs List / Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training

Credential

Ontario College Certificate

Duration

One year or less

Start Date(s)

September (Fall)

Locations

Belleville

Open to

International Students

Domestic Students

CIP Code

43.0203

Find your career

Prepare for a rewarding career working in such settings as municipal or regional firefighting, fire inspection, fire prevention and public safety, the Canadian military or the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Graduates will be qualified to work in a range of careers in the firefighting field, including as firefighters, medical attendants, fire rangers and fire alarm technicians.

Is it for you?

A career in the field of firefighting is both challenging and rewarding. You may be well suited to a career as a firefighter if you:

Want a career where you can make a difference
Enjoy working in a fast-paced environment
Are able to work well both independently and as part of a team
Thrive in difficult situations and are able to think on your feet

How you'll learn

Experiential learning

This hands-on program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to work effectively as part of a fire service team and with other emergency responders to provide comprehensive service in emergency and non-emergency situations:

Practice and test your skills in simulated and controlled live fire training situations.
Learn about fire suppression, community education and fire prevention, firefighter emergency patient care, property conservation, environmental protection, confined space and environmental hazards, and rescue operations.
Acquire the appropriate fire service terminology required to effectively communicate in a range of situations and develop skills to communicate professionally with diverse communities and their members.
Explore operating procedures and acquire the skills to confidently use fire department communications equipment, personal protective clothing and protective equipment.

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to undertake the OFM provincial firefighters test and upon successful completion of this test can apply for standing under NFPA 1001 as Firefighter Level I and II, and NFPA 1072 Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations from IFSAC/Proboard.

Courses

PSFP1002 Emergency Medical Response (EMR)

Emergency Medical Response (EMR) provides the knowledge and skills that are necessary in a medical emergency to help sustain life, reduce pain, and minimize the consequence of injury or sudden illness. This course is designed for those providing professional level emergency patient care including firefighters and EMS personnel while working in a prehospital setting. Meets the Paramedic Association of Canada National Occupational Competency Profiles for the practitioner level of emergency medical responder (EMR).

FITN1013 Fitness & Resiliency for Firefighters 1

This course will provide the concepts of health, wellness and physical readiness, using both theory and practical applications. The aim of the course is to provide students with the opportunity, resources and direction to achieve the level of fitness required to enter into the fire service and maintain a healthy lifestyle while serving on the force. Students will be required to successfully complete the York University Firefighter Fitness Assessment or equivalent by the end of semester one. Co-requisite: PSFP 1003

PSFP1003 Fundamentals of Firefighting 1

This theory/ lab course introduces students to a broad range of firefighting foundational concepts, including personal protective equipment, ropes and knots, ground ladders, fire hoses, water supply, fire streams, fire behavior and fire control. Application of these skills in the lab and simulation environment further solidify these core firefighting concepts. Co-requisite: PSFP 1001

PSFP1001 Incident Response Systems & Communications

Incident Response provides an overview of how firefighters respond to a fire, work on the fire ground and report through the chain of command. Principles of accountability to the firefighters and the firefighting team is stressed with an understanding of how the firefighter fits in the joint services emergency response model. The ability to communicate throughout that chain is managed through the communication and dispatch systems used in the fire service. The proper use of communications, procedures and the operation of communication equipment will be complemented by working interprofessionally with the dispatcher and the firefighter. Co-requisite: PSFP 1003

PSFP1000 Professional Communications

This course is designed to help students develop effective academic and professional writing skills. Students will learn how to write summaries, resumes, cover letters, and analytical reports. They will also learn how to research and present information in clear, concise, accurate, factual, and unbiased language, and to write assignments that conform to the minimum standards of English grammar, spelling and punctuation.

PSFP1005 Fire Operations

The course looks at the concepts of forcible entry, ventilation, loss control and overhaul. Students will practice skills and techniques used to perform these tasks effectively and safely. This course will also focus on how today’s fire service professionals can perform these tasks effectively while avoiding any excessive damage to personal or public property. Prerequisite: PSFP 1002, PSFP 1003 Co-requisite: PSFP 1004, PSFP 1007

PSFP1004 Fire Suppression

This course will build upon the students’ knowledge and practical skills in the areas of fire behavior, fire hoses, fire streams and fire control. This course will also introduce the student to the concepts of building construction and establishing a rural water source, all while working as an effective part of a team. Prerequisite: PSFP 1002, PSFP 1003 Co-requisite: PSFP 1005, PSFP 1007

PSFP1006 Firefighter Public Relations & Professional Development

This course will focus on the important role of the firefighter in the community, reflected in activities and initiatives in the area of public relations, public education, professionalism and fire and life safety. Students are introduced to the concept and role of the adult educator as it pertains to education in the fire service. They will examine the essential elements necessary to create a positive learning environment based on a needs analysis of their audience. Students learn how to effectively communicate ideas and information during informative speaking and fire emergency situations.

FITN1014 Fitness & Resiliency for Firefighters 2

This course will provide the concepts of health, wellness and physical readiness, using both theory and practical applications. The aim of the course is to expand on the concepts from Fitness & Resiliency for Firefighters 1 to ensure the student is able to maintain their fitness testing capacity for entry to practice. Prerequisite: FITN 1013

PSFP1007 Fundamentals of Firefighting 2 - Tools & Equipment

This theory/lab course will expand on the ladder and rope skills and knowledge learned in PFCJ 1003. This expanded knowledge and skill will allow the students to apply these tools and techniques during simulated events to demonstrate their use during a response. Students will also look at equipment and maintenance techniques that can be used to test, service and maintain tools and equipment within the fire station. Prerequisite: PSFP 1002, PSFP 1003 Co-requisite: PSFP 1004, PSFP 1005

PSFP2002 Fire Control & Operations

Fire control and operations will afford students an opportunity to integrate knowledge and skills learned throughout the firefighting program and to apply them during an intensive practice of basic firefighting skills in a controlled training environment. This course will also take students through the coordination of fire attack, fire protection systems, as well as origin and cause analysis. Prerequisite: PSFP 1004, PSFP 1007

PSFP2003 Firefighter Comprehensive Review

The Pre-Service Firefighter program is designed to prepare students for the Ontario Fire Marshal and Emergency Management (OFMEM) evaluations. This course permits the student to consolidate the firefighter knowledge and skills and prepare for the OFMEM theory and practical evaluation skill tests. Prerequisite: FITN 1013, PSFP 1000, PSFP 1001, PSFP 1002, PSFP 1003, FITN 1014, PSFP 1004, PSFP 1005, PSFP 1006, PSFP 1007 Co-requisite: FITN 2011, PSFP 2000, PSFP 2001, PSFP 2002

FITN2011 Fitness & Resiliency for Firefighters 3

This course will explore the constructs of PTSD, work-life balance, resiliency and crisis management for the individual, their families and communities. The aim of the course is to expand on the concepts from Fitness & Resiliency for Firefighters 2 to ensure that the student is able to maintain their fitness testing capacity for entry to practice. Prerequisite: FITN 1014

PSFP2001 Hazardous Materials Awareness & Management

This course will provide the student with an awareness of how to recognize, respond to, and protect themselves from hazardous materials and weapons of mass destruction.

PSFP2000 Specialized Rescue & Operations

This course takes the student through basic rescue skills that are used for various fire department rescue scenes. Students will learn skills to perform patient rescue, firefighter rescue, self-rescue and auto extrication. Students will also learn skills that can be used to support specialized rescue operations such as water rescue. Prerequisite: PSFP 1005, PSFP 1007

*Courses subject to change.

A group of students in the pre-service firefighter program are working on using gear and a hose to blow water onto a car outside. Fourteen green graphic circles are in the lower lefthand corner of the image.

Admission requirements

Required academic preparatio

OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U) or (M) level with:

Grade 12 English (C or U) AND
Grade 11 Mathematics (C, M or U) level or equivalent

NOTE: Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training is a highly competitive program; possession of the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee an offer of admission.

Mature applicant

Additional requirements

Throughout the program, students will be required to wear a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). To wear the SCBA properly, students must be able to achieve a proper seal with the face piece. This can only be accomplished if the student is clean shaven. Loyalist College follows the requirements in CSA Z94.4 Standard on the Selection, Use and Care of Respirators to ensure the health and safety of our students.
Prior to the end of the first semester, and in order to proceed to semester two, students must pass the York University Fitness Evaluation or its equivalent. A re-test is at the student’s expense.
Minimum 20/30 uncorrected vision in both eyes with no significant colour deficiency is a normal fire department requirement but will not prevent admission into this program. Students not meeting this requirement are required to sign a letter of understanding stating they’re aware of fire department requirements.
Valid Standard First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)-C for Health Care Provider (HCP) certificates. Documentation must be submitted to the program coordinator upon admission into the program.

International students

Learn more about admission requirements for international applicants and how to apply.

Costs

Approximate costs (2024 – 25)

Domestic Tuition: $11,100 year one (three semesters)
Full-Time Ancillary Fees*: $2,050.50 in ancillary fees for year one (three semesters)
Additional Program Costs:** $2,300 (fire kit, uniforms, equipment and books)

*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and fees page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies.

**Please note that the additional program costs are subject to change.

Paying for college

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.  

Pre-service firefighter students are holding a hose and wearing firefighter gear working on taking out a fire. Fourteen blue graphic circles are in the lower lefthand corner of the image.

Further study

Upon successful completion of the certificate, learners can build on their knowledge and skills through transfer into other EMS, health-related professions such as paramedicine.

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