About the Program
Are you interested in pursuing a career in firefighting? This 12-month certificate program prepares you for the challenges and rewards of a career as a firefighter or rescue specialist. Your studies will include fire ground operations, fire suppression, emergency medical responder (EMR) and fire investigation. You will also gain hands-on experiential learning in the areas of fire apparatus operation, technical rescue and hazardous materials.
This program is accredited by the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office (OFM) and provides you with several National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) professional qualifications, as well as the professional knowledge and practical skills to work in the fire service field.
Graduates of this program have the option to transfer into the Fire Protection Engineering Technician or Fire Protection Engineering Technology programs.
Credential Awarded
Ontario College Certificate
Duration
3 Semesters (12 Months)
Starts
January, September
Program and Course Delivery
This program is offered in person. Students are required to come on campus to attend classes.
Skills
Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:
- Perform fire suppression and fireground operations
- Perform inspection and maintenance of firefighting equipment
- Analyze fire development and suppression concepts
- Conduct fire and life safety inspections
- Perform technical rescue support and vehicle extrication operations
- Execute hazardous materials operations and decontamination procedures
Your Career
Graduates of the program can explore the following career options:
- Firefighter
- Technical rescue specialist
- Emergency medical responder
- Hazardous materials responder
Affiliations/Associations
- International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC)
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
- Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal (OFM)
Professional Certification
- NFPA 1001 Firefighter Level 1 & 2 (IFSAC & Pro Board)
- NFPA 1072 Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations Level (IFSAC & Pro Board)
- NFPA 1035 Fire & Life Safety Educator Level 1 (IFSAC & Pro Board)
- NFPA 1006 Technical Rescue Awareness Level
- Emergency Medical Responder (Red Cross EMR)
- DZ Truck Driver’s License (additional cost)
Program of Study
Course List | Course Code | Course Name | Weekly Hours |
| FFF101 | Fitness for Firefighters | 3 |
| FIR001 | Introduction to the Fire Service and Life Safety Programs 1 | 3 |
| FIR002 | Introduction to Firefighting 1 | 3 |
| FIR003 | Fire Ground Operations I 1 | 3 |
| FIR004 | Fire Suppression I 1 | 9 |
| FIR005 | Fire Ground Operations II 1 | 3 |
| FIR006 | Fire Suppression II 1 | 9 |
| FIR007 | Firefighter Emergency Medical Responder 1 | 7 |
| FIR008 | Hazardous Materials Operations - NFPA 1072 1 | 4 |
| FIR009 | Technical Rescue Operations - NFPA 1001 and 1006 1 | 7 |
| FIR012 | Fire Service Skills and Career Prep 1 | 4 |
| FIR013 | Fire Apparatus and Pump Operations 1 | 4 |
Additional
Successful completion of Physical & Endurance Test is a requirement during the first semester of the program.
Program Learning Outcomes
This Seneca program has been validated by the Credential Validation Service as an Ontario College Credential as required by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.
As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:
- Demonstrate the firefighter’s key roles in the following areas: fire suppression, community education and fire prevention, emergency care provided by firefighters, environmental protection and special rescue.
- Identify and use personal and professional development activities conducive to growth and lifelong learning.
- Meet the ethical, legal and safety requirements expected of firefighting professionals.
- Apply safe practices and techniques in the use of fire department tools and equipment.
- Communicate effectively via verbal, non-verbal, written and electronic means, using appropriate, recognized fire department terminology.
- Interact with others in various emergency and non-emergency situations with confidence, professionalism and sensitivity to others and to the circumstances.
- Communicate effectively, in a respectful manner, with various communities and their members.
- Use effective, appropriate problem-solving and decision-making skills in emergency and non-emergency situations.
- Work efficiently with the other members of the fire department team, providers of pre-hospital emergency care and other groups involved in providing emergency care to ensure a full range of services in emergency and non-emergency situations.
Pathways
As a leader in academic pathways, we offer a range of options that will allow you to take your credential further in another Seneca program or a program at a partner institution.
To learn more about your eligibility, visit the Academic Pathways web page.
