Strider Floyd
Division Chair, Emergency Services
(940) 498-6254
sfloyd@nctc.edu
Basic Firefighter Certificate
The Basic Fire Academy is designed to give the student a well-rounded education for a professional career in the fire service.
Courses are taught through lecture, case study skills, written assignments, skills demonstrations, and extensive hands-on training. Internships are completed through area fire departments.
The fire academy program at NCTC is Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) approved.
Admission Process
Individuals interested in either the Basic Firefighter Certificate must attend an Advisement Session in order to be considered for admission. Once potential students have attended an Advisement Session, they will be required to complete the HESI test. The top 25 highest scores from the HESI test will be accepted into the program.
Qualifications
To be eligible to enroll in the Basic Firefighter Program, the applicant must show proof of the following at the time of registration:
- Be at least 18 years of age to sit for certification.
Potential students who wish to gain admission to the Basic Firefighter Program must complete the following:
- Attend an Advisement Session
- Take the HESI Test
Once accepted to the program of their choice, the student must complete the following:
- Submit Application for Admission to NCTC with official transcripts
- Criminal Background Check
- Immunizations
- Drug Screen
- Physical
- Physical Agility Exam Waivers
- CPR Certification (American Heart Association - Healthcare Provider only)
Criteria for Enrolling into the Fire Program
- Must have a social security number.
- Must be a high school graduate or have a GED.
- Be physically able to carry 120 lbs.
To Apply
Prospective students should obtain a program information packet from the Basic Firefighter Program and follow the instructions in the packet for securing admission into the program or on the NCTC website. The following will be submitted to the Basic Firefighter Program:
- Application for Admission to NCTC
- Application to the Basic Firefighter Program
- High school transcripts
- College transcripts
Program Acceptance
Potential students who wish to gain admission to the Basic Firefighter Programs must complete the following:
- Attend an Information Session
- Take the HESI Test
Once accepted to the program of their choice, the student must complete the following:
- Submit Application for Admission to NCTC with official transcripts
- Criminal Background Check
- Immunizations
- Drug Screen
- Physical
- Physical Agility Exam Waivers
- Must have medical insurance (can be purchased through agencies that work with NCTC.
- CPR Certification (American Heart Association - Healthcare Provider only)
Dual-Credit Program Acceptance
For those potential students seeking to attend the Dual-Credit Basic Firefighter Program, selection is based upon participating school district criteria. Currently, Denton, Lake Dallas and Lewisville Independent School Districts offer the Dual-Credit Basic Firefighter Programs.
Student selection to the Dual-Credit Basic Firefighter Program is based upon the following criteria:
- Attend an Information Session
- High School GPA
- School Counselor recommendation
- High School Discipline Record
Once accepted to the program of their choice, the student must complete the following:
- Submit Application for Admission to NCTC with official transcripts
- Criminal Background Check
- Immunizations
- Drug Screen
- Physical
- Physical Agility Exam Waivers
- Must have medical insurance (can be purchased through agencies that work with NCTC.
- CPR Certification (American Heart Association - Healthcare Provider only)
Progression
To progress through the Fire Science Program, the student must maintain a “C” average or above. Any student who has an interruption in the normal progression of his/her training may reapply for readmission to the program through the Division Chair. Time limitations are determined by department policy and are available by request. Readmission application does not guarantee applicants will receive acceptance into the program.
Firefighters Seeking an Associate Degree
Texas or IFSAC certified firefighters trained at a school other than North Central Texas College may apply for the Associate of Applied Science degree. Application procedures, entrance requirements, credit for certifications, and other requirements are available upon request.
Criteria for Enrolling into the Fire Program
- Must have a social security number.
- Must be at 18 years old.
- Must be a high school graduate or have a GED.
- Must have medical insurance (can be purchased through agencies that work with NCTC.
Cost Considerations for Fire Students
Summary of Costs
The total per-semester cost of enrolling in the Fire Program at North Central Texas College is the sum of:
- tuition
- “combined student fees”
- textbooks
- supplies and incidentals
Except for item 4, charges are figured just as they are for all other students. However, Fire students should be aware that due to the special nature of the program, expenses in categories 3-4 will probably be considerably higher than those paid by students in most other majors.
Textbooks
Fire textbooks are highly specialized and can be expensive, as much as $300 or more.
Supplies and Incidentals
Once admitted to the Fire Program, students will need to buy uniforms, boots, at physical fitness clothing. A good wristwatch is essential. Also, the student will need normal school supplies, and other costs that will include: major medical insurance, physical examination (including immunizations), Hepatitis B vaccine, CPR training, Drug Testing, Fire facility usage fees, bunker gear rental and Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) certification examination fee. Additional costs may include meals while attending internship. Some of these expenses will not be incurred until the latter part of the program.
Basic Firefighter Certificate
Following successful completion of the certificate program, the graduate will be able to:
- Demonstrate the desirable qualities of a basic firefighter that contribute to high professional and ethical standards.
- Function effectively during high stress situations. Such situations may include physical exertion, austere environments, victim extrication, victim rescue, and fire suppression.
- Coordinate scene management during hazardous situations.
- Establish rapport with first responders, agencies, patients, victims, and the public.
- Concisely document through written and oral communications, events relative to the provision of emergency care, rescue and fire incidents.
- Courses are taught through lecture, written assignments, skills demonstrations, and hands-on training. Clinical experiences and Internships are completed through local fire departments.
The Basic Fire Academy program is provided in both day and night class settings. The Day Class is designed to take 1 semester to complete and the Night Class is designed to take 2 semesters. Both class options consist of the following suggested pathway or course of study.
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