Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute

Firefighter

Firefighter

Coursework provides students with the basic essential knowledge and skills required to work as a Firefighter.

EMTs standing with equipment bags on their shoulders

Program Content

This 340 hour certification program is comprised of 22 individual courses.

Admission Requirements

  • 16 years of age, some courses require students to be 18 years of age due to practical skills components
  • High School Diploma or High School Equivalency is required prior to receiving certification from the Office of State Fire Marshall

Cost

  • Registration Fee
    • Registration fee is per course and is either $70 or $125 depending upon the number of hours.
         (Some students may be fee waived if they are an active member of a Fire/Rescue/EMS Department)

BCBS Firefighers Scholarships may be available.

Educational Pathways:

Firefighter > Associate Degree in Fire Protection
                         	Technology > Bachelor Degree in Fire Service Management > Master Degree in Fire Science > PhD in Fire 
                            and Emergency Management

Career Information

Estimated Salary

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics website:

  • The national median annual pay in 2012 was $45,250.00; or hourly rate of $21.75

  • Employment of firefighters is projected to grow 7 percent from 2012 to 2022, slower than the average for all occupations. Competition for jobs will likely be intense. Physically fit applicants with high test scores and paramedic training should have the best job prospects.

To learn more about a career in the Firefighter field, visit CCC&TI's Career Coach site for the following program:

Career Coach logo Certificate: Firefighter

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What does a Firefighter do?
    • Respond to both emergency and non-emergency calls for service
    • Control and extinguish fire
    • Provide public education to promote fire safety
    • Replace used supplies and maintain equipment, such as SCBA, saws and fire hoses
    • When not at the scene of an emergency incident, firefighters work at fire stations, where they eat, sleep and remain on call during shifts that often last 24 hours
  • Where do Firefighters work?
    • Fire Departments
  • Will I get a certificate when I complete the course?
    • Yes
  • Is there a state or national certification test?
    • Yes, upon completion of each course students must successfully complete a certification exam with a minimum score of 70. Upon completion of all courses, students will receive a certification of completion from the North Carolina Department of Insurance – Office of State Fire Marshall. The firefighter certificate will have an IFSAC seal.

Contacts

For Additional Information:
Contact the Continuing Education and Workforce Development Department at 828.726.2242.
For course specific information, contact: