This is usually a four to eight hour class. This certification is required by every fire department, as well as AZ-DHS to become an EMT. For information on the level of certification needed, please contact the EMT/FSC Office Staff and/or AZ-DHS Bureau of EMS. PVCC offers this class (EMT101) on campus each semester. Please check the class schedule for availability.
Obtain EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) Certification
In order to become a firefighter, you must have at least an EMT certification. EMT certification consists of 4 EMT classes taken in a semester totaling (13 credits) and upon successful completion of the course, PVCC will approve you to take the NRT exam to become certified. PVCC offers multiple class sections of EMT104 each Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. Please check the class schedule for availability.
Start pursuing an Associate's Degree/Professional Certificates
This day and age, fire departments are putting more emphasis on having a Fire Science and EMT education background. PVCC offers degree and professional certificate programs consisting of numerous fire science and EMT classes. These courses range from Emergency Cardiac Care and Pharmacology to Intro to Fire Service Selection, Fitness & Conditioning for Firefighters, CPAT, Technical Rescue, Hazardous Materials, Fundamentals of Fire Prevention, Intro to Fire Suppression, Firefighter Operations Academy, and much more. See our Advising & Degrees page for more information on degrees and certificates.
Start Testing with Various Fire Departments
It’s never too early or too late to test. Getting to know the testing process will only benefit you. Don't settle yourself short by testing with just one department. There are numerous fire departments in Maricopa County alone and that number is only going to grow since the Phoenix-Metropolitan area is the second fastest growing metropolitan in the United States.
Obtain Firefighter I & II State Certification
For those pursuing a career in the fire service, the Firefighter Operations Academy, also referred to as the Firefighter 1&2 Academy, is a great way to gain experience and knowledge of what it takes to become a firefighter. The academy exposes you to the physical demands of a firefighter, such as live burns, vehicle extrication, hose lays, ventilation, and more, as well as introduces you to fire department culture within the fire service.
Network
Just like in any other job, you will need to build a reputation and get to know more about your future employer. Here are some ways to help with that:
Volunteer with the Union - Contact your local fire department for information on their union.