Basic Fire Academy

Welcome to Santa Ana College, home of the largest, finest and oldest fire technology program in California! You have made a wise career choice. Your success will depend on whether you have the proper attitude, tenacity and mental discipline to achieve your goal. Our counselors, my staff and I are ready to help you. Listen closely to what they have to say and you should succeed. Our graduates have attained firefighter positions in many departments in California and throughout the United States.

The Santa Ana College Fire Academy program is administered under the guidance of the Orange County Fire Chiefs’ Association and is nationally recognized as a premier fire-training program. This program meets the Orange County Fire Service standards and has been approved by the State Fire Marshal and the State Board of Fire Services as the First Accredited Regional Fire Academy in California. Our standards far exceed the minimum qualifications and training required for California Firefighter I Certification. Additionally, our graduates receive certificates in Auto Extrication, Hazardous Materials First Responder, Rescue Systems I, Fire Control III, ICS 200 and Wildland S-190.

The information contained in this packet describes our most popular program, “The Public Fire Service Option” degree. This degree program trains firefighters for public or private fire departments. The Fire Technology Department also offers seven additional degree options and you are encouraged to explore these alternatives in the District catalog.

If you require additional information, please visit the Fire Technology Office at 1530 W. 17^th Street, in the Cesar Chavez Building, Room A-113, or call (714) 564-6845 and speak with my friendly staff. They will be happy to help you attain your career goals.

To learn as much as you can about being a firefighter, please call our Counseling Department at (714) 564-6100 for a Fire Technology Program Orientation. Purchase a copy of the Santa Ana College catalog in the Don Bookstore and read all about the degree options available such as our most popular Public Fire Service Option (0646). Visit our website at www.sac.edu/firetech.

You have made the decision to become a firefighter. There is considerable competition for every job, so provide yourself with every chance of success. Be properly prepared to take maximum advantage of all opportunities that will help you achieve your goal. The more you have to offer a potential employer the better your chances of being hired.

MEASURE YOUR EXISTING SKILLS AND ABILITIES

It is recommended that you take the placement test. If scores of 40 in English and 29 in Reading are not achieved, basic skills classes should be taken to ensure academic and career success.

Testing times are available by calling (714) 564-6148. The Placement Testing Office is located in the Library on the second floor.

GENERAL EDUCATION IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THIS TRAINING

Study Smart! Take your courses in the recommended sequence to achieve high grades in courses required for this major. If you are working do not take a class load greater than you can successfully handle. Completion of general education classes before you begin your studies in this major will improve your chance for success. General education courses are listed in the catalog and should be reviewed with the Counselor before enrolling.

TAKE THE FIRE TECHNOLOGY CORE CLASSES

All core classes must be completed with a grade of "C" or better to be eligible for the Basic Fire Academy. Fire Technology 101 & 102 must be taken prior to taking 104, 105 and 106.

Upon successful completion of Fire Technology 101 & 102, come to the Fire Technology Office in A-113 to complete a Prerequisite Verification (a check-off sheet). We will also have you complete the interest and address cards. Keep your address and telephone numbers up-to-date with the Fire Technology Office in case we need to contatct you.

FIRE ACADEMY 008, PHYSICAL ABILITY

A physical ability is required to be eligible for the Basic Fire Academy. You may register online, by phone registration or in the admissions office. All students must pre enroll, as there is no on-site enrollment. The physical ability test is a pass/fail exam. You must pass a physical ability test to be eligible for placement in an academy. Once your file is open, it is your responsibility to turn a copy of the physical ability letter into our office (keep the original for yourself).

The Physical Ability test was designed to identify persons who can meet the physical demands of a firefighter. To pass the Physical Ability Test, candidates must complete all of the events successfully within the required time standard. This test was developed and validated with firefighters from 41 different cities in both Orange and Los Angeles counties. The test is a work sample test designed to simulate tasks performed by fire fighters during fire suppression operations and other emergency situation. BE ADVISED IF YOU PASS THIS ASSESSMENT AT A MINIMAL LEVEL YOU MAY NOT HAVE THE STRENGTH AND STAMINA NECESSARY TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE ACADEMY.

Candidates may only participate in the test once in a single day but may enroll again and return on a subsequent test day for another attempt. Physical Ability tests are scheduled approximately once per month and may be repeated as many times as needed to pass. Physical Ability training classes are also offered throughout the semester for students who need additional practice and training.

You may pick up a description of the Physical Ability Test in the Fire Technology Office. The FTC 121 class will also provide you a description and an opportunity to practice the test.

PLACEMENT SESSION FOR BASIC FIRE ACADEMY

The Placement Session is a meeting that takes place twice a year. Students who have successfully completed all academy prerequisites attend this meeting to be placed into a future Basic Fire Academy. All candidates are required to participate in one placement session to gain admission into an academy. The purpose of the Placement Session is to:

Students must have completed the following before participating in the placement session:

Note: Deadlines for submitting all documentation are posted in the Fire Technology Office in the Cesar Chavez Building, Room A-113, or phone (714) 564-6845.

You must complete an Emergency Medical Technician I course prior to attending the academy. This course may be taken after you have been placed into an academy, but proof of completion must be turned in prior to or at the Academy homework meeting (usually about a month prior to the start of the academy). Please bring the proof to SAC A-113.

It is recommended, but not required, that you take the EMT Certification exam which is administered separate from the EMT class.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A medical exam is required for all academy students prior to the academy start date.

The deadline date for turning the medical exam into the Fire Technology Office will be announced once you have been placed into an academy. If you fail to turn in your medical exam by the set deadline date, you will forfeit your place in the academy.

You can use any physician you choose. However, be sure your doctor understands the requirements and you know what your costs will be up-front.

Your doctor will need the NFPA 1582 Standards booklet and the medical form to complete your medical examination. You can purchase the National Fire Protection Agency, 1582 Standards (NFPA 1582) booklet from the Don Bookstore and obtain the medical exam form from the Fire Technology Office.

In addition to a completed medical exam form, you must provide the Fire Technology Office with a signed statement from a licensed California Physician stating you meet the standards of NFPA 1582. Turn in a copy of your medical report and keep the original for yourself. The medical examination is comprehensive because it is very similar to the exams fire departments use to screen new employees. The medical exam will let you know if you meet minimum medical hiring standards. This medical is valid for two years from the first examination date.

If you are unable to meet the NFPA 1582 medical requirements, you may not qualify for employment as a firefighter. You may want to consider other options in the fire service such as fire protection engineer, fire inspector, investigation, sprinkler installation, etc.