Fire Science Technology
Full-time Fire and Rescue Academy
Mission Statements
TMCC Fire Technology Mission Statement
The mission of the TMCC fire technology program is to prepare students for entry-level positions and to enhance the career of current fire-service personnel by providing quality, certified classes.
Academy Mission Statement
The mission of the Northern Nevada Fire and Rescue Academy at Truckee Meadows Community College is to develop the cadet toward a career in the fire service through a process of rigorous academics, realistic hands-on training, attitude development, fitness improvement and strict discipline.
What Does the Program Look Like?
The full-time academy starts at the beginning of each semester and runs for 14 weeks (not including holidays). Class starts each day at 7 a.m. and can last until 6 p.m.
Full-time Academy Schedule
Format and Standards
The student must follow strict "military type" standards throughout the academy. These standards have been set and agreed to by the college and the participating fire departments. The student must agree to follow the standards prior to starting the academy and failure to maintain these standards may result in dismissal from the program.
Download: Cadet Training Manual 
Academic Standards:
- Maintain an 80% or above academic average
- Master and pass all required components
Professional Demeanor:
- Treat all instructors, fire department personnel, and fellow students in accordance with academy standards
- Not misrepresent the academy by poor off-duty conduct
Grooming:
- Maintain professional hygiene and appearance
- Hair Length
Men- Above the collar, neatly cut and trimmed
Women- Maintained above the collar, can be tied or braided - No jewelry (except wedding rings)
- Uniform maintained, clean, pressed, shoes/boots shined
Physical Fitness:
- Participate in all physical activities (unless excused)
- Meet fitness standards for each stage of the academy
Insurance:
- Maintain individual insurance as required by academy standards
Cost
The total cost for the academy is between $3,500.00 and $4,000.00. Financial aid and scholarships may be available through the college. Many students qualify for PELL grants.
Following is the approximate cost breakdown:
Cost for 29 credits and current per credit fee
Applicant Fee = $10.00
Lab Fees = $400.00
Uniforms = $150.00
Books = $150.00
Other Equipment = $300.00
Personal Protective Gear= Turnouts and SCBA (air pack) may be rented
from the academy. Turnouts, $300.00; SCBA $200.00
All costs are for in-state students; out-of-state is approximately $2,900.00 in addition to the above. Good neighbor tuition is approximately $1,900.00 in addition to the above. The academy program qualifies for the Millennium Scholarship.
Entry Requirements
- Successfully complete Introduction to Fire Protection (FT 101B) or Entry Level Firefighter (FT 102B with a grade of C or better). We may accept fire department experience or related courses from other colleges.
- Optional, but not required, is the FS 150 Physical Fitness and Nutrition for Fire Service class that is highly recommended.
- Pass a written exam consisting of general knowledge and basic fire service related knowledge. The exam will be used to rank applicants for acceptance.
- To prepare for the general knowledge portion the student should review basic English, math, history, chemistry, etc.
- To prepare for the fire related portion, the student should study
- IFSTA Brady (5th edition) Essentials of Fire Fighting
- IFSTA Essentials of Fire Fighting Student Workbook (Optional)
- IFSTA (3rd edition) Hazardous Materials for First Responders
- Obtain a physical exam and meet academy standards
- Pass a physical ability test. You can prepare by:
- Being able to run a 10 min mile
- Doing 20 push-ups and 50 sit-ups
- Developing Upper Body Strength
The physical ability consists of fire related performances, such as pulling hose, crawling through obstacles, lifting ladders, etc
- EMS 108 Prerequisite: Current medical insurance evidence (card or letter), current AHA Healthcare Provider CPR card, recent tetanus diphtheria shot within the last five years, the second in the series of three Hepatitis B inoculations, proof of two MMR vaccinations (measles, mumps, rubella) if born after 1956, history of chicken pox (varicella), current proof of two negative TB skin tests (if tested positive must get chest x-ray and complete a survey). All documentation is submitted to the departments contracted online company for tracking purposes. A background check receipt must be presented to Regional Public Safety Training Center at 5190 Spectrum Blvd, room 219 after accessing the departments contracted online company. Enrollment is open to the general community. NOTE: Drug testing will be required for participation at certain clinical sites. A mandatory orientation is required for all students entering this course. Please call 775-789-5511. This course is designed for individuals who anticipate working with an ambulance service, a hospital emergency department, fire department, police department, mine operations or in other occupational fields where medical emergencies are common. At the successful completion of this course, the student will receive National Registry EMT-Basic Certification and may apply for State of Nevada certification. Student must be at least 18 years old to enter class.
How to Apply
Submit an academy application to the fire science technology office. You must also be enrolled at TMCC. This may be done on-line for a $10.00 one-time application fee. Apply on-line.
- Application deadline date for fall semester is May 15. Start date for fall is the Tuesday after Labor Day.
- Application deadline date for spring semester is October 15. The academy starts the Monday before Presidents' Day.
Orientation: An all-day academy orientation is scheduled for the third Saturday before regular classes begin.
Letters / e-mails detailing testing dates and requirements will be sent to you within two weeks of the application deadline.
If you have additional questions, please contact us.