Fire Science Technology

Weekend 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 position 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.

Download: Cadet Training Manual PDF icon

Objectives

  • Prepare the student for a career in the fire service field by giving the student the required academic and practical skills to function as a firefighter.
  • Develop a student's self-confidence and professional demeanor to enhance the student's ability to comport in the fire service.
  • Start the student on track toward a college degree in fire technology.

What is a Weekend Academy?

A weekend academy is an academy offered on a schedule that permits the student to complete the academy on weekends, leaving the workweek available for full-time employment or other commitments that the student may have. There may be additional work week evening sessions to be determined by your academy commander.

What Does the Program Look Like?

Class scheduling will be formally coordinated by the weekend commander. Classes are held every other weekend during the semester. The first weekend is usually the weekend before general classes begin, and the last weekend is usually the weekend after general classes end. For more detailed information, check the link below to see the current class schedule.

How long will it take me to complete the academy?

The weekend academy takes one semester to complete. The weekend academy only provides certification for Firefighter I. A new academy begins every semester.

How much does it cost?

The total cost for the academy is between $2,500.00 and $3,000.00. In the Weekend Academy, these costs are spread out over two semesters. Financial aid and scholarships may be available through the college. Many students qualify for PELL grants.

Cost for 19 credits and current per credit fee
Applicant Fee = $10.00
Lab Fees = $250.00
Uniforms = $150.00
Books = $150.00
Other Equipment = $300.00
Personal Protective Gear= Turnouts & 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 $1,900.00 in addition to the above. Good neighbor tuition is approximately $1,300.00 in addition to the above. The academy program qualifies for the Millennium Scholarship.

Are there any prerequisites?

The candidate must

  • Submit an application to Jeanie Carnell at the Regional Public Safety Training Center (775-789-5511), 5190 Spectrum, Reno, NV 89512. Application deadline date for fall semester is May 15. Application deadline date for spring semester is October 15. The academy starts the weekend before regular classes. Letters / e-mails detailing testing dates and requirements will be sent within two weeks of the application deadline. Applications received after May 15 or October 15 will be placed on a wait list. Contact Jeanie Carnell at 775-789-5511 for details. This course will run every weekend through the semester.
    • Pass a Written Exam
      • Pass a written exam consisting of general knowledge and basic fire service related knowledge. The general knowledge area of the exam requires a score of 70 percent or better to pass and be eligible for admission to the academy. The basic fire service related knowledge section of the test does not require a minimum passing grade; however, the combined score of the general knowledge and basic fire service related knowledge portions of the exam will be used to rank applicants for acceptance.
        • Optional, but not required, is the FS 150 Physical Fitness and Nutrition for Fire Service class that is highly recommended.
        • To prepare for the general knowledge portion the student should review basic English, math, history, chemistry, etc. Civil service exam prep guides may be helpful preparing for the general knowledge portion of the test.
        • 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
    • Obtain a basic firefighter physical exam that meets academy standards. If the student wants an NFPA Firefighter I and II certificate, they must obtain a firefighter physical according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. Many states require an NFPA certificate to apply for firefighter jobs in their state.
  • Take the Physically Ability Test
    • Prior to admission
      • Applicant must be able to complete all phases of the physical ability test in less than 10 minutes.
      • Applicant must be able to run one mile in 12 minutes.
    • To graduate from the academy and receive an academy certificate
      • Applicant must be able to complete all phases of the physical ability test in less than 5 minutes 30 seconds.
      • Applicant must be able to run one mile in 10 minutes.

The physical ability consists of fire-related performances, such as pulling hose, crawling through obstacles, lifting ladders, connecting hydrants, 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.

What certifications will I earn?

During your first semester you could earn:

  • Incident Command ICS 100/200
  • Haz-mat Awareness/Operations
  • Wildland Firefighter S-110, 130, 190, 134, L-180
  • NFA Firefighter Safety and Survival
  • Firefighter I
  • Emergency Medical Technician Basic (EMT-B)
    • If you are a current EMT-B, you have the option not to take this course. EMT-B will be scheduled the first three weeks of the Full-time Academy schedule.
  • Firefighter II (if experience requirements are met)
  • Structural Collapse Awareness
  • Rope Rescue Awareness
  • Rope Rescue Operations
  • Confined Space Awareness
  • Extrication - BTLS
  • Wilderness Search and Rescue Awareness
  • Trench and Excavation Awareness

How many credits will I earn each semester?

  • First Semester - 28 credits

How to Apply

Submit an academy application to the fire science technology office. You must also be enrolled at TMCC. To apply to TMCC, go to apply.tmcc.edu. There is a $10.00 one-time application fee. Apply on-line.

Apply for the fall semester by May 15. Apply for the spring semester by October 15. The academy starts the weekend before regular classes. 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.