Most students who enroll in the Colorado Mountain College Fire Academy are seeking their first job in the fire service. There are several ways to successfully start a firefighter career. CMC has pathway options for someone new to higher education, someone changing careers or someone looking to expand their firefighting skills and knowledge.
Explore and discuss options
To get started, you will first meet with our Fire Science Technology Program Coordinator to discuss the fire service and the requirements needed to apply for firefighter positions in Colorado and other states. You will have the opportunity to discuss volunteer service, professional firefighter career opportunities and what CMC can offer to best prepare you to meet your goal of becoming a firefighter in Colorado or elsewhere.
We will help you determine if a degree in Fire Science Technology is something that you want to consider for your career path or if a basic fire academy will meet your needs.
At your earliest convenience, please contact:
Zak Miller
Fire Science Program Chair
zsmiller@coloradomtn.edu
928-951-0669
GET READY FOR THE FIRE ACADEMY
Once you have determined how you want to proceed, it's time to prepare for the Fire Academy.
Students will be required to complete a physical agility test at the beginning of the fire academy. Find more information at National Testing Network/CPAT Information or contact CMC’s Fire Science Technology Program Chair Zak Miller. These tests are offered throughout Colorado.
CMC’s Firefighter I Academy is offered during the fall semester at the Leadville campus and both fall and spring semesters at the Carbondale campus.
PLAN AHEAD
Currently, we have more applications to the Fire Science program than available spots for new students. A supplemental application is required to help identify the most qualified candidates.
The Fire Science program is designed to train our students to become professionals in the field of firefighting. In addition to creating a rewarding experience for students, CMC's Fire Science program works closely with our local fire departments to identify and address their firefighting workforce needs. Knowing the needs of our local employers ensures you have a path to a fulfilling career after you graduate and provides you with the skill sets that best serve our local demographics.
To better achieve our common goals, CMC utilizes input from the local fire department to prioritize applications based on residency within the CMC district, personal skill sets, and likelihood of remaining in the local workforce following graduation. These admissions priorities may change from time-to-time based on continuing evaluation of the firefighting needs within the CMC district.
The Fire Academy provides students with the basic requirement of the State of Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control to test for Hazardous Materials – Operations and Fire Fighter I certifications.
Testing for these certifications is conducted through the State of Colorado. CMC will coordinate a testing session, but this testing is outside the limits of the classes and Fire Academy as taught through the college.
CMC will coordinate one written and one practical CDFPC test for both Firefighter I (FFI) and Haz-Mat Operations (HMO). There is an additional certification fee of $30 per written test.
Students are encouraged to visit Colorado Department of Public Safety to find the most current information on firefighter certification in the State of Colorado. Questions about this procedure or anything related to the CMC Fire Academy or Fire Science Technology Program should be directed to
Fire Science Program Chair Zak Miller.
SOME IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW...
Participation is required in performing skills and demonstration of knowledge of topics as presented. The academy classes involve strenuous physical activity. All applicants are encouraged to start a physical fitness routine involving anaerobic and aerobic exercises in preparation for the academy. Applicants should reference the CPAT Test Preparation Guides for details on how to prepare at National Testing Network/CPAT Information.
Attendance is required for all class sessions. For details on schedules, contact the Fire Science Technology Program Coordinator before the first day of class. Extenuating circumstances regarding attendance must be discussed with the Lead Instructor of the academy.
CMC provides SCBA, bunker gear, Academy uniforms and other personal protective gear (via student fees). The first day of classes will be a course orientation, and further information/detail will be available.
The Academy has high academic and physical standards. Students must come prepared to excel in both. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these aspects, contact Fire Science Program Chair Zak Miller.
