Fire Academy Information
Welcome to the Fire Academy at Moreno Valley College. Please read the following information about our program and how to apply. You can also download the Fire Academy Information on PDF format.
Download an Application for the Fire Academy now!
| IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER | |
|---|---|
Application Due |
Monday - Friday, May 13 – 17, 2013 |
Notification Date (via email) |
Beginning June 3, 2013 |
FIT S3A - Pre-Academy Fitness Class |
Begins July 13 – August 17, 2013 |
Fire Academy Begins |
August 26, 2013 (Monday) at 8:00 am |
The Moreno Valley Basic Fire Academy conducts two full-time academies every year. The full-time academies begin in February and August and are 12 weeks in length. The academy is 19 units and upon successful completion the student will receive 17 certificates of achievement through the California State Fire Marshal's Office, California State Training Institute, the National Wildland Coordinating Group, and FEMA.
Please review the application and make sure it is completely filled out, with the appropriate paperwork attached, before submission.
Prerequisites for the Fire Academy:
- Fire Protection Organization (FIT 1) or equivalent
- Current Emergency Medical Technician Certification (California State or local EMS Agency EMT certification). Certification must be current at time of academy start date.
- Physical Abilities Test (CPAT or BIDDLE must be completed within nine (9) months prior to the start of the fire academy.)
- FIT–S3A (Pre-Academy) *if accepted, required prior to attending the Fire Academy
Proof of successfully completing "Fire Protection Organization" (FIT 1) or an equivalent course can be done by submitting unofficial transcripts. Most community colleges in California that have a Fire Technology program offer this class. Classes taken out-of-state or with an ROP will need to be reviewed by our Department Chair to determine if it meets equivalency. If this is the case, a copy of the course syllabus will need to be submitted. You should do this as soon as you decide to apply to the Fire Academy and not wait until applications are due.
An Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification must be obtained. A current copy of a California State or Local EMS Agency EMT certification card must be attached to the application packet. A school's Course Completion certificate or National Registry EMT card does not replace this requirement.
A CPAT or BIDDLE physical abilities test can be found at the following links:
- CPAT - http://www.cffjac.org/go/jac/
- BIDDLE - http://www.riohondofire.com/biddle.html or http://www.sac.edu/AcademicProgs/HST/FireTech/Pages/Physical-Ability-Test.aspx
- A copy of a current CPAT card or BIDDLE letter must be attached to the application packet
FIT–S3A (Pre-Academy) Introduction to Fire Academy and Physical Conditioning for Fire Academy Students. This course is a six-week (six Saturdays) physical conditioning and orientation program that prepares future cadets for the physical and emotional demands of the Fire Academy. Students will participate in muscular strength development, cardio-respiratory endurance training, body composition assessment, physical agility and flexibility training. Additionally, students will be introduced to the paramilitary format of the Fire Academy, and the expectations that are placed on Fire Academy cadets.
FIT-S3A is not an open class. Only candidates that are accepted to attend the Fire Academy will be enrolled by the college into this course.
Sponsorships & Nominations
People submitting applications will be given higher priority if they are sponsored or nominated by a Riverside County Fire Department. However, applications must be complete in order to be considered. Obtaining a sponsorship or nomination varies with each department. Contact the Department's Training Chief for more information.
Participating Riverside County Training Officer's Association (RCTOA) Fire Agencies:
- Cathedral City F.D. (allotted 2 spots)
- Corona F.D. (allotted 2 spots)
- Hemet F.D. (allotted 2 spots)
- Idyllwild F.D. (allotted 2 spots)
- Morongo F.D. (allotted 2 spots)
- Murrieta F.D. (allotted 2 spots)
- Palm Springs F.D. (allotted 2 spots)
- Pechanga F.D. (allotted 2 spots)
- Riverside City F.D. (allotted 2 spots)
- Riverside County / CAL Fire (allotted 4 spots)
Sponsorship: Department sponsoring cadet will provide safety gear/equipment and accepts responsibility for replacement or repair of such gear/equipment as necessary.
Any financial support given to a cadet is at the agency's discretion.
Nomination: Department is recommending cadet for the academy. The nominating fire department will not provide equipment or financial support for the cadet.
The fire department's TRAINING CHIEF or TRAINING CAPTAIN must submit a letter of sponsorship or nomination on Department letterhead to the Office of Fire Technology. A copy should be included in the application packet.
Selection Process
The fire academy is open to all students who meet the pre-requisites. Priority will be given to applicants with COMPLETE packets sponsored or nominated by a Riverside County fire department. Remaining spots will be given to students with COMPLETE packets. If there are more qualified students than openings, students will be chosen via a lottery.
If additional spots are available, applicants who are currently taking the prerequisites may be invited to the academy provided all required documentation is submitted prior to the beginning of the pre-fire academy class.
Once candidates are selected to the academy, an alternate list may be developed. These applicants will be allowed to participate in the Pre-Academy Fitness class. If a spot in the academy is available, applicants will be chosen from the alternate list.
Financial Aid
Some costs for the fire academy may be waived, such as unit fees, by applying for financial aid now at www.fafsa.gov. When applying, use the Moreno Valley College Code # 041735. For further information, contact Student Financial Services at (951) 571-6139 or StudentFinancialServices@mvc.edu.
Physical/Medical Exams
In order to participate in the fire academy all cadets must complete a physical/medical exam prior to starting the Fire Academy (FIT S3). Once you are accepted into the academy, you will receive a packet to complete and take to your physician. You must return your paperwork by the end of the Pre-Academy (FIT S3A) to continue to the Fire Academy. If you do not have a physician, you may contact the Riverside Sports Clinic at (951) 274-3540 located on 4444 Magnolia Avenue, in Riverside. The approximate cost to complete exams is $75, please contact the clinic for a cost updates.
Fitness Requirements
The MVC Fire Academy has a fitness standard in order to participate in the program. Please see the following charts to determine your fitness level. On the first day of S3A-pre academy, we suggest that you are able to achieve a score of 65 in order to be successful. You must score at least a 70 on the last day of S3A to be able to continue to the Fire Academy itself. Academy students will need to complete the test with a 75 in order to graduate from the program.
Estimated Fire Academy Costs *
BASIC FIREFIGHTER ACADEMY FEES**: |
|
$ 874.00 |
19 units at $ 46.00 per unit |
$ 329.60 |
Certificates |
$ 18.00 |
Health Fees |
$ 10.00 |
Student Activities Fee |
$ 425.00 |
Safety Gear Rental option(Students must bring in NFPA Approved Safety Gear If Not Renting) |
$ 231.50 |
IFSTA, 5th Edition (Enhanced) Essentials of Firefighting and Fire Department Operations |
$ 220.50 |
Total for Physical Fitness Uniforms & Equipment. Includes the following: $ 50.00 - 4 T-shirts ($12.50 each) |
$375.30 |
Total for Uniforms. Includes the following: $145.00 - 2 pairs of pants ($72.50 each) (larger sizes extra) |
$ 150.00 |
Structure Helmet liner and Class Shield |
ADDITIONAL: |
|
$50.00 - $150.00 |
Running Shoes |
TOTAL APPROXIMATELY: $2,693.00 |
|
* All costs are estimated and subject to change ** Financial Aid available |
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Download an application for the Fire Academy now!
