Northern College’s strong and well-regarded Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training Program will prepare you for a highly exciting career in firefighting alongside working professionals in a unique and state-of-the-art integrated emergency services building.

As a student, you will have access to a highly flexible on-campus live burn training facility that is also used by working firefighters but give you priority for learning. 

This building is one of only two in the province that is directly on-campus – only steps away from the classroom – which allows for greater convenience and more frequent use in programming. 

It is also the only post-secondary fire building in the province that provides real smoke, preparing you for true-to-life scenarios, along with movable walls that provide a wide variety of layouts to navigate while walking or crawling through smoke-filled rooms and hallways. 

These different situations also help prepare you for any type of navigation through unseen and highly stressful circumstances you might encounter on the job. 

All of this combines to provide you with unmatched hands-on practice in essential fire-fighting skills that will have you job-ready in no time.

The curriculum for this program will give you the skills and knowledge in firefighting and general education courses in order to give you the best advantage in becoming a professional firefighter. 

You will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge through lab and field placements with regional Fire Services, and as a Northern grad, will be welcomed by employers who await you.

The program runs for three straight semesters, one in the fall, one in the winter, and the final semester a 6-week course in May and June. 

This allows you to progress through the program without any pauses, getting you into the workplace quickly and efficiently. 

The spring semester focuses on building your skills in live and exhilarating firefighting training called “evolutions.” You won’t want to miss it!

Your classes will operate like training in a real fire station. You will wear a uniform every day and be required to purchase some clothing and equipment, in addition to textbooks, so you can get the career experience you need straight away. 

• Academic/Official Transcripts
• Language Proficiency test scores
• Passport or Visa Documents
• Official translations of documents in a language other than English

• Proof of Senior High School Diploma/Certificate

Northern College requires all students to have their own PC laptop computer. The College’s Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program is mandatory for all students.

• The to CSEP Get Active Questionnaire MUST BE COMPLETED AND SUBMITTED to participate in fitness testing.

 You must bring in a completed physical assessment form from your physician or medical practitioner indicating that you can participate in rigorous fitness testing.

This testing process is a COMPULSORY part of the program and will not be repeated. It is very important to remember to bring attire that is suitable for strenuous physical activity.

• Students must obtain a criminal record check at their local police department by completing the applicable CIPC form.

Students must provide a copy of the original document to the designated person in their department and must be done on the first day of class and be current within 3 months of the start of the 1st semester. 

Any costs incurred when obtaining the Criminal Record Check is the student’s responsibility.

• Prior to admission, it is recommended that you hold a valid Driver’s License (Class G).