The Professional Firefighter program develops fundamental firefighting skills to keep students, colleagues, and the public safe in critical situations. Off-campus training covers fire behaviour, motor vehicle extraction, medical first response, and emergency communications. Field training builds hands-on experience with trucks, pumps, respirators, and hydraulic rescue tools such as the Jaws of Life. Eight weeks of on-the-job training takes place in a career or composite fire department. The program prepares graduates for NFPA 1001 Fire Fighter I and II certification, with additional training in hazardous materials response, incident command, and medical first response.
Prerequisites: Minimum Grade 12 or equivalent with credits at or above the general level, Age 18 by program start date, Valid Class 5 (cars and light trucks) driver's license, Completion of Immunization Verification Form (required after acceptance), Completion of Vision Examination Form, Criminal Record Check (Vulnerable Sector) with no findings of guilt, Physical fitness test conducted at the Atlantic Police Academy prior to program start date, Completion of Professional Firefighter Medical Examination, Resumé including work and volunteer experience with applicable dates, memberships, awards, and other relevant information