Firefighter Certificate – Basic

Why Earn a Certificate in Firefighting?

A certificate in firefighting is an efficient way to enter the fire service. You'll learn the basic skills to prepare for a career fighting fires. Study the science of fire, how it behaves, and techniques to combat blazes. Participate in fire simulations to practice fighting blazes and simulate rescues. You'll have the skills to fight wildland fires and work on prescribed burns. With this certificate, you'll be ready for an entry-level position in the fire service in one semester.

Why Earn a Firefighting Certificate - Basic at San Juan College?

Quality Education

Get the training you need to begin a career in firefighting with the Firefighting - Basic certificate program at SJC. While this program is only one semester long, you'll train with experienced firefighters to learn from their years of experience. Their advice and input will help you learn by leaps and bounds. With this program, you'll be prepared for real-world situations in emergency operations and as a fire service member.

State-of-the-Art Equipment 

At SJC, you'll train with important firefighting tools in our fire training tower and with simulations. Our new fire training tower has cutting-edge technology, like natural gas and smoke generators, to prepare you for real-world scenarios. You'll also gain experience with our car, bed, and sofa fire simulators. Learn how to put out fires safely and quickly with this advanced equipment.

All of our simulators are National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) compliant. Instructors can control every aspect of the fires to ensure your safety.

Affordable Option

Because of SJC's low tuition rate, the Firefighter Certificate - Basic is an excellent investment for you. You'll receive a rigorous, high-quality education that will prepare you for your career. You may also qualify to get your certificate tuition-free through the NM Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships.

What You'll Learn in the Firefighter Certificate - Basic Program

Develop the skills you need to be an effective firefighter after one semester. With the certificate program, you'll gain both classroom and real-world experience.

In your courses, you'll study:

• Fire science and behavior
• Firefighting strategies and tactics
• Rescue skills, such as extraction from vehicles and search and rescue
• Hazardous materials awareness
• Wildland firefighting skills

Through your classes, you will earn the "red card" wildland firefighter certification you need to work on wildland fires or prescribed burns.

Firefighter Certificate - Basic Curriculum

Careers and Outcomes

The job market in the fire service is growing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the employment of firefighters to grow by 4% from 2021 to 2031. This demand may get stronger as fire departments look to hire more firefighters as older employees retire. By graduating with a Firefighter Certificate - Basic, you'll be prepared to work as an entry-level firefighter.

Our graduates work in fire departments in Farmington, in the state, or across the country. All recent new hires for the Farmington Fire Department are graduates from San Juan College's Fire Science program.

Program Approval

Because of the rigorous requirements of the Fire Science program, you must receive approval to enroll in the courses. Contact the Fire Science coordinator to discuss entrance requirements at (505) 566-3634 or fire@sanjuancollege.edu