Becoming a Firefighter….
Step 1: Know the minimum requirements to apply to fire departments
For example: The City of Oakland requirements
High School Diploma (or equivalent)
California Class C License
Emergency Medical Technician- Basic (EMT-B) Certification
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification
Be at least 18 years of age
Possess a Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) card issued by the California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee (CFFJAC)
Step 2: Obtain your Emergency Medical Technician- Basic (EMT-B) Certification
What is an Emergency Medical Technician- Basic (EMT-B) Certification?
An EMT-B certification is the initial, foundational certification for providing basic life support (BLS) in pre-hospital emergency situations. It requires completing an accredited training program, passing the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT) exam, and then applying for California state certification. EMT-B certified individuals are trained to respond to medical emergencies, provide trauma care, perform basic life support skills, and operate medical equipment under the supervision of higher-level providers.
Step 3: Visit your local fire stations
Nobody knows the process of getting hired better than the members already hired at your local fire department! Call your local fire station or ring the doorbell. Bring a notebook and pen and find out from the source the best way to get hired.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B)
How long is the process?
Where can I take classes in order to obtain a Certificate?
Depending on the program, it can take from as little as a few weeks to a semester ?
Accelerated courses: can be completed in just a few weeks or months through intensive "boot camps".
Pros: You can obtain your EMT-B in a short period time'
Cons: You are learning a lot of information in a short period of time, which can be difficult not only to pass the class but also harder to retain over a long period of time.
Accelerated courses are also usually more expensive than alternative options.
Semester courses:
Pros: They usually are cheaper than accelerated courses and are give students more time to study and retain the information.
There are many course options to take course Oakland/ the greater Bay Area including …
BAY EMT is able to offer the fire curriculum through a collaborative effort with the Alameda County Fire Department and Fremont Fire Department. The instruction is designed with an emphasis on improving study habits, test taking abilities and community awareness. The curriculum is expanded to include basic information on U.S. history, politics, government and current events. All students are required to participate in volunteer events that are scheduled by the program. BAY EMT works with schools, local non-profits, churches, and community agencies to provide these volunteer opportunities. Course is usually competed in a semester.
Merritt College offers both on-campus and off-campus EMT Basic Training programs, approved by the Alameda County EMS Agency and aligned with California State Fire Training. Led by State Fire Marshal-approved instructors, the program includes essential hands-on skills training, a final exam, and a written test (80% passing score required). Course is completed in a semester.
The Alameda County EMS Agency’s EMS Corps program trains youth from our community as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and prepares them for careers in healthcare and public service. EMS Corps is a 5 month paid program for young minority men and women between the ages of 18 and 26. EMS Corps students participate in daily EMT classes, tutoring, life coaching. physical fitness, career development workshops, and are also provided with mentorship support.
Accelerated 2.5-Week Training Program
5-Week Training Program
8-Week Training Program
