Training tomorrow's firefighting professionals
How rigorous is the physical conditioning and the skills required in the academy?
It is a good idea to be preparing for the physical challenges of the fire academy. Push ups, sit ups, running and climbing stairs are just a few samples of activities you can expect. Many of our skills are performed while wearing bunker gear and an air pack. This can be very demanding on you physically. Strength training and cardio training will be beneficial to you prior to signing up for the academy. (As always, check with your doctor prior to engaging in any workout program.)
What do I need to have on orientation day?
Nothing. If all your application paperwork is complete you will only need to show up on time. Orientation will be an overview of the course, requirements and expectations. All questions regarding the academy will be discussed during orientation.
Am I guaranteed a job upon completion of the Academy?
The firefighter certification will allow you to seek employment as a firefighter. Upon completion of the program it is your responsibility to seek out departments and proceed through the application process of the department. Our fire academy takes pride in many of our cadets being hired by the local and statewide departments. We will provide you with the "tools of success" in your efforts to gain employment. The rest is up to you.
Do I need to be an EMT to be in the academy?
You are not required to have Emergency Medical Technician certification to enroll in the fire academy however completion of the EMT course will be a requirement to obtain your firefighter certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. COM offers the EMT course every semester and will count towards you're A.A.S. degree.
Does the fire academy count towards a degree?
Yes. Upon completion of the fire academy and completion of 6 credit hours of any other discipline here at COM you can petition the college for 24 credit hours for the fire academy. Typically a cadet will earn 6 credit hours by taking our EMT course and petition for the credit. At this point the student will have 30 credit hours toward the A.A.S. Fire Science degree.
I'm currently a volunteer or paid firefighter; can I use my own gear?
Absolutely, as long as it is NFPA compliant and you provide the academy a letter from your Fire Chief. This letter should state that the Fire Chief is allowing you to use the gear and understands the gear will be subject to harsh conditions that may render the gear unserviceable.
Will I need to have a Criminal Background check conducted?
The fire academy does not require a background check however, the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) will do a criminal history check on all applications for initial certification. Additionally, the Emergency Medical Technician course will require a criminal background check prior to enrollment. For questions regarding past criminal offenses and how they may affect your certification please refer to the TCFP website (http://www.tcfp.state.tx.us/) for additional information.
As cadet in the fire academy, will I be allowed to use the gym on campus?
Yes, as a cadet you can access all the programs and facilities available to students on campus. During the first week we will process the necessary information required to obtain a student identification card. The student status will be valid as long as you stay currently enrolled at College of the Mainland.
Is Financial Aid available?
Financial Aid is available for students enrolling in credit and non-credit courses through College of the Mainland. We also have a childcare grant for students enrolled full-time in credit vocational courses. College of the Mainland participates in the Federal Pell Grant Program, the Federal College Work-Study Program, and the Texas Public Education Grant. To apply for financial aid, you must have a GED, High School Diploma, or pass the Accuplacer test.
To apply for financial aid, complete the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form can be obtained at College of the Mainland at the information desk, or in the financial aid office, Administration Building, Room 159. Non-credit students complete the FAFSA form and turn it in to the financial aid office; credit students must submit the form to the Federal processors either by mail or on the Internet.
We work with the Gulf Coast Center, Texas Rehabilitation Commission, and other sources to help students attain funding for college. The College of the Mainland Foundation offers a number of scholarships to credit students. They are located in the Administration Building, Room 159. If you have any questions about financial aid programs at College of the Mainland, please call our office at (409) 938-1211 or (888) 258-8859, ext. 274.
Fire Technology
Fire Academy
Public Service Careers Building
1200 Amburn Road
Texas City, TX 77591
409.938.1211 ext. 285 or 224
1-888-258-8859 ext. 285 or 224
409.938.3146 Fax