Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician

Career and Technical Certificate

This program is a two semester program that consists of Firefighter standards and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training. EMT’s are trained to provide basic life support to the sick and injured. The EMT program at Northwest Florida State College prepares students to apply for the examination to become a Florida certified Emergency Medical Technician and a National Registry Emergency Medical Technician-Basic. The program offers students the opportunity to enter the exciting world of Emergency Services through education in the college’s state-of-the-art health program facilities. The Northwest Florida State College program blends classroom instruction with hands-on skills training and real world clinical education to prepare students as entry level Emergency Medical Technicians.

The firefighter course provides fundamental information on fire department operations. Students are trained in the safe performance of the duties and responsibilities of a firefighter during both emergency and non-emergency operations. This training includes hazardous materials, vehicle extrication, wildland, ropes, ladders, and “live burn” fire training, as well as other fire-related topics. Upon successful completion of the NWF State College Fire Academy, students who meet all graduation requirements are eligible to test for the state exam which consists of a written and practical test.

Career Outlook^*

Employment of firefighters is projected to grow 7 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Physically fit applicants with paramedic training will have the best job prospects. The median annual wage for firefighters was $48,030 in May 2016.

Employment of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics is projected to grow 15 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Emergencies, such as car crashes, natural disasters, and acts of violence, will continue to require the skills of EMTs and paramedics. The median annual wage for EMTs and paramedics was $32,670 in May 2016.

Average or Median Salary

$32,670 – $48,030

^{*All career data on this page, such as occupation description, career outlook and salary information reflects the national average and was sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.}