link Firefighter Program and Academy

Fire Technology & EMT 

Real-World Experience, Tools, & Networking

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Mission College offers accredited firefighter and EMT training in the Bay Area. Located in Santa Clara, we are one of select colleges with firefighter programs. We function as a "One Stop Shop" for all your firefighter career needs.
  • Faculty are officers from local fire service agencies.
  • Prepare to meet California firefighter requirements.
  • We are the only community college in the county to offer an Associate's in Fire Protection Technology.
Young Latinx Fire Tech student poses in a black Mission Colelge Tshirt and yellow fire helmet. She has her arms lifted up in a "strong man pose"

How to Become a Firefighter

To qualify for fire department jobs, you will need to pass the programs listed below. A Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is also required yearly to ensure you are physically fit.

Paramedics wheel a person on a strecher toward an ambulance.
EMT Training

Prepare for EMT certification. You have to complete a CPR class as a prerequisite. CPR Classes are offered through our Health Occupations department.

EMT Training
Firefighter Academy. Cadets battle a flame in their gear.
Firefighter 1 Academy

The Firefighter 1/EMT Academy Certificate provides the minimum required firefighter training in California. 

FIRE 1 ACADEMY
EMT training. A young man with a shaved head and black glasses smiles at a presentation in a classroom.
Fire Technology Degree

Earn a Fire Tech degree. Transfer to four-year schools, meet employment reqs, or advance at work.

Fire Tech Degree
Wildland firefighter battles a blaze.
Internship Program

A effort between Mission and fire departments that serve Santa Clara County & beyond.

Fire Internship

Shay Mountford climbing a ladder in her firefighter gear.

I got hired by the Santa Clara County Fire Department in 2002 and still hold my position as a proud Firefighter and Engineer. This also inspired me to develop Blaze of Glory Fitness to help prepare, train, guide and motivate potential firefighters.

Shay Mountford '98

Firefighter and Fitness Coach

Read Her Story
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Career Outlook
Skills Needed
  • Communication and teamwork
  • Practical skills in operating and using tools
  • Decision making
  • High physical fitness
  • Ability to act quickly, adapt and to remain calm
  • Self discipline
  • Integrity
  • Tolerance to variety of personalities
  • Following directions and regulations
  • Leadership
Select Jobs in the Field
  • Firefighter
  • EMT and Paramedic
  • Fire Chief or Captain
  • Safety Manager
  • Fire Sprinkler Designer
  • Fire Marshall
  • Health and Safety Manager
  • Fire Protection Engineer
  • Fire Inspector
Student nurse administers care to a practice patient.

Nursing Degree Programs

EMT and firefighter training is well-supplemented by nursing. We also offer CPR classes and certification through our Health Occupations program, which is required for our eight unit EMT course sequence. Learn more about nursing courses.

Nutrition - fixings for a Spinach salad are laid out on a wooden cutting board.

Nutrition Courses

Good nutrition is essential to staying physically fit. Learn to cook and eat healthy for optimal results. Learn more about Nutrition courses.