Fire Training Academy

• Classroom training and hands-on skill development
• Day or evening fire training academies to fit your schedule
• Earn 13 college credits toward an Associate of Applied Science degree while in the Fire Training Academy
• Training facilities include firehouse, fire apparatus, a two-story Class A burn building, training tower, dual burn trailers and confined-space rescue prop
• Financial aid and scholarship opportunities available for qualified students
• EMS and paramedic training available on campus
• Degree and advanced-training opportunities

• High school diploma or GED
• 18 years or older
• Mandatory attendance for duration of the academy
• Valid Ohio driver’s license with full driving privileges
• In good health as documented by physical exam signed by licensed physician and copy of medical insurance coverage
• Successfully pass background check
• Successfully pass Physical Agility Test
• Completion of NIMS 100, 200 and 700 (Visit FEMA website to take courses)
• Current CPR/BLS Card

• Cuyahoga County residents: $3,284.02*
• Out-of-county residents: $3,668.04*

Tuition includes: cost of 13 academic credit hours (based on residency) and academy non-credit fee.

Equipment rental, uniform and lab fees:

• PPE and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA): $750
• Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) only: $525
• One academy polo required for classroom, two t-shirts, one sweatshirt: $110
• Required books:
• Fire Fighter Skills and Hazardous Materials Response which includes Navigate 2 Preferred Access, Fourth Edition (ISBN: 9781284151299): approximately $145 if purchased at the Western Campus Bookstore.
• Lab Fees: $70

View cost of attendance information for Academic Year 2023-2024

You must complete all the following actions to be accepted into the Fire Training Academy. There is no specific order that the following actions must be completed. We encourage applicants to work on all actions simultaneously. View all details in the application process.

All forms must be dropped off at the KeyBank Public Safety Training Center by  May 8, 2025 for the Summer Academy.  You must make an appointment to turn in your complete application packet. Drop‐off is by appointment only. Email mary.fresch@tri‐c.edu to schedule a time. 

Do not make an appointment until all requirements are completed, including passing the physical fitness assessment. Appointments are scheduled Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Email mary.fresch@tri-c.edu to schedule a time.

• Complete Online Fire Training Academy Application
• Become Current Tri-C Student
• Complete Placement Testing
• Secure Method of Payment
• Pre-Screenings: Physical Exam and Background Check
• Complete Physical Agility Test and Pay Fee
• Verify Medical Insurance
• Copy of NIMS 100, 200 and 700 Test Results
• Copy of CPR/BLS Card
• Verify Driver's License
• Complete Hold Harmless Agreement
• Schedule time to Drop Off Forms

• Jobs for firefighters are expected to grow 7% through 2026
• Professional opportunities include firefighter, fire inspector, fire investigator, forest fire inspector or fire prevention specialist, hazardous material technician, fire captain or fire chief.