High School Career-Technical Programs
Firefighting and Emergency Medicine are exciting careers path to pursue. By earning certifications through career-technical programs, students can enhance their marketability and shorten the training period for jobs in this sector. These certifications enable them to work in various roles, such as with fire departments, public safety dispatch centers, and ambulance companies. Hospitals often hire EMTs as technicians.
We provide assistance and resources for career-technical programs in fire services at the high school level, through access to a dedicated training specialist and a regional coordinator focused on your needs.
For more information, contact Jennifer Gonzales at jgonzales@alabamafirecollege.org.
What certifications can be obtained in high school?
- Fire Fighter 160 Certification
- EMT Certification
- Public Safety Telecommunicator I/II (9-1-1 Dispatcher)
Benefits & opportunities (varies by department)
- Departments and agencies can hire individuals with only a GED or high school diploma
- Some departments offer paid training programs
- Candidates with certifications are more competitively sought after
- Some cities provide college tuition reimbursement, allowing for completion of a higher education degree while employed
- Starting salaries can reach up to $60,000 in Alabama with no prior experience
- Retirement options are available after 20-25 years
Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?
Although we do not offer traditional scholarships or financial aid, there are resources that may assist with funding your education. Learn more…
Do you offer online classes?
We now offer EMT and Advanced EMT online, as well as on campus! In-person clinical hours will be arranged with your local hospital, but the curriculum components are self-paced. Learn more…
What’s the difference between an EMT and a Paramedic?
An Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is certified to the first level of an EMS career. Students can continue further by pursuing an Advanced EMT certification, and then a Paramedic license. EMT’s, Advanced EMT’s, and Paramedics are responsible for different levels of patient care.
Do I have to be hired by a fire department before recruit school?
No, you can enter recruit school as a self-sponsored student. Self-sponsored students pay for their tuition, fees, and supplies, whereas a student who is already hired by a department will typically have recruit school funded by the department.