This certificate is designed for students looking to gain employment in the Fire Service. Upon completion of this certificate program the student will have several of the same industry standard certifications that a Fire Academy graduate typically has. Including IFSAC Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations, IFSAC Firefighter I & II, NWCG Basic Wildland Firefighting, and EMT- Basic.
Some courses are not eligible for Financial Aid. Please check the list here when considering a course.
Special Requirements
Physical Requirements
Students must be in good physical and psychological health. Students may be asked to provide documentation of a recent physical examination. Many health programs require the student to be able to safely lift and/or move a minimum of 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations are made for students with disabilities. However, some disabilities may prohibit students from completing program specific competencies or gaining employment. Students with disabilities that may interfere with completing program competencies are advised to contact the School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety (HWPS) Office for more information.
Criminal Background
Most of the health programs in HWPS require students undergo the New Mexico Department of Health caregiver’s criminal history screening program. This involves state and federal felony criminal background checks with fingerprints. This must be completed prior to starting the Emergency Medical Technician or EMT portion of the program or prior to beginning their clinical experiences. Students with a disqualifying conviction can appeal some of those convictions through the New Mexico Department of Health. Depending on the program, students may or may not be allowed to remain in the program pending appeal. Students who do not successfully appeal a disqualifying conviction will not be allowed to start or remain in the program. A successful appeal does not guarantee eligibility for licensure after graduation in professions that require licensure.
Licensing
Students completing various Fire Science courses will be allowed to sit for the associated IFSAC or NWCG certification exams. Additionally, upon completion of the EMT portion of the program the student will be allowed to take the National Registry EMT exam.
Additional Supplies
Additional tools, and supplies may be required for individual courses during the program.
Educational Opportunities
This certificate is embedded in CNM’s Fire Science, Associate of Applied Science allowing students to complete this certificate and continue seamlessly into their associates degree. Many of the courses in this degree are transferable and some may be applied to two and four-year degree programs. CNM currently has transfer agreements with many colleges and universities in New Mexico and elsewhere.
Career Opportunities
The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports that in 2016 there were 327,300 firefighter jobs in the United States. Additionally, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects a 7% growth in the employment of firefighters from 2016-2026.
Firefighters are traditionally employed by the local, state, federal governments.
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