Fire Academy
What is the program?
The San Antonio College Regional Fire Academy is a quality fire training facility providing the most realistic live fire training possible. The ability to consistently burn Class A fuels (wood) and Class B fuels (propane), utilizing a variety of props, makes the Regional Fire Academy unique among the live fire training facilities.
The Firefighter I, II & Hazardous Materials (Haz Mat) Awareness/Operations Cadet Academy is a demanding sixteen-week program that provides comprehensive training in all aspects of Basic Firefighting Skills and Hazardous Materials. Cadets will participate in approximately 680 hours of Fire & Haz Mat training.
This face-to-face hands-on course prepares and trains Cadets to NFPA Fire Fighter I, II & Hazardous Materials Awareness/Operations* levels. Meeting hiring standards established by fire departments as entry-level firefighters. This course meets all requirements for Firefighter I, II & Hazardous Materials Awareness/Operations certification, as identified in NFPA 1001 and NFPA 472, through the TCFP & IFSAC process. EMT Basic is a prerequisite of Basic Structure Firefighter certification. San Antonio College also offers the EMT Basic Certificate through the Allied Health Department. (You do not have to have EMT to attend the Fire Academy)
- Firefighter / Basic, Level I Certificate
- The SAC Regional Fire Academy (RFA) is part of the TCFP firefighter certification process. Prior to being appointed to fire suppression duties, personnel must complete a Commission-approved basic structure fire suppression program and successfully complete a Commission recognized emergency medical course.
- Required to get your Texas firefighter certification
What's special about program?
Our Instructors in this program are seasoned veterans in the fire service with many years of cumulative teaching and operational experience.
The goal of the San Antonio College Regional Fire Academy is to provide fire training of the highest quality while promoting professionalism and academic excellence. It is the intent of the academy to provide a climate that promotes safety and respect while maximizing training benefits. "We prepare safety professionals to confront emergencies." The Regional Fire Academy Staff & Instructor team sets the tone and provides the environment to achieve TCFP certification & IFSAC certification. The training curriculum is divided into instructional blocks. Each block contains certain basic skills that Cadets will learn and then apply in a variety of ways to accomplish a task. During the course of training, Cadets will respond to fire ground scenarios and will be evaluated on their ability to apply the knowledge as a responding company
(Course Break Down)
This course runs twice a year, Spring (January thru May) and Fall (August thru December) and is in-line with the San Antonio College Spring/Fall Semester’s. We run two separate college classes side by side throughout the entire course. The course is broke into 8 separate courses/blocks (5 Blocks for Firefighter I, 1 Block for Firefighter II, 1 Block for Haz Mat, 1 Block for PT Program)(Listed Below).
Block I Firefighter I 1301, Block II Firefighter I 1319, Block III Firefighter I 1407, Block IV Firefighter I 1429,
Block V Firefighter I 1433, Block VI Firefighter II 1423 Block VII Haz Mat Awr/Ops 1413,
Block VIII Firefighter Agility & Fitness 1103 (Runs all 16 weeks)
This 16 week Academy is conducted weekly - Monday thru Friday from 0630 thru 1700. (Occasional Saturdays Required)
What will I learn?
The knowledge and manipulative skills necessary to become certified through the Texas Commission of Fire Protection (TCFP) in Firefighter I & II, and Hazardous Materials Awareness/Operations.
This course is designed to also teach “Firemanship”. This is where Cadets learn and understand what it means to be a firefighter, what they represent as a firefighter, and how to be a professional leader in their department and most importantly their communities.
What can I do with this course of study?
Once graduated and TCFP certified you can apply for entry-level firefighting positions in the State of Texas fire departments.
Once you complete the Fire Academy, you have now got the foundation needed to build on as a professional firefighter. The next step would be to get your Associates of Applied Science (AAS) Degree.
San Antonio College's (SAC) Fire Science program is designed to prepare the individual for a career in fire service and provide the opportunity for professional firefighters to achieve an Associates of Applied Science (AAS) Degree for career advancement.
The program offers two Associate of Applied Science A.A.S. degree tracts as well as a Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) approved basic structural firefighter academy.
- Fire Science/Fire Fighting with an Emphasis in Homeland Security, A.A.S. ♦︎
- The Fire Science / Fire Fighting with an Emphasis in Homeland Security program reflects the assessed needs of the community for careers in the fire service and the need for trained professionals in disaster preparedness.
- Certified firefighters can receive college credit for TFFP, IFSAC, or ProBoard Fire Inspector certification
- 100% online
- For more information click HERE
- Fire Service Leadership, A.A.S. ♦︎
- The Fire Service Leadership Program reflects the assessed needs of the community for careers in the fire service and in fire service management.
- Certified firefighters can receive college credit for TFFP, IFSAC, or ProBoard Fire Inspector, Fire Officer I & II, Fire Instructor I & II. Incident Safety Officer, and Haz-Mat Incident commander certifications.
- For more information click HERE
♦ This symbol indicates the offering is also available fully online.
Courses Offered by Semester
FIRS 1301 Block I Firefighter I
FIRS 1319 Block II Firefighter I
FIRT 1407 Block III Firefighter I
FIRS 1429 Block IV Firefighter I
FIRS 1433 Block V Firefighter I
FIRS 1423 Block VI Firefighter II
FIRS 1413 Block VII Haz Mat Awareness/Operations
FIRS 1103 Block VIII Physical Training Course (PT)
FIRS 1301 Block I Firefighter I
FIRS 1319 Block II Firefighter I
FIRT 1407 Block III Firefighter I
FIRS 1429 Block IV Firefighter I
FIRS 1433 Block V Firefighter I
FIRS 1423 Block VI Firefighter II
FIRS 1413 Block VII Haz Mat Awareness/Operations
FIRS 1103 Block VIII Physical Training Course (PT)
FIRS 1301 Block I Firefighter I
FIRS 1319 Block II Firefighter I
FIRT 1407 Block III Firefighter I
FIRS 1429 Block IV Firefighter I
FIRS 1433 Block V Firefighter I
FIRS 1423 Block VI Firefighter II
FIRS 1413 Block VII Haz Mat Awareness/Operations
FIRS 1103 Block VIII Physical Training Course (PT)
Faculty
| Adjunct Instructors Name |
| BALL, Walter |
| BERTIE, Jason |
| CAMPOS, Abel |
| CASAREZ, Manuel |
| DE LEON, Adam |
| ESPINOZA, Jorge |
| GONZALES, Victor |
| HERNANDEZ, Ivan |
| HERNANDEZ, Joe |
| HIEBEL, Christopher |
| HOWARD, James K |
| HOYT, Jennifer |
| HUGHETT, Connor |
| KITCHENS, James |
| KRAMER, Daniel |
| LEE, Terry |
| MARTINEZ, Gilbert |
| MENDOZA, Angel |
| MILLER, Michael |
| MONTES, Thomas |
| O'DESKY, Alexander |
| REESE, Daniel |
| RICHARDS, Samual |
| RICHARDSON, Donald |
| RODRIGUEZ, Albert |
| RODRIGUEZ, Edward |
| SANCHEZ, Andrew |
| SANDERS, William |
| WASICEK, Amber |
| WHITE, Aaron |
Let's Get Started
SAC has temporarily adjusted our enrollment process to allow steps to be completed remotely by students. Please follow the 1,2,3 Steps.
The center provides assistance with the following:
- Apply Texas application for admission
- Completion of the SAC enrollment steps and AlamoEnroll modules
- Submission of official transcripts, Bacterial Meningitis, and other important documents
- New Student Orientation Sign-Up
- New student orientation is mandatory for all student entering SAC for the first time.
- Enrollment Coach assistance
Contact:
- SAC Virtual Welcome Center
- Monday - Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- alamo.zoom.us/my/sacenroll
- sac-nsoinformation@alamo.edu
The Financial Aid Office offers assistance in applying, processing, and maintaining financial aid.
Contact:
- dst-sfs@alamo.edu
- (210) 212-5266
- Virtual Financial Aid Office
- Fridays 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- alamo.zoom.us/my/sacenroll
The Assessment and Testing Center provides assistance with
- Test Administration of the TSI Exam for college placement
- Evaluate student's TSI status
Contact:
A. Advising
Certified Advisors provide a variety of advising services including, but not limited to answering the following questions:
- What degree do I follow?
- What classes do I take?
- Do I get credit for my certifications and training?
- Advance Standing
- How close am I to graduating?
- When do I apply for graduation?
- I have enrollment holds, what do I do?
- How do I declare my major?
Contact:
- (210) 486-0328
- sac-bpsi@alamo.edu (please include Banner ID and e-mail)
- Certified Advisor: Michelle Lara, mlara118@alamo.edu
C. Ready to Enroll
- Register for Classes: Click Here
TUITION EXEMPTIONS INSTRUCTIONS
Submission of Tuition Exemptions
| Term | Tuition Exemption First Day to Submit | Tuition Exemption Last Day to Submit |
| Fall 2023 | April 6, 2023 | August 16, 2023 |
| Spring 2024 | April 6, 2023 | December 14, 2023 |
| Summer 2024 | April 6, 2023 | May 2, 2024 |
FULL TIME FIREFIGHTERS
- Employment verification letter signed by the Chief on departmental letterhead
- NOT older than two weeks
- Tuition Exemption Form completed and signed
- Tuition Exemption Form Click Here
- Only fill-out highlighted areas
- Attach a color copy of ...
- Driver's License
- TCFP FIDO Account Number
- Proof of Enrollment
- Class Schedule
- Degree plan with the enrolled courses highlighted.
- Submit all documentation as one file (preferably a PDF document) to sac-firescience@alamo.edu
VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS
- Employment verification letter signed by the Chief on department letterhead not older than two weeks
- At least one year as an active member of an organized volunteer fire department participating in the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System
- Tuition Exemption Form completed and signed
- Tuition Exemption Form Click Here
- Only fill-out highlighted areas
- Attach a Color copy of ...
- Driver's License
- TCFP FIDO Account Number
- Proof of Enrollment
- Class Schedule
- Degree plan with the enrolled courses highlighted.
- Submit all documentation as one file (preferably PDF document) to sac-firescience@alamo.edu
NOTE: Tuition Exemption Forms must be completed every semester. All tuition exemptions will be processed and forwarded to Business Office on Thursdays.
LINK RESOURCES:
Government Code:
http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/ED/htm/ED.54.htm#54.353
Administrative Code:
http://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=5&ti=19&pt=
1&ch=21&sch=Z&rl=Y
SFFMA Website:
https://www.sffma.org/
TCFP Website:
http://www.tcfp.texas.gov/
NFPA Website:
http://www.nfpa.org/
A. Business Office - Pay My Tuition
Provides a financial system of charges, refunds, and payments.
- Are installment plans available?
- How much do I owe? or I need a refund.
- How do I Pay?
- Send money orders and certified checks to
- 1819 N. MAIN AVE., SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78212, ATTN: BUSINESS OFFICE
- Online Payment Click Here
- Send money orders and certified checks to
Contact:
(210) 486-0201
Operational Announcements
Academic/Registration Calendars - Click Here |
The Fire Academy is held every Fall Semester (August to December), Spring Semester (January to May), and Summer Semester (May to August) . The Academy meets Monday-Friday from 0600 thru 1700 hrs. for one semester (16 Weeks).
The Fire Academy will cost approximately $4,100, this includes: books, uniforms, equipment, etc.
Tuition can be paid for in multiple ways, such as cash, check, credit/debit card, etc. Other methods include scholarships, VA-GI Bill, student loans, or Financial Aid (www.fafsa.ed.gov) or http://www.alamo.edu/district/financial-aid/ . Payment in full or by installments must be made by the payment deadline or you will be dropped from your classes.
The First Responder’s Academy Campus is located at 15775 IH 35 South, Atascosa, TX 78002.
| click to download a pdf |
A City Fire Academy is one that is part of the employment process of that particular city. Most large city fire departments have a Civil Service type exam in which anyone who meets the minimum qualifications can take. Based on successful completion of the hiring process, you are ranked on a list. This whole process can take up to a year to complete and is very competitive due to a very high volume of people competing. Most people inquire about a fire academy such as the San Antonio College Regional Fire Academy because they do not want to risk losing the time when they could be working towards certification and or their degree while searching for a job with a city that does not have their own fire academy which only hires certified firefighter/EMTs.
In the State of Texas, a certified Firefighter must also hold Basic Certification as an Emergency Medical Technician in order to be certified/eligible for hire. You have the option to either go to an EMT academy before the fire academy or after.
Yes. Successful completion of the fire academy will earn you 27 college credit hours. These hours will transfer right in to a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field at a University. For those who are not seeking a degree, you can register as a certificate only student as opposed to a degree student.
Yes. The State of Texas rewards Full Time Firefighters with a tuition waiver program at certain State Colleges under certain degree plans. For instance, once you are a career firefighter in the State of Texas, you can register for classes that are approved by the Department and your tuition will be waived up to and including a Bachelor’s Degree.
You will be required to pass a final exam with a score of 80% in order to graduate the fire academy. You will also be required to complete all practical skills throughout the semester as well as be tested at random by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection on these skills. To achieve certification, you must also pass the State Written Exam with a score of 70%.
Yes. Firefighters are members of one of the most physically demanding occupations in the world. You must be in top physical condition to perform the tasks required of a Firefighter, such as rescuing victims, carrying equipment, raising ladders, and performing automobile extractions. In addition, Firefighters will be required to demonstrate proficiency in performing essential job duties.
In order to be hired by most fire departments you will take a physical ability/agility exam. One example of these exams includes the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT). Click on this link for an example of a Preparation Guide.
There are no restrictions based on age to become a cadet of the SAC Regional Fire Academy. Every person performs at a different level physically no matter what age. Our academy also includes cadet classes made of high school students as a dual credit academy. Every fire department has different rules on age requirements but not all departments will put a limit on age. Most departments will however have a physical ability exam to prove that the candidate can perform essential job functions.