Firefighter Academy

In collaboration with the Rio Grande Valley Emergency Training Alliance, TSTC Harlingen conducts two Firefighter Academies per year.  Fire cadets must be sponsored by one of the 18-fire department members valley wide (list below).  To learn more about the academy, please contact your local fire department for further information and required qualifications.

Firefighter Certfication

Basic firefighter certification, consists of 20 weeks of classroom and hands-on training to comply with the Texas Commission of Fire Protection requirements for preparation of the Texas State Exam.  Training is conducted at various training sites throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

Basic Emergency Technician Certifcation (EMT-B)

During the course of this 5 week intense program, students perform the skills and use the equipment commonly used in emergency medical services. In addition, students are instructed in optional procedures such as intraosseous infusion and chest decompression. Throughout the course of the program, students will complete hours of rotations with local hospitals and EMS providers. Upon successful completion of the program, students who meet the requirements of the Texas Department of Health will be qualified for certification as basic or paramedic emergency medical technicians.

Current city fire department members include:

During the course of 200 hours intense program, students perform the skills and use the equipment commonly used in emergency medical services. In addition, students are instructed in optional procedures such as intraosseous infusion and chest decompression.
Throughout the course of the program, students will complete 52 hours of clinical rotations with local hospitals and EMS providers. Upon successful completion of the program, students who meet the requirements of the Texas Department of State Health Services will be qualified to test for the National Registry EMT basic certification.
 
Prerequisites:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Must have a High School diploma or GED
- Students must be able to perform in accordance with the DSHS Essential of Eligibility
- Immunizations must be completed prior to the first day of clinicals. Proof of official immunization records must be presented
   with the following:
   a. Hepatitis A
   b. Hepatitis B
   c. Negative TB test, not greater than 12 months old
   d. Tetanus
- Insurance must be purchased through the TSTC business office on or prior to the first day of class.
   a. Malpractice/ Liability (LBEMT)
   b. Needlestick Insurance
   c. General Liability
- CPR Certification
- Background Check purchased through TSTC prior to first day of class.
- Uniform Required