Rochester Fire Department Minimum Qualifications

• U.S. Citizen
• Eighteen (18) years of age or older
• Valid driver’s license
• High School Diploma or GED
• Successful completion of Firefighter I/II curriculum as approved by the National Fire Academy or equivalent program which conforms to NFPA 1001
• Current active National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) certification

Must agree not to use tobacco products on or off duty while employed by the Rochester Fire Department.

Candidates appointed to the position of Firefighter shall meet the following requirements:

• Must obtain Minnesota Fire Service Certification Board Firefighter I and II certification prior to completion of  the probationary period
• Must be free from any physical, emotional, mental or medical condition which might adversely affect the individuals performance of the duties of Firefighter and shall submit to an examination by a licensed physician and/or psychologist at the discretion of the Commission
• Must agree not to use tobacco products on or off duty for as long as employed by the Rochester Fire Department
• Must maintain all required minimum qualifications and certifications throughout employment as a Rochester Firefighter.

Must agree not to use tobacco products on or off duty while employed by the Rochester Fire Department.

Complete the on-line job application when firefighter applications are being taken.
APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION AND CERTIFICATIONS TO VERIFY THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION HAVE BEEN MET.

Education and Training to be a Firefighter

Fire Fighter I – 88Hrs
This course is designed to provide the student with the minimum education required to function as a Fire Fighter under direct supervision on the fire ground.  This course includes but is not limited to the following subjects:

• Blood born Pathogens
• Confined Space Entry
• Hazardous Materials
• Self Contained Breathing Apparatus
• Fire Fighter Safety
• Fire Behavior
• Ladders
• Forcible Entry
• Hose Handling
• Fire Streams
• Ventilation
• Fire Control
• IS-700 NIMS Awareness

This course is based on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001 Standards.  Fire Fighter I certification test given in conjunction with course completion.

Pre-requisite: N/A – Student will need personal protective gear, have access to, rent or borrow.
Course can be found on-line in combination with FF II.
Link: www.mnfirecert.org
Tuition: Est. $600

Fire Fighter II – 44 hrs
This is course provides the Fire Fighter with the knowledge to perform under general supervision on the fire ground.  After completion of the course, the Fire Fighter may lead a group of equal or lesser- trained personnel through the performance of a specified task.  This course includes but is not limited to the following subjects:

• Water Supplies
• Automatic Sprinkler
• Fire Cause and Determination
• Building Construction
• Fire Alarms
• Rescue and Extrication
• Salvage and Overhaul
• Fire Prevention and Education

This Course is based on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001 Standards. Applicants must have personal protective gear for training sessions. .  Fire Fighter II certification test given in conjunction with course completion.

Pre-requisite:  FF I Certification – Student will need personal protective gear, have access to, rent or borrow.  Course can be found On-line in combination with FF II
Link: www.mnfirecert.org
Tuition: Est. $350

Emergency Medical Technician – Basic (112hrs)
This is a Department of Transportation designed course for certification of ambulance personnel. This course covers basic minimal emergency medical care required to work on an ambulance or fire department, and basic techniques and principles of pre-hospital emergency care.  Current certification in CPR for Healthcare Providers must be completed before 6th week of course.  Textbook is normally included in cost of tuition. 

This course is generally offered through technical and vocational colleges and EMS organizations.  EMT-B certification test is normally given in conjunction with the completion of the course. 

NOTE: National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT-B) certification is required for most entrance level fire fighting positions.  
Link: www.emsrb.state.mn.us
Tuition Est. $900 - $1000

CPR-Emergency Cardiac Care - Advanced CPR for Healthcare Providers – 16 hrs
This is an American Heart Association course covering all phases of CPR, including two rescuer CPR, AED and more advanced procedures.  This is the required course for all health care providers, EMTs, First Responders, Police, Fire Fighters, and Nurses.  This course is generally offered by American Red Cross Chapters and technical and vocational colleges.  Certification is valid for 2 years.
Link: www.redcross-semn.org
Tuition Est. $80 - $154.00