THE FUTURE OF A PROUD TRADITION
SERVICES
FIRE ACADEMY
Looking for a career as a firefighter? We offer Texas Firefighter Certification courses.
EMT
Interested in a career as an EMT? We offer EMT-Basic Certification courses.
Our Academy in Action
Check out our YouTube playlist and get a glimpse of what you will learn in the Firefighter Certification courses.
FIRE ACADEMY
What is Fire Academy?
We are the premier Firefighter Academy in DFW and are approved by the Texas Commission on Fire Prevention. This Academy is for individuals looking to get into a career in firefighting and consist of classroom instruction, hands on skills and practice, and field experience. This interactive hands-on learning environment ensures you are more than proficient in the knowledge and skills necessary for the state examination. . Our program also provides an intensive physical training aspect to ensure you are well prepared for the firefighting profession. The goal of our intense fast-paced program is to help you exceed expectations in your preparation and future career as a Firefighter.
Is this a career for me?
Firefighting is a rewarding career that offers a very high level of job satisfaction. If you enjoy helping people, serving your community, and fulfilling your purpose in life, then this is the job for you! Although a career as a firefighter can be demanding, stressful, and even dangerous at times, every day is different. You get to work as part of a cohesive team that often-become family. This career demands you to show up as your best self not only for yourself, but for the greater good of your community. If this sounds like a career for you, we are ready to have you!
What are qualifications to be a fire fighter?
Must be EMT and Basic Fire Suppression certified. This is acquired by passing the state examination for a firefighter and state and national for EMT.
Do I have to take one class before the other?
EMT and Fire Fighter Academy do not have to be taken in any particular order. We recommend the sooner you start the better.
How long will it take to get certified?
Fire Academy is a 15 week program. Upon graduation, students will sit for the state exam. Once the TCFP state exam is passed, EMT course is complete, and fingerprint background submitted a student is eligible for certification.
Does this promise me a job?
As with any vocational or certification program, completing the Fire Academy Certification program does not guarantee employment. However, the goal for our school with any student is for students to leave gainfully employed. Our reputation is based on whether you, as a graduate, are hired by a department and how well you blend into an organization.
When is the next class?
2025 Schedule:
February 24, 2025- June 3, 2025
July 28, 2025- November 4, 2025
What do I need to apply?
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Must be 18 years of age or older
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High School Diploma or GED
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Completed Application Packet
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$600 Deposit (applies towards tuition cost)
$100 Registration fee
How much is tuition?
The total cost to attend Fire Academy is $6,100 plus registration.
Deposit: $600 (nonrefundable and applied toward tuition)
Costs are broken down as follows:
Registration fee: $100
Tuition: $4,950
Bunker Gear: $850
Book $215
State Test: $85
**Please note: All tuition & fees are non refundable. Tuition and fee payments made prior to class starting , can be refunded if the class is dropped 1 week in advance in writing, with the exception of the nonrefundable deposit and application fee.
Forms of payment?
Payments are accepted via check, money order, or credit card. No cash accepted.
We now accept payments online. Please just click the "REGISTER ONLINE NOW!" button. Here you can pay in full or select a payment plan.
Do we offer payment plans?
Payment plans are NOW AVAILABLE! Payments plans are up to a 6 month period, with the last payment being taken on the first day of class. All payment plans MUST be paid in full by or on the first day of class. Must register at least 3 months in advance to take advantage of payment plan.
When is the deadline to apply?
Classes are on a first come, first serve basis. Once a class reaches 30 students registration will be closed.
How do I apply?
Online:
1. Click "REGISTER ONLINE NOW!" button
2. Complete the "Application Packet" fill it out in it's entirety.
3. Upload completed packet to your Active Profile or email to mhenrise@desototexas.gov
Please call to schedule an appointment
Monday- Friday
9:00 AM-4:00 PM
Desoto Fire Training Center
501 E. Wintergreen Rd.
Desoto, TX 75115
Application Packet
EMT
What is it?
The EMT Program is a 6 week course that provides classroom instruction, skill testing and ambulance ride-outs . Our instructors are life-long learners and stay up to date on current skills and requirements needed to successfully complete the certification process and acquire gainful employment.
Is this a career for me?
An EMT is a trained professional who provides emergency care outside of a hospital. EMTs work in a variety of settings and are often the first at the scene in emergency situations, and therefore are referred to as "first responders."
They have specialized training and the skills required to administer basic to life-saving emergency medical care while transporting patients to hospitals and other medical centers. This is a high-stakes profession that demands unwavering dedication to saving lives.
Do I have to take one class before the other?
If you would like to specifically be an EMT, only the EMT certification is required. If you decide to become a firefighter then you would need to obtain the fire fighter certification as well. If wanting both the EMT and firefighter certification, it does not matter the order in which you obtain either one.
How long will it take to get certified?
The certification program is 6 weeks plus three 24 hour rotations. Once rotations are complete a student is approved to take the national test. Upon completion of the National Registry test and Fingerprint background check a student is eligible for DSHS EMT licensing .
Does this promise me a job?
As with any vocational or certification program, completing the Fire Academy Certification program does not guarantee employment. However, the goal for our school with any student is for students to leave gainfully employed. Our reputation is based on whether you, as a graduate, are hired by a department and how well you able to fit into an organization.
When is the next class?
2025 Schedule:
January 6, 2025- February 12, 2025
June 9, 2025- July 18, 2025
November 10, 2025- December 19, 2025
What are qualifications to be an EMT?
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High School Diploma or GED
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18 Years of age
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CPR certified (offered during the course)
How much is tuition?
The total cost to attend EMT is $2,900 plus registration. Costs are broken down as follows:
Deposit: $400 (nonrefundable and applied toward tuition)
Registration fee: $20
Tuition: $2,550
Book/ Lab fee: $350
*Uniforms sold separately
**Please note: All tuition & fees are non refundable. Tuition and fee payments made prior to class starting , can be refunded if the class is dropped 1 week in advance in writing, with the exception of the nonrefundable deposit and application fee.
Forms of payment?
Payments are accepted via check, money order, or credit card. No cash accepted.
We now accept payments online. Please just click the "REGISTER ONLINE NOW!" button. Here you can pay in full or select a payment plan.
Do we offer payment plans?
Payment plans are NOW AVAILABLE! Payments plans are up to a six month period, with the last payment being taken on the first day of class. All payment plans MUST be paid in full by or on the first day of class. Must register at least 3 months in advance to take advantage of payment plan.
When is the deadline to apply?
Classes are on a first come, first serve basis. Once a class reaches 20 students registration will be closed.
How do I apply?
Online:
1. Click "REGISTER ONLINE NOW!" button
2. Complete the "Application Packet" fill it out in it's entirety.
3. Upload completed packet to your Active Profile or email to mhenrise@desototexas.gov
Please call to schedule an appointment
Monday- Friday
9:00 AM-4:00 PM
Desoto Fire Training Center
501 E. Wintergreen Rd.
Desoto, TX 75115
Application Packet
ABOUT US
DeSoto Fire Training Center was founded in 1980. We offer a State of the Art training facility. Join the DeSoto Fire Training Center and begin your career in the fire service. Meet or exceed the necessary qualifications of employment with many fire departments in Texas.
This Academy is conducted in a classroom with an interactive hands-on learning environment, ensuring you are proficient in the knowledge and skills necessary for the state examination. Our program also provides and intensive physical training aspect to ensure you are well prepared for the firefighting profession. Our goal is to help you succeed in your preparation and future career as a Firefighter.
FIND US
DeSoto Fire Training Center
501 E Wintergreen
DeSoto, Texas 75115
972-223-6858
OFFICE HOURS:
Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Student Resources
Click on a link
NREMT
Students will need to make an account and submit an application .
JBLearning
EMT Online site to do your homework.
EMS Testing
This site is for students in EMT class to complete Test and purchase study tools
DSHS
Helpful links when you complete EMT class to get certification