Getting a two-year degree in fire science gives you a leg up on the competition when applying for placement at fire departments and the fire academy training. Many community colleges and junior campuses offer two-year associates in fire sciences. Prepare to study the physics of fire, forensic fire investigation, and basic principles of safety for rescuers. Courses also include safety gear and clothing, hazardous materials and "IC" or Incident Command training.
The fire academy is where you really get into the heart of fire fighter training. Most academies last between six to eight weeks in a boot-camp style setting. Extreme physical conditioning, ladder work, structural and wildland interface, apparatus (the trucks and engines) driver training, and team building are part of the fire academy training. Most academy placements are through municipality or state run facilities. Private fire academies are often through major corporations like Halliburton or Raytheon.
Training for backcountry search and rescue entails whitewater-swiftwater rescue, high and low angle ropes rescue, medical evacuation and stabilization training, working with rescue aircraft, situational awareness, weather forecasting and tracking. Backcountry search and rescue courses are available through the Outdoor Programs at most colleges and universities. Private training centers offer single classes or boot-camp style training over the course of six to eight weeks.
Road and urban rescue courses teach evacuation, triage, medical stabilization and proper traffic protocols. In addition, the road and urban rescue crews are taught how to work with emergency apparatus such as trucks, ATVs, snowmobiles and off road vehicles.
Road and urban rescue training is often done through fire academies as part of the standard curriculum.
When beginning coursework at any of the options, you need to have a high level of cardio-vascular fitness and a full medical physical. Stay away from drugs, alcohol and other mind-altering substances as these may disqualify your candidacy for entry to the college or academy.