The Public Safety program is a comprehensive two-year curriculum that encompasses both Firefighting and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) instruction. Throughout the duration of this program, participating students, known as cadets, engage in rigorous training designed to prepare them for successful careers in public safety. Upon completion, graduates attain a two-year National Registry EMT certification, a four-year Virginia EMT certification, Firefighter I and II certifications, a two-year American Red Cross Healthcare Provider CPR certification, FEMA Incident Command System certifications (ICS100, ICS200, ICS700, ICS800), and HAZMAT Awareness level training. Cadets who earn these credentials qualify for employment opportunities within Fire and Rescue Departments throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Firefighting
Firefighting is a two-credit course intended for students, referred to as cadets, aspiring to pursue a career as a firefighter. The program is physically demanding and requires students to adhere to both academic and professional standards, preparing them to effectively respond to live fire scenarios, hazardous material incidents, and search-and-rescue operations. Cadets gain comprehensive knowledge of procedures, equipment, and technologies commonly employed in fire departments. This course offers academic, mental, and physical challenges, aligning with National Fire Protection Association 1001-2013 standards, and provides the pathway to earn the Virginia Department of Fire Protection Firefighter I certification.
Eligibility
Students must be at least 16 years old before the first day of instruction.
Students must pass the Fire Academy's physical assessment.
Emergency Medical Technician
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is a two-credit course designed for students, referred to as cadets, interested in becoming EMTs. Cadets explore and apply the fundamentals of emergency medical services (EMS), anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology while demonstrating skills in assessing and managing patient care, including the understanding of medical emergencies, trauma, shock, and resuscitation. Cadets must complete a minimum of 85% of the didactic and lab aspects of the course. Successful completion of all course requirements may lead to eligibility to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) cognitive exam. Cadets must meet the requirements of the Functional Position Description for the Basic Life Support Provider.
Cadets receive instruction in treating and managing patients with a range of traumatic injuries and medical conditions. They participate in rotations with paramedics outside of school hours to apply their knowledge and skills. Completion of these rotations is required for eligibility to take the certification examination after the course ends.
It is important to note that final eligibility for national registry certification testing is determined by the course education coordinator and the EMS physician.
Eligibility
Students must be at least 16 years old before the first day of EMT instruction.
Students are required to complete all mandatory clinical hours to gain live patient contact. The students cannot be considered "complete" until they have a minimum of five live patient contacts.
Students must earn a minimum of 70% on all assessments to be granted the ability to sit for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) cognitive exam.
Students are required to successfully complete an end-of-course Terminal Competency Psychomotor Exam.
CPR is a required prerequisite.
Fingerprints and background checks before the course are required by the state for every student.
Program Type
Transport Program – Students participating in this program attend all core classes, non-CTE classes, and activities at their zoned school. A PWCS bus transports students between their zoned school and the program school daily, returning in time to ride their regular bus home.
Want to learn more?
View course sequencing and additional program information in the course catalog.