The Online Fire Academy consists of four months of online coursework with eleven days of onsite skills training in the fifth month.
The skills training is everyday (including two weekends) from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm in Kilgore, Texas. This course is for students who live in Texas.
New classes begin every other month: January to May, March to July, May to September, July to November, September to January, November to March.
Students who wish to enroll in the fire academy must meet the following admissions requirements:
- Create an online student profile (found on this page under Application)
- Complete the fire academy application (which includes the following forms that will need to be uploaded)
- Completed Firefighter Medical Examination Certificate
- Copy of a high school diploma, high school transcript, or GED
- Proof of bacterial meningitis shot record (if under 22 and taking in-person classes) (click here for exemption)
3. Enroll in the Academy (seven courses) found on this page under Enroll Now. Be prepared to pay a $10 deposit to enroll.
Monthly payment plans are available for the fire academy. The Fire Academy is not eligible for FAFSA.
If you are planning to use your VA Benefits to help cover the cost of the fire academy, go to our VA Education Benefits page. (Be sure to scroll down to the Continuing Education Section. Do not re-Apply to KC and do not Fill Out FAFSA.) https://www.kilgore.edu/cost-financial-aid/va-education-benefits/ You should go ahead and enroll in the fire academy while you are preparing the VA paperwork. Do not wait for the VA application process to go through before you enroll in the academy.
The fire academy tuition is available for reimbursement through the Texas Forest Service 2604 Grant for volunteer departments.
Cost Breakdown:
Tuition: $1659
Access Fee: $50
Equip Fee: $125
Uniforms: $130
Gear Rental: $500
Testing Fee: $55
For more information contact Kristi Simpson: (903)983-8177; ksimpson@kilgore.edu