"The RCA was the best! It was exactly what I was looking for. I had looked into other fire academies and the RCA at UVU seemed to support what I was looking for. I knew first off by the Firefighter Rookie Challenge. I was able to meet some of the instructors, and that night I learned of the standard that was required. I knew firefighting was going to be hard, and I wasn't looking for easy! It exceeded my expectations!"
RCA Graduate Jackie Berg, Class 71
The RCA is a rigorous 15-week, full semester course that prepares the student to obtain the four required certifications for entry-level firefighters, Firefighter I & II and Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations certifications. The goal of each instructor and the program overall is to teach students the fire service culture and the proficiencies necessary to be successful in obtaining employment through academics, skills, and interviewing techniques.
During the RCA course, the students will be required to watch on-line lectures while practicing the over 130 required skills while in class. Discipline is key to being successful as a rookie firefighter. The RCA is a quasi-military program that prides itself in producing new firefighters who can both drive and operate an engine, has over forty live fire experiences in training, understands the demands of a fire service career and has directed companies at training fires as a fire company officer. Leadership, competence and confidence make up the “UVU Difference”.
The Recruit Candidate Academy at Utah Valley University is dedicated to providing an exceptional education and training experience by promoting success academically, physically and professionally.
The RCA program at UVU is advised by the RCA Advisory Committee that meets annually. The committee is composed of 12 stake holders and end users from a diverse group having unique perspectives on the RCA program, facilities, and curriculum. The purpose of the committee is to discuss and create improvement strategies so that the RCA program at UVU maintains the highest level of quality and professionalism while producing firefighter graduates who are competent and ready to serve our communities. The committee discusses the academic, physical, and professional skills necessary to accomplish program goals, while keeping in mind the current needs of the community and addressing realistic student achievements.
Yes; apply for admissions at UVU's admission page and select the “New Student” , “Returning Student” tab or Transferring Student” to begin the application.
It is a basic firefighting academy with the goal to prepare every student for entry level employment as a firefighter and hazmat responder. It is a regimented, quasi military course with a demand for respect and attention to detail. This includes uniform, appearance and attitude. It is also a very physically demanding course. Physical training (PT) may include running up to 5 miles. Training also includes rigorous exercise and weight lifting to build strength and endurance to prepare for the demands of a firefighter. The RCA is a hybrid course with online lectures and testing.
Upon successful completion, you will receive the following levels of certification from the State of Utah. These certifications are IFSAC and NPQS (Pro-board) accredited.
Find standards for each certification level here
A Firefighter Recruit Candidate Academy Certificate of Completion will only be awarded by successfully completing ESEC 1140 (EMT) from UVU, with approval of transfer credit for EMT from an accredited institution, or with NREMT certification
Successfully complete the RCA Physical Fitness Ability Test (PFAT) on the first day of class:
Complete: (Must have a C- or higher)
Complete an Recruit Candidate Academy (RCA) application .
No. But they must be completed before the first day of class.
Applications are accepted any time. It is highly suggested that you turn in your application before registration opens for the semester.
Once prerequisites are verified and you have been notified of your acceptance into the program, an Emergency Services advisor will clear you to register yourself for RCA. If you have completed all of your prerequisites, you will be eligible for priority registration during the first week of registration. If you are in the process of completing your prerequisites, you will be eligible to register the second week of registration.
You will need to purchase the following textbook and workbook.
Classes are held: Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Students will enroll in two classes totaling 16 credits: ESFF 250A (8 credits) and ESFF 250B (8 credits)
It is true that the RCA program is physically demanding, and so is the profession of firefighting/EMS response. Any student can pass if they come prepared, put forth the necessary effort, and do the work that is required to perform well in the gym and on the training ground. If you are injured or come to RCA in order to “get in shape,” it’s too late and you will most likely struggle physically.
Students who accrue 100 demerits or more and receive 3 personnel notices are asked to leave the program at the discretion of the Lead Instructor and RCA Program Manager. 99% of all recruits who start the program either finish or quit the program of their own volition. Removing a student is rare. Students who struggle academically, physically, or with fire skills and accrue a lot of demerits due to sub-standard performance usually leave the program. Most recruits graduate with fewer than 20 demerits and no personnel notices.
