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Fire Fighter I/II (Career Certificate)

Career Certificate in Fire Fighter I/II The Fire Fighter I/II career certificate program is 7 months long and is offered twice a year: Spring (Jan to July) and Summer (June to Dec). The classes are held on Tues/Thurs night from 5-10 pm and all-day Saturday from 8am - 7pm at the North Collier Fire Training Center, 1885 Veterans Park Drive, Naples, FL 34109. This program is designed to prepare students to be eligible to sit for the State of Florida Firefighter II Certification exam. Students must satisfy the requirements outlined in NFPA 1001 and Florida State Statute 69A-37. This is a 492-hour course that runs for 7 months. The class is broken into Fire I (10 weeks) and Fire II The cost for this course varies due to equipment needs. Approximately $5200 will cover course application, tuition, gear rental (if needed), equipment, uniforms, books, testing, fingerprints, etc. The Fire Fighter I/II Career Certificate Program is physically demanding. The program includes classroom and practical field components. To ensure that candidates are physically and mentally prepared for the program's challenges, all candidates must pass the Physical Ability Test (PAT) before being fully accepted into the program. The PAT is scheduled after you apply.Included in the application fee are three (3) two (2) hour sessions of the Practice Physical Ability Testing (PPAT). The PPAT is not mandatory but, will allow the applicant to be better prepared and become familiar with the components of the PAT (Physical Ability Test). The PPAT sign-up sheet will be sent with additional instructions to their FSW email account(@bucs.fsw.edu) Career Certificate in Fire Fighter I/II is a limited access, standalone program with its own application process.Prior to applying to the Fire Fighter I/II program you need to apply for admissions to Florida SouthWestern State College and complete all the necessary admission requirements, which includes taking the placement test or being exempt from taking the placement test.Additional Application RequirementsBe at least 18 years old.Have no felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude. (Contact the Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training with any questions.)Have a High School Diploma or GED. Pass a physical examination by a licensed Florida Physician (after you apply to program you will receive an email with the form). 2026 Application Acceptance Dates and Program Schedule Term Apply Start Date End Date Spring-Summer Sept 1 - Oct 31, 2025 Jan 2026 June 2026 Summer-Fall Feb 1 - Mar 31, 2026 June 2026 Dec 2026 *Application deadlines may be shortened or extended to meet the capacity of class offerings*The Academy capacity limit is 45 cadets. We will accept applications beyond the initial 45 to maximize enrollment. Applicants must meet all the above requirements to be considered. Applicants who meet the requirements but are not among the first 45 may be selected to fill any openings that arise before the start of the program. If no opening should occur they will be automatically considered for the next scheduled Fire I/II Program without needing to reapply. These applicants will only be required to retake the PAT to ensure they have retained the physical fitness needed for program.*The final selection of the 45 accepted applicants will be made after the completion of the scheduled Physical Ability Test* Process and Steps to Complete the Fire Application Click Apply Now and enter your information Pay the $350 Application Fee. Application fees are non-refundable and pay for the following:Application Administration FeeThree 2-hour sessions PPAT (Practice Physical Ability Testing)PAT (Physical Ability Test) (See PAT booklet for more information) IMPORTANT: When your application is reviewed, applicants will receive additional instructions to their FSW email account (@bucs.fsw.edu). Your Bucs email address can be found in your FSW Student Portal Read ALL information carefully and return all requested documents to have your application accepted. Attached in informational email will be the Physical Exam Form and Google PPAT sign-up sheet link.Only complete applications will be considered for entry into program.For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 239-985-3495Downloads and LinksEstimated Program Expenses (PDF)Scholarship Information for Fire Fighter (PDF)Physical Ability Testing Information (PDF)View the Program of Study in the 2024-25 College CatalogCareer Options - Program Fire Fighter I/IIView the Firefighter State Examination Outcomes (PDF)CPR CertificationFire Fighter Application Guide Program Contact InformationFor any additional program information, email us at EMS.Fire@fsw.eduCassie Billian Director, Emergency Services Email: Cassie.Billian@fsw.edu Phone: (239) 985-3446Michael Knoop EMS Support Specialist Email: michael.knoop@fsw.edu Phone: (239) 985-3495

QEP Definitions and Timeline

What is a QEP?The Quality Enhancement Plan is an integral component of the reaffirmation of accreditation process and is derived from an institution’s ongoing comprehensive planning and evaluation processes. It reflects and affirms a commitment to enhance overall institutional quality and effectiveness by focusing on an issue that the institution considers important to improving student learning outcomes and/or student success.The document submitted by the institution demonstrates that its QEP (a) has a topic identified through its ongoing, comprehensive planning and evaluation processes; (b) has broad-based support of institutional constituencies; (c) focuses on improving specific student learning outcomes and/or student success; (d) commits resources to initiate, implement and complete the QEP; and (e) includes a plan to assess achievement.Please send ideas for our QEP topic to qep@fsw.edu! QEP Timeline AY 2019-2020 Topic Identification Committee guided by Dr. DeLuca and Dr. van Gaalen engaged in college-wide activities (examination of institutional assessment results, student and faculty surveys, focus groups, feedback sessions) to identify topic. Committee announced thematic focus “transdisciplinary communication” April 2020. Provost worked with Faculty Senate President to name a steering committee and co-chairs for AY 2020-2021. Dr. Rebecca Harris and Dr. Angus Cameron accepted co-chair positions. QEP Title was revealed during Convocation in Fall 2020: Creative Connections: Breaking Barriers across Disciplines. AY 2020-2021 Steering Committee collaboratively develops QEP. QEP narrative was drafted by QEP Steering Committee. Compliance Certification submitted by March 1, 2021. Provost worked with Faculty Senate President to name QEP Director, Dr. Rebecca Harris. Off-Site Peer Review Conducted April 20-23, 2021. Off-site preliminary findings were sent to FSW on April 23. Dr. Mary Kirk, Advisory Visit June 30, 2021AY 2021-2022 QEP Narrative Due to SACSCOC August 30, 2021 On-Site Peer Review October 11-14, 2021 Review by the SACSCOC Board of Trustees June 13-16, 2022AY 2022-2023 Implementation Year 1 AY 2023-2024 Implementation Year 2 AY 2024-2025 Implementation Year 3 AY 2025-2026 Implementation Year 4 AY 2026-2027 Implementation Year 5

Student Life

Welcome to the Division of Student Life at Florida SouthWestern State College. From living-learning communities to peer advising and student leadership positions, our programs provide innovative and engaging opportunities on campus. We hope to see you developing friendships and becoming an active member of an organization or club that will enhance your FSW experience. Our outstanding and dedicated staff members across three campuses and one center are here to support you on your journey from admissions to graduation. Feel free to contact any of our offices by clicking on the links to the left.MissionIn Student Life, we believe in empowering students through transformative, person-centered, high-impact learning experiences.VisionOur vision is to cultivate success through positive, intentional experiences. We are invested in providing leadership opportunities, campus engagement activities, and support systems that enhance your connection to the college and assist with your personal, academic, and professional growth. Our programs and resources aim to develop crucial career and workforce skills and provide the support you need to ensure your success through your academic journey.

Risk Management

Recognizing the need to preserve the College's resources, the Risk Management Office is responsible for the leadership, innovation, governance, and management which is necessary to identify, evaluate, mitigate, and monitor the College’s operational and strategic risk. The Risk Management Office will work with the Florida SouthWestern State College community to ensure that a safe environment is provided for faculty, staff, students and visitors. It will also minimize loss or damage to the College's assets through the development and implementation of loss-prevention programs and the application of effective risk management principles. The Risk Management Department within the Office of the Senior Vice President of Operations seeks to eliminate, prevent or minimize exposure to the College in order to protect the financial positioning of the College.Florida SouthWestern State College belongs to the Florida College System Risk Management Consortium (FCSRMC). As a member of the Consortium, Florida SouthWestern State College participates in a program authorized by the Florida Legislature which allows the colleges in the state to join together to develop & implement a statewide cooperative system of risk management under one comprehensive plan. In addition, the Florida legislature has provided authority for the colleges to participate in self-insurance, excess insurance & specific insurance programs through the Consortium.ResponsibilitiesAssessing risk through identifying, measuring and evaluating risk exposures based on information provided by other programs or collected by the Risk Management Office.Determining potential impacts of the College’s actions on liability exposures.Monitoring operational risk activities of the College including evaluating contractual risk through review of contracts, licenses and agreements as required by policy or upon request.Managing the College’s insurance programs in conjunction with the Florida College System Risk Management ConsortiumProviding guidance and education to departments through training and consultation on loss control and insurance requirements.Applying loss-prevention and loss-reduction techniques to eliminate or minimize losses to the College. Coordinating with the Senior Vice President/Chief Operating Officer and Office of General Counsel regarding claims against the College and matters involving losses which may affect the financial position of the College. Chairing the Strategic Risk Team

FSW Online: Learning Without Boundaries

Welcome to FSW Online! Join us today and discover the power of online learning. At FSW Online, we understand that you need flexible and convenient options that work with your life. We are committed to providing students and faculty with the resources and support you need to achieve your academic and professional goals.StudentsLearn about our online programs and course offerings.FacultyCurated resources for current or new faculty teaching online.Support | Connect | EngageEvents Florida SouthWestern State College participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.

Travel & Expense

This website is to help you navigate the travel reimbursement process. Current travel expense information such as procedures and user guide can be found here.Travel expense reimbursement is a two-step process. First authorizing the travel and expenditures for travel and second reimbursement of expenses to the traveler. Employees must complete a Travel Authorization (TA) and Travel Reimbursement (TR) through the on-line Travel and Expense Management System Chrome River.Chrome River is a comprehensive solution for managing travel and expense activity. It can encumber reimbursable travel funds, authorize expenditures, process reimbursements, store supporting documentation electronically and receive electronic approvals all from the web.Contact UsMeghan Baldwin PCard & Travel Specialist Email: TravelAdministration@fsw.edu Phone Number: 239-489-9340 Ext 11340

Office of Financial Planning and Athletics

The Florida SouthWestern State College Office of Budget & Planning supports the FSW community in accomplishing its goals through the planning and allocation of financial and physical resources, and by providing analysis and information services to budget administrators to assist in the day to day management of their departments, as well as enhance college decision-making for both short and long term goals. Listed below are some of the functions that the Office of Budget & Financial Planning provides:Developing annual and long term budget plansMonitoring current year revenue and expense trendsPreparing school and program financial analysisEnsuring compliance with statutes and rulesEngaging with budget administrators in order to provide updates on all budget sourcesAnalyzing capital requests and if/how they impact available spaceBalancing facilities development with environmental factors, infrastructure needs, budget availability and student impactSupporting all FSW departments with their space and FF&E needsCompiling performance comparisons in relation to peer institutions and the external environment Office of Financial Planning and Athletics Contact Title Email Tobias J. Discenza Assistant Vice President, Financial Planning and Athletics tjdiscenza@fsw.edu Justine Lewis Administrative Coordinator, Operations and Contracts jlewis12@fsw.edu Budget Contact Title Email Esther Puig Torres Director, Budget eapuigtorres@fsw.edu Angelica Grandchamps Budget Coordinator agrandchamps@fsw.edu Joshua Taylor Budget Analyst Joshua.Taylor@fsw.edu Athletics Contact Title Email George E. Sanders Director, Intercollegiate Athletics gsanders@fsw.edu Justin C. Long Director, Athletic and Housing Operations justin.long@fsw.edu Resources and LinksFlorida SouthWestern State College Operating BudgetDesign & Construction GuidelinesContact InformationTobias J. Discenza Assistant Vice President, Budget and Financial Planning Thomas Edison Campus, I-209 (239) 489-9329 Justine Lewis Administrative Coordinator, Operations and Contracts Thomas Edison Campus, I-217 (239) 433-6904George E. Sanders Director, Intercollegiate Athletics Thomas Edison Campus, X-118A (239)433-8026 Justin C. Long Director, Athletic and Housing Operations Thomas Edison Campus, S-212 (239) 985-8361 Esther Puig Torres Director, Budget Thomas Edison Campus, I-209 (239) 432-7339

Hazardous Material & Dangerous Goods

Florida SouthWestern State College has partnered with industry experts, Hazmat Safety Consultants, LLC, and the Dangerous Goods Trainers Association to offer Train-The-Trainer Course and Expert Insights Seminar Series. The trainings are funded through a U.S. Department of Transportation Grant and available free of charge to businesses and community members.HAZMAT TRAIN-THE-TRAINER COURSETraining of Hazardous Materials employees is critical to the success of the Hazmat system. An effective training program is crucial for Hazmat employees to ensure they are using and implementing the highest level of safety in the industry. The online Train-The-Trainer Course blends industry knowledge and adult-learning philosophies to prepare the participants to become a Hazmat Trainer. Course covers the following: Hazmat General Awareness & Global Systems How to perform a Hazmat Needs Assessment for your company Adult learning philosophies and training plans Course development and deliveryCourse Offerings August 4 – September 8, 2025 October 6 - November 10, 2025 Click here to RegisterHAZARDOUS MATERIALS EXPERT INSIGHTS SEMINAR SERIESIntroducing our Hazardous Materials Expert Insights Seminar Series, a monthly one-hour webinar delving into pertinent and timely topics within the field of hazardous materials management. Upcoming TopicsUN Subcommittee Updates: Latest Developments in Global Dangerous Goods Regulations Ryan Paquet August 6, 2025 | 1pm EST Register Here Lithium Battery Storage – Who Knows? Mike Pagel September 3, 2025 | 1pm EST Register Here Materials of Trade – What Can I do? Paula Reavis October 1, 2025 | 1pm EST Register Here Special Permits – Are They Right for You? Ryan Paquet November 5, 2025 | 1pm EST Register Here Webinar Recordings Hazmat Webinar ChannelFireworks and Explosives (July 2, 2025)Limited Quantities: Maximizing Exceptions While Maintaining Safety (June 4, 2025)IMDG Code: Essential Guidelines for Maritime DG Transport (May 7, 2025)Building a Corporate DG Compliance Plan (Apr 2, 2025)GHS and Transportation Labeling: Navigating Dual Compliance Requirement (Mar 5, 2025)What to Do if USDOT Knocks on Your Door (Feb 12, 2025)Key Decisions from the UN Dangerous Goods Transport Committee (Jan 15, 2025)Check the Box: Make Your Packages are Safe to Send (Dec 4, 2024). Aerosols on the Move Guide to Safe Travels with Bob Richard (Nov 6, 2024)Mastering Lithium Battery Safety with Mike Pagel (Oct 2, 2024)Additional Webinar Recordings.How to Make it Through a DOT Inspection September, 2024Cracking the Code: Unpacking Limited Quantity Exceptions August 2024Hazardous Materials: What’s Going on Around the World July 2024FSW Office of Corporate and Community Education8099 College Parkway Fort Myers, FL 33919 Corporate.Training@fsw.edu

Corporate Training

Expand Career OpportunitiesMake your organization more competitive and profitable with professional development lectures or customized learning solutions, curated to target the needs of your employees and exceed your company’s professional goals.Customized Training Our team will collaborate with your organization to provide learning solutions so you can have skilled and productive employees. We work hard to understand your skill gaps, professional development goals, and the demands of the workforce to build customized trainings that engage employees and elevate your organizations skillset. →Get StartedWIth Customized Corporate TrainingHazmat TrainingFlorida SouthWestern State College has partnered with industry experts, Hazmat Safety Consultants, LLC, and the Dangerous Goods Trainers Association to offer Train-The-Trainer Course and Expert Insights Seminar Series. The trainings are funded through a U.S. Department of Transportation Grant and available free of charge to businesses and community members.For more information on HazMat Train the Trainer courses or the Hazardous Materials Expert Insight Seminar Series, see below!More InformationRegister for the HazMat Train the Trainer Course HereOnline Training ProgramsThere are several courses that can provide a competitive edge to your organization. These courses are flexible to fit the needs of busy schedules and specific learning objectives.• Sterile Processing Technician (Voucher Included) • Certified Paralegal (Voucher Included) • Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Expert Certification Training • 120-Hour TEFL Certification • Digital Marketing Strategist • NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Exam Preparation (Voucher Included) • HVAC/R Certified Technician (Voucher Included) • Freight Broker/Agent Training • Adobe Certified Professional (Vouchers Included) • Accounts Payable Specialist Certification with Microsoft Excel (Voucher Included)• Project Management Professional PMP• CompTIA• Bookkeeping/Intuit Quickbooks• Associate Professional in Human Resources ®(aPHR®)

James Herrera

Dir., Facilities Maintenance Edit This Profile Email: James.Herrera@fsw.edu Phone: (239) 985-3460 Extension: 11960 Location: LEE D113 Department: Facilities Planning & Management - Lee Campus

Lisa Grant

Capital Planning & Design Manager Edit This Profile Email: Lisa.Grant@fsw.edu Phone: (239) 477-3548 Extension: 14048 Location: LEE D-201F Department: Facilities Planning & Management - Lee Campus

Institute of Innovative and Emerging Technologies

Welcome to the Institute of Innovative and Emerging Technologies at Florida SouthWestern State College.What’s New at IIET?First Things First: A Human Approach to AI Readiness Our signature First Things First: A Human Approach to AI Readiness course is offered once per month on Zoom at no charge. This interactive 75 minute session invites you to explore an approach to using AI that puts you in the driver's seat. You'll explore basic generative AI skills and the mindsets and habits that allow you to use AI in ways that support your strengths and aspirations. The course includes helpful resources you can revisit again and again, including a recording of the session, handouts, practice ideas, and more.Sign Up HereAI-Ready Professional Course Series and Certificate When you're ready to amplify your impact with AI and build your professional skills, choose from among our AI in Practice courses or better yet, take the whole set and earn an AI-Ready Professional certification from FSW. In these dynamic, 60-minute, live sessions you'll explore how to collaborate with AI for crucial professional domains like communication, project management, and more. Go beyond tools and tricks to develop and reinforce habits that will put you at the top of your professional game.Learn more hereNew Innovation FacilitiesTwo exciting new spaces are taking shape in the G Building. The Collaboration and Learning Lab will be a gathering space where teams can develop groundbreaking approaches to teaching, learning, and more. Designed for exploration and creativity, this flexible space invites you to reimagine what's possible.Just steps away, the XR (Extended Reality) Suite marks Stage 1 of FSW's extended reality initiative. Here, our community will begin exploring immersive technologies that could transform how we teach, learn, and prepare for tomorrow's challenges.IIET NewsletterRead the latest version of our newsletter here (PDF)

Artful Evenings

Artful Evenings: Monthly Creative Workshops at FSW Join us once a month for a fun, hands-on evening of creativity and community! Whether you're a student, staff member, or community member, there’s a seat at the table just for you. What to Expect: Each month, explore a new artistic activity with local instructors guiding you step-by-step. No experience necessary—just bring your curiosity and creativity! See FlyerRegister HereUpcoming Workshops: Register - September 4th @ 6:30 pm – Chic Charcuterie with Grazing Haus Register - October 9th @ 6:30 pm- Falling for Floral Design with Twisted Stem Register - November 13th @ 6:30 pm- Mocktail Mixology with Elite Bartending Register - December 11th @ 6:30 pm- Welcome Wreaths with Edel’s Keep Details: Location: FSW Lee Campus Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM Cost: Only $50 per person Max Class Size: 25 participants All materials included + light refreshments Who Can Join? FSW Students Faculty & Staff Community Members Bring a friend, meet someone new, and walk away with something you made yourself. Reserve Your Spot: Register NowSpots fill quickly—secure your seat today! Stay in the Loop:

Senior Living Workshops

Empowering, Engaging, and Educational Workshops for Seniors At Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW), we believe education is a lifelong journey! Our Community Education courses are designed to engage, inspire, and connect residents with passionate instructors — industry experts and long-time professors dedicated to making learning a rich, meaningful experience. Popular Topics: The Hidden Wonders of SWFL Great American Artists & Authors Innovations in Technology Music, History & Cultural Tours Why Choose Us? Flexible Scheduling Dedicated Educators Dynamic Topics Interactive and Enriching