what courses do i need to take to be a firefighter
Some do, some don't. Some require EMT certification or Paramedic licensure to take the test (bare minimum requirements). Some require one or both of those plus a firefighter 1 academy or firefighter 1 certificate. Some just require you to be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.
Most firefighters have at least a postsecondary, non-degree award in a discipline related to fire science, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, many fire departments only require a high school diploma or equivalent for entry into the profession.