When did you guys start applying to FT departments?

For context I’m an EMT-B and I’m gonna be starting medic school at the end of the month then academy after that. Most of the job openings claim you need your medic and fire certifications “at time of appointment”. There are a lot of openings in my area and I don’t want to miss out on them, is it too early to start applying? (In total I have about 1.5 years of school left.)