The Fire Service Technology program is designed to develop and upgrade the firefighting skills and knowledge of volunteer and paid firefighters through high-quality training and educational programs.

The FST courses meet most fire agencies’ minimum qualifications for employment in the region and are offered on and off campus through collaborative agreements with local fire departments.  Instructors from local fire departments also help instruct in the program.

The program will provide the students with exceptional classroom instruction and hands-on training assuring students master the skills necessary for the fire service.

The curriculum is based on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) requirements, and the National Fire Academy’s (FESHE) Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education Model. Fire/protective gear will be required once you enter the program.  Your instructor will advise you.

Entrance requirements for degree seeking students in the Fire Service Technology program include:

• ALEKS score of 14 or higher in Math (Algebra), Writing Placement Exam score of 2 or higher, or equivalent college placement exam scores.
• Fire Service Technology has physical requirements that may affect the student’s ability to function in this program. Fire Service Technology has physical requirements that may impact the student's ability to participate in the program.  Students must be able to climb ladders and work at significant heights and in confined spaces.  They must also be able to wear 50 lbs. of firefighting gear while performing various tasks.  Additionally, students must be able to lift and carry heavy objects while wearing personal protective ensembles and self-contained breathing apparatus and push or pull at least 125 lbs. Students must have the ability to climb 6 or more flights of stairs while wearing 50 lbs. of gear and carrying an additional 20-40 lbs. of equipment/tools. 
• Students need to complete for following FEMA National Incident System Training at https://training.fema.gov/emiweb/is/icsresource/trainingmaterials/.  These are free trainings.
  1. IS-700 NIMS, an Introduction: This independent study course introduces the NIMS concept. NIMS provides a consistent nationwide template to enable all government, private-sector, and nongovernmental organizations to work together during domestic incidents.
  2. ICS-100 Introduction to the Incident Command System: This independent study course introduces ICS and provides the foundation for higher level ICS training. It describes the history, features and principles, and organizational structure of the system. This course also explains the relationship between ICS and NIMS.
  3. ICS-200 Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response: This independent study course is designed to enable personnel to operate efficiently during an incident or event within the ICS. ICS-200 provides training and resources for personnel who are likely to assume a supervisory position within the ICS.
  4. IS-800 National Response Framework (NRF), an Introduction: The course introduces participants to the concepts and principles of the NRF.

The following steps need to be completed for enrollment in the program:

1. Complete general LC State admission requirements
2. Submit college placement exams
3. Complete ICS-100, ICS-200, IS-700, and IS-800 certifications
4. Schedule consultation meeting with program faculty

Upon completion of the Fire Service Technology program, the student will have basic skills in:

•             Fundamental skills and knowledge in Firefighter I and II

•             Understanding of building construction

•             Hazardous materials awareness and operations

•             Wildland firefighting

•             Apparatus driver operator

•             Fire investigation and prevention

•             Fire Instructor I

•             Firefighter rescue techniques

•             Emergency Medical Technician

Career Pathways

•             Firefighter

•             Fire Inspector/Investigator

•              Company Officer

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General Education Core Courses

Program Requirements

Sequential Plan of Study 

Graduates with an AAS Fire Service Technology go on to obtain careers in a variety of fields:

• Firefighter
• Fire inspector/investigator
• Fire chief
• First-line supervisor/manager of firefighting and prevention workers