Fire Science Technology (A138)

Associate in Applied Science

The Fire Science Technology program is designed for students who seek an associate in applied science and fire officer certification. This program will prepare you for employment in the fire-fighting field upon graduation. You will simultaneously complete requirements for your degree and fire officer training. Upon graduation you will then be eligible to sit for the state certification exam for fire fighter.

This program is restrictive as to who can enter and certain prerequisites exist, as they currently do for academy entry. Contact the Dean of Workforce Development on South Campus concerning admission to the program.

The Academy

Florida Community College’s Northeast Regional Fire Science Academy at South Campus is a certified training center that meets all State requirements and is considered one of the best in the country. The program is under the guidance of an advisory committee composed of community leaders and administrators from local fire departments. This ensures that you will receive modern, up-to-date instruction that is relevant to current practices in the field.

Admission is based on upon stringent criteria, physical endurance and a background check. Coursework and practical exercises focus on the protection of lives and property. The emphasis is on the dynamics, analysis and behavior of various fire scenes and the tactics and strategies that control them. Physical fitness is a constant part of your training. Wearing 50 pounds of gear while you climb ladders, drag hoses, and lift and carry victims through the heat and dangers of a burning building takes super-hero stamina.

The academy’s on-site burn building and fire pits give you first-hand experience in vertical spread, structure failure and collapse from water and joisted masonry construction used in older factories and warehouses. You’ll learn to manage exposure to flames and smoke, poisonous and explosive gases, as well as chemical, radioactive and other hazardous materials.

You will assess differences in fire caused by mechanical electrical and liquid fuel sources. You’ll study fire prevention, home land security strategies, local building codes, emergency medical procedures and search–and–rescue operations. A special driving track provides safe training for high-speed conditions on wet roads and ways to avoid traffic accidents when responding to calls.

Fire science and general education courses are offered on a primary night and alternate night or day basis.

Career Opportunities, Rapid Placement

In addition to community fire departments, there are opportunities in government installations such as airports, as well as private fire fighting companies. There is also a need for inspectors, investigators, forest rangers and smoke jumpers. In all cases, employment is based on high test scores and outstanding skills.

Annual Salaries

The median base salary for fire fighters nationally is $42,000, plus excellent benefits and retirement programs. Experience and advancement can increase your salary to as high as $90,000 a year.

Certification and Licensing

Graduates of this program will be eligible to sit for the state certification exam for fire fighter.

Application Procedure

This program is restrictive as to who can enter and certain prerequisites exist. Contact the Dean of Workforce Development on South Campus concerning admission to the program.

Note

The associate in applied science degree program is intended primarily for students who desire to complete an associate degree and become employed. Students who decide to pursue university transfer should select the A.S. degree Fire Science Technology.

Cost

Estimated cost of tuition is $3,984 (tuition rated for Florida residents, as of 7/07). Contact the program manager for additional costs (textbooks, materials, fees).

Curriculum

Course Number and Title		Credits
General Education Courses
ENC 1101	English Composition I	3
ENC 1102	Writing About Non-Fiction	3
or LIT 2000 Introduction to Literature (Fiction)
*Humanities		3
*Social and Behavioral Science		3
MAT 1033	Intermediate Algebra	4
	Credit Hours	16

Required Professional Courses
FFP 2111	Fire Chemistry	3
CGS 1100	Microcomputer Applications for Business and Economics	3
FFP 2811	Fire Fighting Tactics and Strategy II	3
FFP 2740	Fire Service Course Delivery	3
FFP 2120	Building Construction for Fire Service	3
FFP 1780	Company Officer	3
***EMS 1059	First Responders: Emergency Care Training	2
***EMS 1119	Fundamentals of Emergency Medical Care	6
***EMS 1401	Fundamentals of Emergency Medical Care Clinical Experience	3
**Academic credits will be awarded upon completion of Fire Fighter II workforce certificate program.		15
	Credit Hours	44
	Total Credit Hours	60

*Refer to A.S. degree General Education Requirements.
**The Fire Fighter program is a selective entry program. The Workforce Certificate program can be taken only if the student has a current EMT certification. The student must have nine (9) hours of Florida Community College credit before the Workforce Certificate credits can be awarded. Start dates for the Workforce Certificate program vary from term to term. Contact the Dean of Workforce Development office, South Campus at 904.646.2182 for more information.
***Students who have current EMT or Paramedic certification or Nursing degree will be given credit for course.

Record of Conviction of a Crime

See the crime statement on POS 5720 Fire Fighter II (Fire Fighter I & II).

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