The Fire Technology-AAS program provides an opportunity for students to obtain basic and advanced instruction in fire fighting techniques, fire prevention, rescue, and management of fire services. The major also provides instruction to become involved in all phases of the decision-making process from entry level through the company officer level, focusing on improving productivity and safety. The program consists of approximately one-third general education and two-thirds technical coursework, including classroom as well as technical hands-on training to enable the student to become familiar with all aspects of fire fighting from entry-level to advanced levels. Also included is an instructional area entitled-job skills. This instruction will be offered through students’ local fire departments. Students who are not connected with a fire department will be assisted in finding a site.

Program Learner Outcomes

1. Student will demonstrate professional firefighting skills as outlined in the National Fire Protection Association standards.
2. Student will execute Emergency Medical Technician-Basic skills as identified by the Department of Transportation.
3. Student will organize fire prevention and fire education activities as outlined by National Fire Protection Associations standards.
4. Student will demonstrate effective, professional internal and external (written and oral) communication skills required of the firefighting industry.
5. Student will perform rescue operation skills as outlined in National Fire Protection Association standards.
6. Student will execute hazardous materials response skills safely as outlined in National Fire Protection Association standards.
7. Student will use appropriate emergency management skills in a variety of firefighting situations.
8. Student will operate and maintain fire apparatus and fire equipment properly as outlined in the National Fire Protection Association standards.
9. Student will demonstrate professional characteristics, behaviors, and attitudes as expected in the firefighting field.

Employment Information

Nationwide demand exists for students wanting to become professional firefighters. Typically job titles will be as a starting firefighter with a municipal fire department, but in some cases, industry or other governmental institutions will hire graduates with these capabilities.

A firefighter’s work does not follow a typical 9-5 schedule; therefore, based on shiftwork, the average annual starting salary for an entry-level firefighter is $45,000.00.

• Fire Chief
• Firefighter/EMT (Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician)
• Firefighter/Paramedic
• Apparatus Operator
• Driver Engineer
• Fire Captain
• Fire Engineer
• Fireman
• Master Fire Fighter

Articulation Agreements

Articulation Agreements are formal agreements between two or more colleges and universities to accept credits in transfer toward a specific academic program. Northland has articulation agreements in place with the following schools:

Additional Program Resources