Fire Science - Technical Diploma
Prepare for your future in firefighting with this two-semester program. You will learn basic fire behavior, techniques used to control structural and related fire emergencies, and life safety practices. Program grads will be prepared for paid on-call/volunteer firefighting positions. Career firefighters will need licensure in Wisconsin-approved Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic programs. This technical diploma program ladders into the Fire Medic associate degree program.
Delivery
Program Costs & Financial Aid
Tuition: $5,118, Books: $476, Supplies: $225
This program is fully eligible for financial aid.
Estimates based on in-state residency. Please visit the following URL to learn more about tuition and fees for this program. https://www.nwtc.edu/admissions-and-aid/paying-for-college/tuition-and-fees?ProgramCode=305035
Requirements for Program Entry
- Apply at www.nwtc.edu/apply
- Submit the following:
- High school transcript (or GED/HSED transcript) and/or College transcript.
- If your cumulative GPA is below 2.6, complete or submit a placement evaluation.
- Complete these prerequisite requirements (unless already completed): Caregiver background check for EMT. Valid driver’s license and eligible to drive college vehicles under the college’s insurance carrier.
- Ability to walk, stand, lift, carry and balance at times, in excess of 125 pounds.
- Tip! Our admission advisors will assist you through every step. Have questions? Connect with NWTC Admissions at start@nwtc.edu or 920-498-5444.
Program Outcomes
- Prepare for incident response and Fire operations.
Accreditation
This program is accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) for those that choose to complete the state certification exams.
Curriculum
Students following the study plan below will complete the Fire Science Technical Diploma in the number of semesters shown.
First Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Second Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
- Curriculum Note: Students must earn a “C” or higher in all 10-503-XXX courses. A student who withdraws or receives a grade lower than a “C” in a program course may apply for re-entry into the program. Consideration for re-entry will be at the discretion of the re-entry team.
- The credit for 10-890-101, College 101 is an institutional requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program credit requirements, but must be passed with a "C".
- Successful program completion prepares and entitles the student to take the state certification examination. A graduate is licensed only after successful completion of the certification examination and application for a state certification. State Certification must be obtained within 2 years of course completion.
- Graduates of the Fire Science technical diploma who complete their coursework with a "C" or higher in any 10-503-XXX courses and meet the program benchmark scores for the Fire Medic program, may qualify for advanced standing within the Fire Medic Associate Degree program.
- It is recommended to complete EMT A & EMT B during the summer before the first semester.
Course Descriptions
Students gain skills that lead to success in college and employment. This course encourages students to develop a growth mindset and make wise choices. Students should take this course in their first semester. (Pre-requisite: None.)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringPrepares the participant to perform the minimum hazardous material incident operations associated with firefighting functions. Meets operational level competencies referenced in the JPRs in NFPA 1001, 4-1.1. (Corequisites: 10-503-142, Fire Fighting Principles; OR Firefighter I State Certification)
Course Typically Offered: FallPreparatory aspects, airway management, patient assessment, medical/behavioral cases, trauma care, pediatric cases, and field operations in basic life-support emergency medical care. (Prerequisite: Accepted into EMT program or Fire Protection Technician program)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringBasic fire behavior, techniques for control structural, related fire emergencies, life safety practices; covers practical evolutions necessary to control and extinguish fires; satisfies all requirements for Firefighter 1 state certification. (Prerequisite: Acceptance to Fire Science, Fire Medic or Fire Protection Technician program; Corequisite: 10-503-153, Hazardous Material Operations)
Course Typically Offered: FallProvides a foundation of knowledge in order to understand the principles of the use of water in fire protection. Meets all of the requirements for the Driver Operator-Pumper certification with the State of Wisconsin. (Corequisite: 10-804-113, College Technical Math 1A)
Course Typically Offered: SpringTopics include solving linear equations; graphing; percent; proportions; measurement systems; computational geometry; and right triangle trigonometry. Emphasis will be on the application of skills to technical problems. (Prerequisite: Next Gen Arithmetic score greater/equal to 250 AND Rdg score greater/equal to 250; OR TABE A 9/10 Math greater/equal to 12.7 AND Rdg greater/equal to 8.8; OR TABE 11/12 Math greater/equal to 780 AND Rdg greater/equal to 573; OR ACT Math score greater/equal to 15 AND ACT Rdg score greater/equal to 16; OR preparatory courses-contact an academic advisor 920-498-5444)
Course Typically Offered: Summer Fall SpringProvides the components of building construction that relate to fire and life safety.
Course Typically Offered: SpringComplete all Level 2 firefighter objectives as identified by NFPA consistent with Wisconsin Technical College System Board defined standards that comply with ILHR regulations. (Prerequisite: 10-503-142, Fire Fighting Principles; 10-503-153, Hazardous Material Operations)
Course Typically Offered: Spring