Fire Service Technology (FST)
The Fire Service Technology program at Cincinnati State prepares students for entry-level jobs in fire service as a firefighter/emergency medical technician (EMT).
This program meets National Fire Protection Association standards and objectives for Firefighter 1 and Firefighter 2. Graduates of the program earn an Associate of Applied Science degree.
For hands-on fire training class eligibility, students must:
- Successfully perform and complete the Fire Cadet Fitness Evaluation.
- Complete the State Application for Admission to a Fire Training Course. This application screens for age, criminal convictions, and substance abuse that may disqualify students from state certification. Documentation must be provided to the Ohio Department of Public Safety on questionable cases.
- Have the Physical Exam Form (for firefighters) completed by a qualified physician.
- Present copies of previous certifications held pertaining to firefighting and emergency medical services.
Graduates who complete the associate's degree may continue their education at the University of Cincinnati to earn a bachelor's degree.
The Fire Service Technology program is accredited by the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Medical Services, P.O. Box 182073, 1970 West Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43218-2073. Phone: (614) 466-9447.
For more information, please contact the Health and Public Safety Division at (513) 569-1670.
To apply for this program at Cincinnati State, visit the Admissions section of the College website.
Fire Service Certificate (FSTC)
The Fire Service Certificate program provides specific education, training, and skills needed to obtain employment at a fire department. The Emergency Medical Technician course and the Firefighter 1 and Firefighter 2 courses that are part of the certificate prepare students for the State of Ohio's Certification exams.
Successful completion of the state exams is required before certification cards are issued by the State of Ohio.
The Fire Service certificate program offers a fast track to employment. All credits earned while completing this certificate also can be applied to the Fire Service Technology associate's degree.
For more information, please contact the Health and Public Safety Division at (513) 569-1670.
To apply for this program at Cincinnati State, visit the Admissions section of the College website.
Fire Service Technology (FST)
| Semester 1 | Lec | Lab | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FYE 1XX First Year Experience Elective (B) | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
| FST 101 | Fire Cadet Fundamentals ( B) | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| FST 105 | Firefighter Physical Preparedness ( T) | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| EMS 110 | Emergency Medical Technician Theory and Practice ( T) | 5 | 4 | 7 |
| FST 136 | Emergency Vehicle Operator ( T) | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Semester 2 | ||||
| FST 131 | Firefighter Professional 1 ( B) | 4 | 6 | 6 |
| ENG 101 | English Composition 1 ( G) | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| FST 123 | Principles of Emergency Services ( B) | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| FST 120 | Fire Behavior and Combustion ( T) | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Semester 3 | ||||
| FST 129 | Fire Prevention ( T) | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| FST 132 | Firefighter Professional 2 ( T) | 3 | 6 | 5 |
| 1XX Mathematics Elective (G) | 2 | 2 | 3 | |
| 10X English Composition Elective (G) | 3 | 0 | 3 | |
| Semester 4 | ||||
| FST 126 | Fire Protection Systems ( T) | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| FST 143 | Hazard Recognition Officer ( T) | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| FST 228 | Legal Aspects of the Emergency Services ( T) | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| XXX XXX Social Science Elective (G) | 3 | 0 | 3 | |
| XXX XXX EMS / FST Elective (T) | 1 | 3 | 2 | |
| Semester 5 | ||||
| FST 223 | Principles of Fire and Emergency Services Safety and Survival ( T) | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| FST 226 | Building Construction for Fire Protection ( T) | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| COMM 1XX Communication Elective (B) | 3 | 0 | 3 | |
| PHI 110 | Ethics ( G) | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Total Credits: | 53 | 29 | 65 | |
Electives
| First Year Experience Elective | ||
| FYE 100 | College Success Strategies: Overview | 1 |
| FYE 105 | College Success Strategies: Overview and Application | 2 |
| FYE 110 | College Success Strategies: Practice and Application | 3 |
| Mathematics Elective | ||
| MAT 105 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 |
| MAT 131 | Statistics 1 | 3 |
| English Composition Elective | ||
| ENG 102 | English Composition 2: Contemporary Issues | 3 |
| ENG 103 | English Composition 2: Writing about Literature | 3 |
| ENG 104 | English Composition 2: Technical Communication | 3 |
| Social Science Elective | ||
| PSY 110 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| SOC 105 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| EMS / FST Elective | ||
| EMS 120 | Paramedic Anatomy and Physiology | 3 |
| FST 258 | Rapid Assistance and Self-Rescue Operations | 2 |
| FST 294 | Internship 1: Fire Service Technology | 2 |
| Communication Elective | ||
| COMM 105 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| COMM 110 | Public Speaking | 3 |
Some courses are offered in alternative versions identified with a letter after the course number-- for example, ENG 101 and ENG 101A.
- This curriculum displays only course numbers without the added letter.
- The alternative version, when available, meets the requirements of the course version without the added letter.
The letters G, B, and T (displayed after course titles or elective descriptions) identify types of courses required by the Ohio Department of Higher Education as part of an associate’s degree curriculum.
G = General Education course in this curriculum
B = Basic Skills course in this curriculum
T = Technical course in this curriculum
Fire Service Certificate (FSTC)
| Semester 1 | Lec | Lab | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FST 105 | Firefighter Physical Preparedness | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| FST 101 | Fire Cadet Fundamentals | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| FST 136 | Emergency Vehicle Operator | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| EMS 110 | Emergency Medical Technician Theory and Practice | 5 | 4 | 7 |
| Semester 2 | ||||
| FST 131 | Firefighter Professional 1 | 4 | 6 | 6 |
| FST 123 | Principles of Emergency Services | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| FST 120 | Fire Behavior and Combustion | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Semester 3 | ||||
| FST 132 | Firefighter Professional 2 | 3 | 6 | 5 |
| XXX XXX - FST/EMS Elective | 3 | 0 | 3 | |
| Total Credits: | 22 | 22 | 31 | |
Electives
| FST/EMS Elective | ||
| FST 129 | Fire Prevention | 3 |
| FST 143 | Hazard Recognition Officer | 3 |
| EMS 120 | Paramedic Anatomy and Physiology | 3 |
Fire Safety (FST, FSTL)
- Perform and function as a Firefighter 2 certified by Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) and nationally accredited by National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (commonly known as the Pro Boards).
- Perform and function as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certified as an Ohio and National EMT.
- Demonstrate the importance and value of functioning as a team member at emergency scenes.
- Provide additional value to the community through non-emergency assistance involving life safety education, inspections, and support at community events.
- Promote and practice safety at all fire department and community functions.
- Display and promote a healthy lifestyle and environment.
Courses
FST 101 Fire Cadet Fundamentals
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 2 Lab Hours.
A course that prepares students mentally and physically for the State of Ohio Firefighter 1 & 2 course. Topics include: fire ground fundamentals, self discipline, procedures, concepts, equipment, tools, and safety related information. The course location is Station 2 on Este Avenue in Cincinnati.
Prerequisites: Instructor Consent
Corequisites:
FST 136 : Emergency Vehicle Operator
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Instructor Consent Required
FST 103 Evolution of the Fire Service
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on the growth of the fire service from its creation through the 21st century. Topics include: changes in suppression methods, building codes, and rescue techniques; administrative philosophies; and personnel behaviors.
Prerequisites: None
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FST 105 Firefighter Physical Preparedness
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 2 Lab Hours.
A course on physical fitness in the fire service, using American Council on Exercise (ACE) and Cooper Institute standards. Topics include: body mechanics, cardiovascular conditioning, flexibility, functional strength, and how to avoid common fire service injuries. The course location is Station 2 on Este Avenue in Cincinnati.
Prerequisites: Instructor Consent
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Instructor Consent Required
FST 120 Fire Behavior and Combustion
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on theories and fundamentals of how and why fires start and spread, and how fires are controlled. Topics include: the chemistry of fire, combustion and heat transfer, stages of fire growth, toxic gases and smoke, and extinguishing agents.
Prerequisites: Placement into ENG 101A, and MAT 093 or MAT 131A or appropriate Math placement
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Ohio Transfer Assurance Guide Approved
FST 123 Principles of Emergency Services
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on fire protection services, including philosophy, history, and career opportunities in related fields. Topics include: fire chemistry and physics, fire protection systems, and an introduction to fire strategy and tactics.
Prerequisites: Placement into ENG 101A
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Ohio Transfer Assurance Guide Approved
FST 126 Fire Protection Systems
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on design features and operation of fire alarm systems. Topics include water-based fire suppression systems, special hazard fire suppression systems, water supply for fire protection, and portable fire extinguishers.
Prerequisites: Placement into ENG 101A
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Ohio Transfer Assurance Guide Approved
FST 129 Fire Prevention
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on fundamental concepts of fire prevention. Topics include: history, philosophy, organization, and operation of a fire prevention bureau; use and application of codes and standards; plan review; fire inspections; fire and life safety education; and fire investigation.
Prerequisites: Placement into ENG 101A
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Ohio Transfer Assurance Guide Approved
FST 131 Firefighter Professional 1
6 Credits. 4 Lecture Hours. 6 Lab Hours.
A course covering NFPA 1001 Firefighter 1 and 2 objectives. Topics include: ladders, personal protection clothing, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), fire extinguishers, search and rescue, ropes and knots, and hoses and nozzles. Students must successfully complete FST 131 and FST 132 and earn a passing score on the state firefighter exam to obtain Ohio Firefighter II certification. The course location is Station 2 on Este Avenue in Cincinnati and other off-campus sites.
Prerequisites: FST 101 and FST 105 and FST 136, and instructor consent
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Instructor Consent Required
FST 132 Firefighter Professional 2
5 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 6 Lab Hours.
A continuation of FST 131, covering NFPA 1001 Firefighter 1 and 2 objectives. Topics include: fire streams and foam, fire control, fire protection systems, and pre-incident surveys. Students who successfully complete this course are eligible to take the Ohio Firefighter's Exam. Students who are successful on the state exam are also eligible for national (PROBOARD) certification. Some course activities are located at Station 2 on Este Avenue in Cincinnati.
Prerequisites: FST 131 and instructor consent
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Instructor Consent Required
FST 136 Emergency Vehicle Operator
1 Credit. 0 Lecture Hour. 2 Lab Hours.
A course on safe driving practices while responding in emergency vehicles. Topics include: techniques for safe operation, post-collision analysis, and unsafe practices during emergency response. Students must have a valid driver's license. The course location is Station 2 on Este Avenue in Cincinnati.
Prerequisites: Instructor consent and valid driver's license
Corequisites:
FST 101 : Fire Cadet Fundamentals
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Instructor Consent Required
FST 143 Hazard Recognition Officer
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours.
A course that provides knowledge and skills needed to conduct fire and life safety inspections in the State of Ohio and meet standards for National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Fire Inspector I. Topics include: the fire inspector's role in code enforcement; general fire prevention practices; fire safety requirements related HAZMAT, electrical systems, and fire protection systems; and properly conducting fire safety inspections. Students who complete the course successfully are prepared to take the Ohio EMS Hazard Recognition Officer (HRO) certification.
Prerequisites: FST 132 and Instructor consent
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Instructor Consent Required
FST 161 Fire Officer 1
4 Credits. 4 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on preparing for the role of company officer, using NFPA 1021 Fire Officers Professional Qualifications Level 1 objectives. Topics include: human resource management, community and government relations, inspections, investigations, emergency service delivery, and safety.
Prerequisites: ENG 101, and instructor consent
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Instructor Consent Required
FST 162 Fire Officer 2
4 Credits. 4 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A course that meets the job performance requirements of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1021 - Managing Fire Officer, and follows the leadership standards published by the International Association of Fire Chiefs in the Officer Development Handbook.
Prerequisites: FST 161, and instructor consent
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Instructor Consent Required
FST 223 Principles of Fire and Emergency Services Safety and Survival
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on the history and basic principles of the national firefighter life safety initiatives, focusing on the need for cultural change throughout the emergency services.
Prerequisites: ENG 101
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Ohio Transfer Assurance Guide Approved
FST 226 Building Construction for Fire Protection
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on components of building construction related to firefighter and life safety. Topics include: elements of construction and design of structures in relation to inspecting buildings, pre-planning fire operations, and operating at emergencies.
Prerequisites: ENG 101
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Ohio Transfer Assurance Guide Approved
FST 228 Legal Aspects of the Emergency Services
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.
A course on legal issues related to emergency services. Topics include: the U.S. legal system; recent court decisions, events, and statutes; the Americans with Disabilities Act; the Family Medical Leave Act; the Fair Labor Standards Act; and HIPAA.
Prerequisites: ENG 101
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FST 258 Rapid Assistance and Self-Rescue Operations
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 3 Lab Hours.
A course on saving your own life or saving lives of other firefighters. Topics include: MAYDAY, fire ground safety, communications, self awareness, rapid entry team preparedness, and survival techniques.
Prerequisites: FST 132
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FST 265 Fire Service Instructor
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.
A course on techniques for teaching adult learners knowledge and skills required for the Fire Services field, using NFPA 1041 Instructor 1 and 2 objectives. Topics include: domains of learning, learning outcomes and objectives, classroom preparedness, student safety, and legal obligations. Students must have five years experience as a firefighter.
Prerequisites: FST 142 and Instructor consent
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Instructor Consent Required
FST 268 Fire Safety Inspector
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.
A course on fire safety inspection procedures and responsibilities, using NFPA 1031 objectives. Students who are members of an Ohio Fire Department may take the state exam for Fire Safety Inspector at the end of the course.
Prerequisites: FST 142
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FST 294 Internship 1: Fire Service Technology
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 40 Lab Hours.
Students seeking an associate's degree participate in an unpaid field learning experience at a fire department. Students must follow the hosting fire department's applicable policies and procedures and keep a daily journal to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: FST 132
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Instructor Consent Required
Faculty
Program Chair
William (Bill) Mehbod, BS, EMT-P
william.mehbod@cincinnatistate.edu
Health and Public Safety Division Advising
(513) 569-1670