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Fire Science Technology
Program Description
The Fire Science Technology (FST) program is designed to provide students with sound technical and academic experiences, enabling them to assume positions of responsibility as members of fire departments or as technical employees of industrial firms and insurance companies.
The first year of the program provides training in building construction, and system design for detecting and eliminating fire hazards, and trains students to reduce hazards through periodic inspections, remedial recommendations, and systematic follow-ups. The second year focuses on aspects of leadership, command, control, and education.
The ultimate goal is to assist the in-service student to develop the appropriate skills and knowledge both to further their ability as front-line firefighters, but also to develop the skills to assume a leadership role in their community. Students who are not employed in a related field are highly encouraged to pursue a live-in position or other hands-on application of the curriculum.
Courses may also be taken individually or in clusters to meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Certification for various fire science professional standards.
A one-year certificate option is available which will consist of 15 credits of technical classes and 15 credits of selected academic subjects.
Graduates of the program will be employed as industrial fire protection specialists, safety technicians, fire insurance inspectors, inspection bureau representatives, state fire inspectors, and municipal fire department employees, many of whom will earn their degree while employed in their area of specialty.
AAS graduates are prepared to assume positions of leadership within their department and to manage teams performing tasks in the community and on the fire ground.
All Fire Science Technology students are strongly encouraged to take EMS123 (EMT-Basic) and to complete the Firefighter I/II certification. Both of these will be needed for employment by a fire department. Live-in Students will complete FFI/II during the summer before school and should complete EMS 123 in their first semester.
For more information about our Fire Science Technology program please email zcronkhite@emcc.edu
“Live-in for a Leg-up”
Click here to learn about the Live-In Program and view open positions.
Various area fire departments, in cooperation with Eastern Maine Community College, are pleased to offer this exciting option to our Fire Science students. Students are hired to live in area firehouses (rent-free) in exchange for being “on-call” during specific hours.
Admission to the Live-In Student Firefighter Program is not guaranteed (space is limited) and depends upon a successful job interview and satisfactory completion of pre-service training. Early application for the limited live-in positions is strongly encouraged.
Live-in students have a greater persistence rate with 85% reaching graduation within three years. Live-in students have a greater success rate in classes. They apply what they learn on a daily basis. They have access to members of their host departments that went through the program and can tutor them on topics and skills.
To learn more about the program and open positions, check out the Live-In Student Firefighter Program or contact Zack Cronkhite, Fire Science Program Director at zcronkhite@emcc.edu.
Any full-time EMCC student regardless of their degree program is eligible to apply.
For the Live-In Application, click here.
Learning Objectives
Successful completion of an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Fire Science from Eastern Maine Community College will prepare students to:
Analyze and apply proactive fire prevention and control methods for safe and cost-effective fire protection.
Analyze and apply reactive fire and emergency scene operations for safe and cost-effective fire suppression.
Demonstrate effective leadership and administration in the fire/rescue service.
Effectively communicate with others using methods appropriate to the situation and audience.
Function effectively in teams.
Prerequisites
AAS & Certificate- Algebra 1