Climbing the Ladder: Programs for First Responders
Certificate of Completion
The Certificate of Completion in Structural Fire Science will prepare the student to rapidly enter the workforce, and ensure successful employment with the Fire and Emergency services. The core course work for the AAS degree is designed to ensure the student has attained a mastery of the fundamental principles in the causes of fire, organizational structure, fire behavior, emergency tactics and fire suppression, as well as the basics of urban firefighting. This core coursework is also the foundation of the “Fire Academy Certification,” demonstrating general proficiency for the student to enter the workforce as an entry level firefighter.
Upon completion of the certificate students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a complete proficiency of all job performance requirements established in NFPA 1001, as applicable to this program.
- Discuss the impact of the history of Fire Service as it relates to current industry trends.
- Evaluate the principles of fire chemistry, fire behavior, and safety practices in the fire service industry.
Click on the links below to view program requirements.
Structural Fire Science CC · SFS Certificate Pathway
Associate of Applied Science
This program will build a strong foundation of the essentials needed to work in the fire service industry, ensuring an understanding of rudimentary technical skills. By incorporating comprehensive curriculum of fire prevention, fire protection, hazardous materials response, and fire administration, the Associate of Science in Fire Science degree takes a multi-professional approach to policy integration and academic preparation in specialized fire service equipment and apparatus applications. Completion of all technical courses offered in this plan qualifies students for work as an entry level firefighter. In collaboration with the New Mexico Firefighting academy students can earn International Fire Service Accreditation Council (IFSAC) certificates for 10 of the technical courses offered upon successful completion. Also, for those students already possessing IFSAC certification they are eligible to earn prior learning assessment credit (PLA). See Structural Fire Science PLA crosswalk and catalog for PLA policy. This degree will appeal to those students who desire to become firefighters, as well as those currently employed in the field looking to advance their knowledge base.
Upon completion of the degree students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a complete proficiency of all job performance requirements established in NFPA 1001, as applicable to this program.
- Discuss the impact of the history of Fire Service as it relates to current industry trends.
- Analyze effective fire prevention methods utilized in fire science organizations and the community.
- Apply effective fire protection practices and strategies to various scenarios.
- Evaluate the principles of fire chemistry, fire behavior, and safety practices in the fire service industry.
Completion of all technical courses offered in both programs qualifies students for work as an entry-level firefighter.
Click on the links below to view program requirements.
Structural Fire Science AAS · SFS Degree Pathway
Structural Fire Crosswalk (Credit for Prior Learning)
Structural Fire Checklist
Advising is a shared partnership between the student and advocate that maximizes the academic success of students by sharing information, tools, and resources. This will empower students to make informed decisions to create appropriate academic and career plans to achieve their academic, career and life goals. Academic Advocates assist students to develop course schedules, ensure course selections are appropriate for each student’s academic plan, and monitor degree requirements and academic progress. Schedule an appointment with an advocate to discuss your degree plan, course options, and/or overall information. Early advising sessions are encouraged to prepare for the next term’s registration period.
The Structural Fire Science Program pathways were designed to offer a clear path for students to follow from the beginning of the program through the completion of the program towards graduation.
Medical/Accidental Injury Insurance Notice: ENMU-Ruidoso does not provide medical insurance for students. ENMU-Ruidoso students are encouraged to obtain their own medical insurance for any illness, accident or injury that might occur during the span of this course. Visit www.healthcare.gov to shop for, compare costs and coverage benefits, and enroll in insurance coverage.
Questions? For more information, call the Student Success Center at 575-315-1120
