Waukesha County Technical College
Fire Protection Technician

Fire Protection Technician

Program Information

Degree Type

60-credit Associate of Applied Science Degree

Program Code

10-503-2

Time to Degree

2 years

Start Date

August / January

How You'll Learn

Daytime

Program OverviewApplication DeadlinesProgram Cost

Firefighters protect life, property and the environment through fire suppression, hazardous materials mitigation and emergency medical services. They also improve their communities through fire prevention activities. Learn from experienced firefighters and practice skills using state-of-the-art training facilities and equipment. Being a member of a fire department is highly recommended, but it is not an admissions requirement.

Deadlines To Know*

Fall 2024 Start

  • Application Opens: September 1, 2023
  • Application Deadline: August 5, 2024

Spring 2025 Start

  • Application Opens: April 1, 2024
  • Application Deadline: January 10, 2025

Summer 2024 Start

  • This program cannot be started in summer.

* Submit all checklist items by the application deadline. Apply early; deadlines are subject to change based on program demand.

Tuition Costs

The cost of your degree depends on a number of factors, including where you live, how your program is delivered, how long it takes to finish your program and the financial aid you receive. Explore current tuition and fees.

Additional Estimated Costs

Firefighter I and II Costs

  • Physical/Medical Requirements: up to $250
  • Uniform: up to $200
  • Turn-out Gear Rental: up to $500
  • Practical Certification Testing Fees: $80 per test

Principles of Driver/Operator Costs

  • CDL temp license for Driver/Operator if non-affiliated: $30
  • Practical Certification Testing Fees: $80

Emergency Medical Technician Costs

  • EMSTESTING Access: $52
  • Premium Planner software: $33
  • EMT Kit: $53
  • Immunizations/health requirements: up to $500
  • Drug screen: $50
  • Uniform: up to $200
  • Testing fee (NREMT certification): $200
  • Any computer or tablet
  • External keyboard and durable case for tablet (recommended)

View the full EMT cost and supply list.

How to Apply

  • Apply online and pay the $30 application fee.
  • Submit a copy of one of the following to demonstrate your reading, writing and math skills:
      • High school GPA of 2.60 or above. Transcript must include completed coursework through the 11th grade.*
      • ACT, ACCUPLACER® or GED - 2014 Series (165 or higher).*
      • Prior college coursework may meet this requirement in whole or in part. Courses must be in the specific area(s), and you must have earned a grade of C or better (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) in the courses.*
      • If none of the above apply, sign up for the ACCUPLACER® placement test.

*Unofficial copies of these documents can be sent to admissions@wctc.edu.

Questions on the application process? Visit the Admissions page or contact an Enrollment Counselor.

Apply Online
1

Before You Apply

2

Apply for the Program

Follow the "How to Apply" steps outlined above. Be sure to complete these steps by the date listed in the "Application Deadlines" tab.

3

After Your Application is Accepted

Have transfer credit? Check out Credit for Prior Learning.

4

Before You Begin Firefighter 1 and EMT Courses

  • Attend a mandatory Program Expectation Session (chosen during Firefighter 1 Certification and EMT course registration).
  • See special requirements for the Emergency Medical Technician program.
5

After Completing Fire Core Courses and EMT Program

  • Take Wisconsin Fire Certification exams for fire certification courses completed.
  • Apply for certificates from the National Fire Academy for each Fire core course.
  • Take the EMT National Registry Certification Exam. Skills testing can be completed at WCTC or any testing site. The written exam must be taken at a certified testing center.
6

After the EMT National Registry Exam

Apply for the EMT State License. This licensure is required before being eligible to register in subsequent EMS licensure programs.

Program Details

Questions? We'd love to help! Connect with our Enrollment team by filling out our online form or by email at enroll@wctc.edu.

If you’re physically fit, devoted to saving lives and handle intense situations well, a career in firefighting may be right for you. Firefighters must communicate with other members of their team, and be flexible and adaptable. They need to have a take-charge attitude and make critical decisions in life-threatening conditions.

  • Fire Fighter
  • Fire Inspector
  • Code Enforcement Specialist
  • Plans Reviewer
  • Fire Service Equipment Sales

This program is open to qualified high school applicants. Please note:

Learn more >

$34,400 – $69,000 annually

Salary range estimates based on wages for related occupations in Waukesha County as reported by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI). Individual wages may vary based on experience, industry, location and specific job requirements.

Check the WCTC Graduate Success Report to view our graduates’ entry wages.

As a program student, you are eligible to receive:

  • Financial aid loans
  • Scholarships
  • Other forms of assistance

Learn more about financial aid.

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Program Courses
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Protective Services Programs
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Career Pathway

What Makes This Program Unique?

1

WCTC is designated as a Regional Fire Training Center and offers all levels of Wisconsin Firefighter Certification training.

2

Students earn their Firefighter I and EMT certificates in the first year of this program.

3

The program is taught by subject matter experts, including many officers from local fire departments.

Accreditation

The U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy (NFA) – Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education program has determined that this program meets the minimum standards of excellence established by FESHE professional development committees and the NFA. WCTC’s program is just one of two in the state to hold this recognition.
U.S. Fire Administration

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Earn certificates, technical diplomas and/or industry credentials along this pathway. Start with some courses for entry-level employment, and continue with additional courses for higher wages and job advancement.

Fire Protection Technician Pathway
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Prior Learning
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Technical Diplomas
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Bachelor's Degree

Earn credit for prior learning for the college-level knowledge and skills that you've already acquired through advanced high school classes, previous ollege coursework, self-study, military training work or volunteer experience.

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Associate Degree
  • Fire Protection Technician (this program)

WCTC has credit transfer agreements with many four-year institutions that allow our degree graduates to transfer credits into a baccalaureate program, often at junior-level standing.

More Credit Opportunities

High School Dual Credit

Dual enrollment offers high school students an opportunity to get a head start in high-demand fields while earning college credits.

Learn More

Credit for Prior Learning

You may have the opportunity to obtain credit for the college-level skills and knowledge you've already acquired through prior coursework, work experience and more.

Learn More

Launch Experience

Transfer Opportunities After WCTC

WCTC has credit transfer agreements with many four-year institutions that allow our degree graduates to transfer credits into a baccalaureate program, often at junior-level standing.

College Program Name Credit Awards
Marian UniversityBS Homeland Securityup to 64, 10% tuition discount
Southern Illinois University CarbondaleBS in Fire Service Managementup to 70
UW-OshkoshBAS Fire and Emergency Response Management (online)credits vary, 100% online

There are currently no general college credit agreements for Fire Protection Technician. For more information, contact your academic advisor.

 

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