Three firefighters enter a burning building with a water hose

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.

Program Code: 305035
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Program Costs & Financial Aid

See costs of tuition, books, and supplies.

This program is fully eligible for financial aid.

Estimates based on in-state residency. Learn more about tuition and fees.

Follow Your Path

All credits from this technical diploma apply toward the following associate degree(s):

Fire Protection Technician, 105032

Some credits from this technical diploma apply toward the following associate degree(s):

Fire Medic, 105312

Delivery

  • Day
  • Full-time

How do I get started in this program?

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.

What are my courses?

Curriculum

Students following the study plan below will complete the Fire Science Technical Diploma in the number of semesters shown.

Total Credits 22
  • 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.

Program Outcomes

  • Prepare for incident response and Fire operations.

What careers are in my future?

100%

Graduate Employment

with 100% in field

$60,000.00

Median Starting Salary

Source: NWTC Graduate Outcome Survey

Employment Potential

A graduate of the program will have the potential for employment as a Fire Fighter, Fire Apparatus/Equipment Specialist, Industrial Fire Technician, Industrial Safety Technician, Fire Insurance Investigator, Industrial Fire Inspector, or additional careers applicable to fire sciences related occupations.

What else do I need to know about the program?

Note

  • Additional courses which may enhance your eligibility for employment: 10-503-750, Fire Inspector I - Certified

Accreditation

This program is accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) for those that choose to complete the state certification exams.

Industry Credentials

Students who successfully complete the Firefighting Principles, Hazardous Materials Operations courses, state practical and state written exams are certified by the State of Wisconsin as a Fire Fighter I. State Certification must be obtained within 2 years of course completion.

Students who successfully complete the Fire Protection Hydraulics course, state practical and state written exams are certified to the Driver Operator Pumper level with the State of Wisconsin. State Certification must be obtained within 2 years of course completion.

Students who successfully complete the Fire Fighter II course, state practical and state written exams are certified by the State of Wisconsin as a Fire Fighter II. State Certification must be obtained within 2 years of course completion.

Wisconsin Caregiver Law

NWTC is required to comply with the Wisconsin Caregiver Law (1997 WISCONSIN ACT 27). The completion of a caregiver background check includes the review of criminal records for convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behavior. Students accepted into this program must complete a background check through www.viewpointscreening.com/nwtc AND complete a Background Information Disclosure (BID) form disclosing any acts, crimes, or convictions prior to program entry and/or clinical, practicum, field experience. The information provided in the BID form must be truthful and match any findings on the criminal record check. Information regarding this process is provided to students immediately upon acceptance into the program. Please review your entry/admission checklist. Students with a criminal history may be denied access to placement at the discretion of the clinical, practicum, or field experience site. Consequently, should a student have a history of convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behaviors, NWTC cannot guarantee clinical/practicum/field experience placement or guarantee graduation.

Online

Classes wherever you have an internet connection. 

  • An in-person career experience, such as an internship, practicum, or credit for prior learning, may be required.
  • Some online courses may be held at specific dates/times.
Day
Classes between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Evening
Classes between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
Weekend
A combination of online classes and Saturday and/or Sunday classes.
Full-time
12 or more credits per term.
Part-time
Fewer than 12 credits per term.
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