Apr 20, 2024  
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Fire Science Technical Certificate


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For more information on this program, contact the Health Sciences division at 615-230-3330.

This technical certificate program is designed to prepare students in practical firefighting operations and fire service management. The emphasis in the curriculum is on history and theory, used when appropriate, to assist firefighters to cope with current problems in the field.

The program offers training for professional fire service personnel to improve job performance and prepare for upward mobility. It is designed also to provide an avenue for area citizens to receive the training necessary for entry into a fire science career. All major courses meet the National Fire Academy standards.

A student must complete the required major core courses and complete any two guided elective courses to earn the Fire Science Technology Technical Certificate.

For those desiring an associate degree, the Technical Certificate may be used towards completion of the AAS in Fire Science Technology.

Applicants wishing to enter the Technical Certificate program must complete the following process:

  • Meet admission requirements for the College based on the admission or readmission status the applicant is seeking
  • Submit any other requested documents

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the graduate will have developed the skills, knowledge and abilities to accomplish the following:

  1. Understand the scope, purpose and structure of the various fire and emergency services.

  2. Define and describe the need for cultural and behavioral change within the emergency services.

  3. Understand the broad concepts of fire prevention.

  4. Recognize active fire protection systems and components, their operational characteristics, installation, inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements.

  5. Describe building construction as it relates to firefighter safety, to building codes, to fire prevention efforts, to codes inspections, to firefighting strategies, and to firefighting tactics.

  6. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the relationship of materials and their relationship to fire. 

Certificate Requirements - Credits (24)


Degree Works, along with the correct catalog, should be utilized by students for all of their educational planning.  Students can monitor their progress toward a degree or certificate and view missing requirements with the Degree Works audit, which is accessible through My Volstate.

First Year - Spring Semester - Credits (12)


  • Fire Science Elective (See List Below) Credits: (3)
  • Fire Science Elective (See List Below) Credits: (3)

Total Certificate Requirements - Credits (24)


Career and Salary Information


The following is a list of some of the career choices that may be obtained upon completion of this program. Please visit the following website http://www.onetonline.org or speak to an advisor for additional career opportunities, salary information and education requirements. Salaries are not guaranteed.

Career Beginning Salary With Technical Certificate Experienced Salary Median
Firefighter $23,310 $38,460
Fire Inspector/Investigator $35,000 $55,700

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