Mar 29, 2024  
2021-2022 Course Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]


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Fire Science Technology, AAS



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The Fire Science program is designed to provide both in-service and pre-service 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 program provides training in detecting and eliminating fire hazards and causes through periodic inspections, remedial recommendations, and systematic follow-ups.

Students will be eligible to test for state certification upon successful completion of coursework. Students who already possess state certifications can bring those certificates in as alternative credit toward college courses.

For more information about the Fire Science Technology program, please visit our website at www.dmacc.edu/programs/fire.

Program Details


Location: Ankeny


Students start Fall semester


Program Entry Requirements


1. Attend any required information/registration session.

2. Students must possess a CPR card that is either American Heart Association Healthcare Provider or American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer to enroll. No other cards will be accepted.

Graduation Requirements


To earn a Fire Science Technology AAS degree, a student must complete the standard core requirements for the degree, plus the Fire Science Technology required courses and must maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

Semester 3


Option 1 - Select 1 Course


Total Credits Required to Complete this AAS degree - 64


Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$174.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs


Costs Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3 Semester 4 Semester 5
Books (approximate) 175 190 280 222 170
Equipment Fee 100 100   50  
State Certificate Fee   150   50 50

Approximate total for the program: $12,673**

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?


The Fire Science program provides fundamental knowledge that applies to a variety of fire science jobs. Depending on your career choice, you may:

  • Maintain fire equipment.
  • Control and extinguish fires.
  • Inspect facilities for fire safety purposes.
  • Conduct fire safety education programs.
  • Instruct or advise others on the use of equipment.
  • Prepare reports and maintain records.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?


Depending on your career choice, you may need:

  • Physical strength, coordination and stamina.
  • Good health, normal eyesight and hearing.
  • Ability to work both independently and in cooperation with others.
  • Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to analyze problems and determine solutions.

What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?


  • Students who possess IFSAC Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Fire Instructor I, Fire Officer I and EMS certifications can use these certifications for alternative credit toward applicable courses. See program chairman for more information.
  • Fire Science courses are offered only at night.
  • To be considered for full-time employment as a fire fighter in Iowa, applicants must pass competitive mental and physical tests, regardless of educational degrees attained.
  • Anticipated average starting salary $40,000 (2010-2011 Placement Report). Average starting salary in the Ames, Des Moines and West Des Moines area is approximately $40,000.

Program Competencies


  1. Demonstrate the basic skills needed to become accredited as a Firefighter I based on the National Fire Protection Association Standard 1001.
  2. Demonstrate the basic skills needed to become accredited as a Firefighter II and I based on the National Fire Protection Association Standard 1001.
  3. Identify the elements of construction and design of structures and explain how they relate to preplanning fire operations, inspecting buildings, and operating at emergency incidents.
  4. Examine the theories and fundamentals of how fires start, spread, and are controlled.
  5. Explain how to apply complex fire regulations using plan review, the fire code process, inspections, and system testing and fire investigation as well, as how it applies to fire prevention regulations.
  6. Demonstrate fire ground control through the utilization of personnel, equipment, and extinguishing agents.
  7. Examine the devices and systems that support the fire service in the detection and suppression of fire.
  8. Develop the skills necessary to meet NFPA 1021 (Fire Officer Professional Qualities) utilizing effective communications, management of resources, leadership, personnel safety, fire prevention, and investigation. 
  9. Apply the basic understanding of fire prevention, codes and standards and explain the impact of fire behavior, building construction, protection systems, and hazards as it relates to fire inspection efforts.
  10. Demonstrate the technical knowledge needed for proper fire science interpretations, including recognizing and conducting cause and origin, preservation of evidence, documentation, scene security, types of fire causes, and motives of fire setters.
  11. Examine the basic principles and history related to the national firefighter life safety initiatives, focusing on the need for cultural and behavioral change the emergency services.
  12. Demonstrate the principles of water and its movement, determining accurate discharge pressures and fire flows, and effective means for supporting fixed fire suppression systems using different types of fire apparatus and pumps.

Nondiscrimination Statement


Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, or hiring practices, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law.

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6857, dso@dmacc.edu. Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 1, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6216, Title9@dmacc.edu. Questions or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczysnki Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604-7204, phone 312/730-1560, fax 312/730-1576, TDD 800-877-8339 Email OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.

DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:
Agriculture, Natural and Environmental Science
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
Arts, Design, and Visual Communication
Business, Management, and Marketing
Education, Public, and Human Services
Health Science
Hospitality and Culinary
Information Technology
Manufacturing
Transportation & Logistics

Entrance requirements for specific programs can be found at https://www.dmacc.edu/admissions/Pages/checklist.aspx. (2021)

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