Fire Specialist

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

The Fire Specialist certificate provides basic technical knowledge for people working in the fire protection field.

Coursework covers the scientific principles that affect fire, its causes and behavior, and the means of minimizing its destructive effects through design, detection, suppression and prevention

Students who already possess state certifications can bring those certificates in as alternative credit toward college courses.

For more information about the Fire Specialist certificate, please visit our website at https://www.dmacc.edu/programs/fire/.

Location: Ankeny

Students start Fall only

Program Entry Requirements

Complete an application for admission.
Satisfy the assessment requirement.
Attend any required information/registration session.
Obtain a minimum COMPASS Reading score of 81 or a minimum ACT Reading score of 19.
Obtain a minimum COMPASS English score of 70 or a minimum ACT Writing score of 19.
Obtain a minimum ALEKS placement score of 9 or a minimum ACT Math score of 14.

Graduation Requirements

To earn a Fire Specialist certificate, a student must complete all course work as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

Required Courses

Total Credits Required to Complete this Certificate - 45

These credits are applicable to the AAS degree in Fire Science Technology .

Fixed Costs

Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$143.00 per credit

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

Varied Costs

	Semester1	Semester 2	Semester 3
Books (approximate)	405	360	400
Equipment Maintenance Fee	150	75	0
State Certification Fee	50	100	50

Approximate total for the program:$8,025*

* 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 Specialist Certificate?

Students who possess IFSAC Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Pumper/Operator, and Inspector I certifications can use these certifications for alternative credit toward applicable courses. See program chairman for more information.
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.

Nondiscrimination Policy

Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in or allow discrimination covered by law. This includes harassment based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy and marital status), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability and genetic information. 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. For information about the ADA, the Section 504/ADA Coordinator can be contacted at 515-964-6857. For Title IX questions and concerns contact 515-964-6850.