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.

Location: Ankeny

Students start Fall semester.

Program Entry Requirements

Complete an application for admission.
Satisfy the assessment requirement.
Attend any required information/registration session.
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.
Students will be administered a firefighter physical and medical evaluation the first week of class. Students must receive satisfactory results from the exam

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 1

SDV 108 - The College Experience Credits: 1
FIR 111 - Principles Emergency Services Credits: 4
FIR 127 - Fire Behavior and Combustion Credits: 3
EMS 217 - Emergency Medical Technician Credits: 6

Semester 2

FIR 112 - Principles Emergency Services II Credits: 4
FIR 124 - Building Construction Credits: 3
FIR 335 - Fire Instructor I Credits: 3
ENG 105 - Composition I Credits: 3
SPC 101 - Fund of Oral Communication Credits: 3

Semester 3

FIR 138 - Principles of Fire Prevention Credits: 3
FIR 152 - Fire Protection Systems Credits: 3
FIR 400 - Emergency Safety & Survival Credits: 3
Select one course from Option 1 Credits: 3

Option 1 - Select 1 Course

ENG 106 - Composition II Credits: 3
ENG 108 - Comp II: Technical Writing Credits: 3

Semester 4

FIR 145 - Strategy and Tactics Credits: 3
FIR 160 - Fire Inspector I Credits: 3
CHM 122 - Intro to General Chemistry Credits: 4

Semester 5

FIR 158 - Fire Officer I Credits: 3
FIR 235 - Fire Investigation I Credits: 3
POL 112 - Amer State & Local Government Credits: 3
PSY 111 - Introduction to Psychology Credits: 3

Total Credits Required to Complete this AAS degree - 64

Fixed Costs

Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$147.00 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: $10,945*

* 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.

Nondiscrimination Policy

Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in employment, hiring practices or the provision of services, and harassment or discrimination 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 may be contacted at 515-964-6857. For Title IX questions and concerns contact 515-964-6850. ₍₂₀₁₆₎