Fire Science Overview
Local fire departments are looking for qualified men and women who want to devote themselves to this challenging and satisfying career. Entry level requirements are rigorous, but firefighters report a high degree of job satisfaction. A Fire Science degree from a reputable institution like Prairie State College may soon be required for those who hope to be promoted and rise through the ranks. Although firefighters can find work in a variety of business and industrial settings, most work in municipal fire departments.
Firefighters must undergo stringent physical and mental testing to compete for jobs in local departments. Upon completion of a degree in Fire Science, students will be prepared for this testing. Our Fire Science classes are approved by the Illinois Office of State Fire Marshal for state certification.
Prairie State College (PSC) offers the classes you need at a fraction of the cost you would pay anywhere else.
Fire Science Degree and Certificate Programs
| Degrees / Certificates | Description |
| Fire Science A.A.S. Degree | This curriculum prepares the student for employment as a volunteer, paid-on-call part-time, or full-time municipal firefighter. |
| Fire Science Technology Certificate | This curriculum prepares the student for employment as a volunteer, paid-on-call part-time or full-time firefighter. |
| Basic Firefighter Operations Certificate | This program is designed for students seeking employment in fire service by preparing
them for the State Firefighter II certification exam. Students receive training in
areas that include fire behavior, safety, fire control, communication, hazardous materials
and fire prevention. Students demonstrate basic firefighter skills such as the use
of ladders, hose, ropes, and breathing apparatus in a supervised setting. Students must complete FST 101 Introduction to Fire Science Technology with a grade of C or better, or document current affiliation with a fire department prior to admission to this program. |
| Advanced Firefighter Certificate | This program continues the study of fire department organization, fire behavior, safety
issues, and rescue techniques begun in Basic Firefighter Operations. Students with
valid Basic Firefighter Operations certification prepare to sit for the State Fire
Marshal Firefighter III and Rescue Awareness certificate exams. Program Requirements: 6 credits, FST 120 Firefighter III. |
| Firefighter/EMT Certificate | The Firefighter/EMT certificate will provide the beginning student in the emergency response occupations with fundamental skills in basic fire fighting techniques and emergency medical care. Both areas have independent certification exams that must be successfully completed to obtain employment in the field. |
| Degrees and Certificates |
View the curriculum for each program in the current Academic Catalog. You can also access the entire catalog online. An archive of previous catalogs and addenda is also available. Please visit Career Programs and Transfer Degrees, where you will find information describing the requirements needed to complete a degree or certificate. |
| Courses |
A listing of course descriptions is available in the current Academic Catalog. For a listing of when courses are offered, consult the current course schedule or WebAdvisor. |
Fire Science Technology, AAS
This curriculum prepares the student for employment as a volunteer, paid-on-call,
part-time, or full-time municipal firefighter.
Learning Objectives (as approved by OSFM)
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Exhibit the skills and competencies of Basic Operations Firefighter, Advanced Technician Firefighter, and EMT certifications to gain employment in the Fire Service Field
- Apply the principals of interpersonal communication, cooperative teamwork, supervision, and management for leadership in the fire service
- Identify regulatory and advisory organizations that create laws and codes in the areas of fire prevention, building codes and ordinances, and firefighter health and safety
- Discuss laws, regulations, codes, and standards that influence fire department operations
- Analyze standards related to health, safety, and fitness for fire fighters
- Use the Incident Command System to manage a wide variety of planned and unplanned incidents
Emergency Medical Technician Certificate
The EMT program provides students with the knowledge and skill needed to handle the
critically ill and injured in a pre-hospital care environment. Areas covered include
cardiac arrests, fractures, injuries, and childbirth. Students are prepared for the
certification exam, which requires them to be at least 18 years of age.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge needed to handle the critically ill and injured in the pre-hospital care environment
- Exhibit the skills and competencies needed to handle the critically ill and injured in a pre-hospital care environment
First Responder Certificate
This program trains citizens, fire fighters, police officers, and others to respond
to emergency situations in the home, community, or workplace. Students will obtain
CPR certification upon successful completion of this course.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge related emergencies in the home, community, or workplace
- Exhibit the skills and competencies needed to handle in the home, community, or workplace
Fall 2021 Course Offerings
- Code: GSFST-005-PS
- Dates: Nov. 6th, 7th, 13th and 14th
- Days: S. Su
- Time: 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
- Cost: $275
- Location: Crete Twli FliD Station #1 26730 Stoney Island, Crete, IL
- Book: Recommended- "Vehicle Rescue and Exliication," 2nd Ed., Moore
- Instructor: M. Swanson
- Requires OSFM exam for certification that will be scheduled.
- Code: GSFST-006-PS
- Dates: Oct. 18th – Dec. 16th
- Days: M, Th, S (two practicals Nov. 21st. and Dec. 11th.
- Time: 7 p.m. – 9:50 p.m. (M,Th); 8a.m. – 5 p.m. (S) Cost: $275
- Cost: $275
- Location: Park Forest Fire Department 156 Indianwood Blvd. Park Forest, IL
- Book: Recommended- "Fire Service Pump Operator, Principles and Practice," 2nd Ed., Moore
- Instructor: D. Radtke
- Requires OSFM exam for certification that will be scheduled.
- Code: GSFST-025-PS
- Dates: Sept. 7th – Oct. 18th
- Days:Online plus in person Practicals on 9/9 (6p -9:30p), 10/2 & 10/3 (8am-4pm)
- Cost: $295
- Location: TBD
- Book: Recommended- "Fundamentals of Fire Fighter Skills Evidence BasedPractices," Enhanced 3rd Ed..Jones & Bartlett
- Instructor: M. Siefert and C.Vlietstra
- Requires OSFM exam for certification that will be scheduled.
- Code: GSFST-009-PS
- Dates: Aug. 23rd. – Oct. 15th.
- Days: Online except for two in person demo’s.
- Cost: $295
- Location: TBD
- Book: Recommended- "Fire and Emergency Service Instructor” 9th Ed. IFSTA
- Instructor: R. Atwood
- Requires OSFM exam for certification that will be scheduled.
Fall 2021 BOF Academy
Basic Operations Firefighter Academy
- Register by: Aug. 18th.
- Code:FST-019-01
- Dates: Aug. 23rd. - Dec. 16th.
- Days: M, W, S – Every M, W and Sat
- Time: 7-9:50p.m. (M, Th); 9a.m. - 5 p.m. (S)
- Cost: $1,278 Grant Assistance Available - Call to Inquire
- Location: MABAS 24 and MABAS 27 Training Locations
- Book: Recommended- Required-"Fundamentals of Fire Fighter Skills" 3rd. Ed., Jones and Bartlett
- Requirements:18 years of age, placement into ENG 101, and documented affliations wtih a fire department. Candidates will challenge the Office of the State Fire Marshal exams for certification.
Candidates interested in registering for the Academy need to contact Chad Vlietstra, Fire Science Coordinator @ cvlietstra@prairiestate.edu or (708) 768-6769 for additional information.
EMT Academy
Emergency Medical Technician - Basic
- Register by: Aug. 18th.
- Code: EMS-101-01
- Dates: Aug. 24th. Dec. 16th. T, Th, S – Every Tuesday and Thursday and a couple Saturdays
- Cost: $1,293 Grant Assistance Available - Call to Inquire
- Location: MABAS 24 and MABAS 27 Training Locations
- Book: Recommended- Required-"Prehospital Emergency Care" 11th. Ed., Pearson
- “Prehospital Emergency Care Workbook” 11th Ed., Pearson
- Requirements: 18 years of age, placement into ENG 101, Immunizations and documented affliations with a fire department.
- Candidates interested in registering for the EMT Course need to contact Chad Vlietstra @ cvlietstra@prairiestate.edu or (708) 768-6769 for additional information. When emailing, please include your phone number and department affiliation.
- This EMT Course will be hosted at various Mabas 24 and Mabas 27 training facilities.
The Prairie State College (PSC) Fire Science program prepares students to pursue a career in the fire service through a combination of classroom learning and simulated fire situations. Courses are offered at convenient times to accommodate busy schedules.
Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Fire Science Technology This degree program prepares students for employment as a volunteer, paid-on-call part-time, or full-time municipal firefighter.
Certificates of Achievement
Fire Science Technology
Basic Firefighter Operations
Firefighter III
Firefighter/EMT
Gainful Employment Disclosure
The U.S. Department of Education requires colleges with financial aid eligible programs that “prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation” to disclose certain information about these programs. For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who have completed the program, and other important information related to the program, please visit our website at prairiestate.edu/ge. We hope that this information is helpful in making informed choices about your education.
Admissions PSC offers open admission that encourages diversity and admits all high school graduates or the equivalent. Here’s how to start your college career at PSC: • Provide a high school diploma or GED. •Take the COMPASS Placement Test or submit a copy of ACT scores. • Meet with an advisor from Counseling and Advising to select courses. For questions, contact an academic advisor at (708) 709-3506.
PSC offers open admission that encourages diversity and admits all high school graduates or the equivalent. Here’s how to start your college career at PSC:
- Provide a high school diploma or GED.
- Take the COMPASS Placement Test or submit a copy of ACT scores.
- Meet with an advisor from Counseling and Advising to select courses. For questions, contact an academic advisor at (708) 709-3506.
| Fire Officer I Certificate of Completion |
||
| Program Requirements | 15 credits | |
| *FST-102 | Fire Prevention Principles I | 3 |
| *FST-104 | Fire Tactics and Strategy I | 3 |
| *FST-212 | Fire Service - Instructor I | 3 |
| *FST-207 | Management I | 3 |
| *FST-208 | Fire Department Management II | 3 |
| Program Total | 15 credits | |
| Fire Service Instructor Certificate of Completion |
||
| Program Requirements | Class | 9 credits |
| *FST-212 | Fire Service Instructor I | 3 |
| *FST-213 | Fire Service Instructor II | 3 |
| COMM 101 | Principles of Communication | 3 |
| ED 160 | Technology for Teachers (recommended) | 3 |
| Program Total | 9 credits 12 credits recommended |
|
| Fire Officer II Certificate of Completion |
||
| Program Requirements | Class | 18 credits |
| *FST-213 | Fire Service - Instructor II | 3 |
| *FST-204 | Fire Tactics and Strategy II | 3 |
| *FST-218 | Fire Department Management III | 3 |
| *FST-219 | Fire Department Management IV | 3 |
| BUS 105 | Human Relations | 3 |
| BUS 109 | Principles of Supervision | 3 |
| Program Total | 18 credits | |
| Fire Science Technology (A.A.S. Degree) This curriculum prepares the student for employment as a volunteer, paid-on-call part-time, or full-time municipal firefighter. |
||
| I. General Education Core Requirements | 19 credits | |
| Area A: Communication | 6 | |
| ENG 101 | Composition I - with a grade of C or better | 3 |
| COMM 101 | Principles of Communication | 3 |
| Area B: Humanities and Fine Arts Select one course from Area B |
3 | |
| Area C: Mathematics Select one course from: |
3 | |
| MATH 112 | General Education Mathematics | 3 |
| MATH 115 | General Education Statistics | 3 |
| Area D: Physical and Life Sciences Select one course from: |
4 | |
| BIOL 100 | General Education Biology | 4 |
| BIOL 112 | Organismal Biology | 4 |
| CHEM 105 | Survey of General Chemistry | 4 |
| PHYSC 111 | Physical Science | 4 |
| PHYSC 112 | Earth Science | 4 |
| PHYSI 101 | Conceptual Physics | 4 |
| Area E: Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| PSYCH 101 | Introduction to Psychology required | 3 |
| I. Program Requirements | 37 credits | |
| BUS 127 | Business Communications | 3 |
| FST 101 | Introduction to Fire Science Technology | 3 |
| FST 102 | Fire Prevention Principles I | 3 |
| FST 104 | Fire Tactics and Strategy I | 3 |
| FST 105 | Construction and Fire Systems | 3 |
| FST 106 | Hazardous Materials Operations | 3 |
| FST 119 | Basic Firefighter Operations | 7 |
| FST 202 | Vehicle and Machinery Operations | 3 |
| FST 204 | Fire Tactics and Strategy II | 3 |
| FST 210 | Fire Apparatus Engineer | 3 |
| FST 212 | Fire Service - Instructor I | 3 |
| III. Electives credits Select 6 credits from: |
6 | |
| EMS 101 | Emergency Medical Technician | 7 |
| FST 121 | Introduction to Homeland Security | 3 |
| FST 201 | Arson Investigation | 3 |
| FST 205 | Hazardous Materials Technician A | 3 |
| FST 207 | Fire Department Management I | 3 |
| FST 208 | Fire Department Management II | 3 |
| FST 209 | Fire Prevention Principles II | 3 |
| FST 213 | Fire Service - Instructor II | 3 |
| FST 218 | Fire Department Management III | 3 |
| FST 219 | Fire Department Management IV | 3 |
| FRESP 101 | First Responder | 3 |
| PHOTO 171 | Intro. to Black and White Photography | 3 |
| Program Total | 62 credits | |
| Fire Science Technology (Certificate) This curriculum prepares the student for employment while updating skills and industry knowledge. |
||
| Program Requirements | Class | 24 credits |
| FST 101 | Introduction to Fire Technology | 3 |
| FST 102 | Fire Prevention Principles I | 3 |
| FST 104 | Fire Tactics & Strategy I | 3 |
| FST 105 | Construction & Fire Systems | 3 |
| FST 207 | Fire Department Management I | 3 |
| FST 208 | Fire Department Management II | 3 |
| FST 210 | Fire Apparatus Engineer | 3 |
| FST 212 | Fire Service - Instructor I | 3 |
| Program Total | 24 credits | |
| Basic Firefighter Operations (Certificate) This program is designed for students seeking employment in fire service by preparing them for the State Basic Firefighter Operations certification exam. Students receive training in areas that include fire behavior, safety, fire control, communication, hazardous materials, and fire prevention. Students demonstrate basic firefighter skills such as the use of ladders, hose, ropes, and breathing apparatus in a supervised setting. Students must document current affiliation with a fire department prior to admission to this program. |
||
| Program Requirements | Class | 7 credits |
| FST 119 | Basic Firefighter Operation | 7 |
| Program Total | 7 credits | |
| Firefighter/EMT (Certificate) The Firefighter/EMT certificate will provide the beginning student in the emergency response occupations with fundamental skills in basic fire fighting techniques and emergency medical care. Both areas have independent certification exams that must be successfully completed to obtain employment in the field. |
||
| Program Requirements | Class | 14 credits |
| FST 101 | Emergency Medical Technician | 7 |
| FST 119 | Basic Firefighter Operation | 7 |
| Program Total | 14 credits | |
| Firefighter III (Certificate) This program continues the study of fire department organization, fire behavior, safety issues, and rescue techniques begun in Basic Firefighter Operations. Students with valid Basic Firefighter Operations certification prepare to sit for the State Fire Marshal Firefighter III and Rescue Awareness certificate exams. |
||
| Program Requirements | Class | 6 credits |
| FST 120 | Firefighter III | 6 |
| Program Total | 6 credits | |
Contact Us
| Name | Phone | |
| Marie Hansel Interim Dean, Allied Health and Emergency Services |
708-709-2947 | mhansel@prairiestate.edu |
| Chad Vliestra Associate Professor / Coordinator, HVAC |
709-2941 | cvlietstra@prairiestate.edu |