Fire Science Banner

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:

  1. Exhibit the skills and competencies of Basic Operations Firefighter, Advanced Technician Firefighter, and EMT certifications to gain employment in the Fire Service Field
  2. Apply the principals of interpersonal communication, cooperative teamwork, supervision, and management for leadership in the fire service
  3. 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
  4. Discuss laws, regulations, codes, and standards that influence fire department operations
  5. Analyze standards related to health, safety, and fitness for fire fighters
  6. 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:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge needed to handle the critically ill and injured in the pre-hospital care environment
  2. 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:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge related emergencies in the home, community, or workplace
  2. Exhibit the skills and competencies needed to handle in the home, community, or workplace
Fire Officer/Operations Courses

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.
Register by Oct. 29th.
  • 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.
Register by: Oct. 12th
  • 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.
Register by: Sept. 2nd
  • 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.
Register by: Aug. 16th.

 

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
FST 105   Construction & Fire Systems
FST 207   Fire Department Management I
FST 208   Fire Department Management II
FST 210   Fire Apparatus Engineer
 FST 212  Fire Service - Instructor I
 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 
 FST 119 Basic Firefighter Operation 
 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 Email
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