Fire Science Technology

Local fire departments seek qualified individuals interested in a challenging and fulfilling career. While entry requirements are demanding, firefighters often report high job satisfaction. 

Northwestern College Students interested in transferring to PSC - Please fill out the form below and our team will reach out to discuss your options.

Student Interest Form
Advancement and promotions may soon require a Fire Science degree from a reputable institution like Prairie State College. Although firefighters can find employment in various industries, the majority work in municipal fire departments.
students in classroom

Program Overview

Candidates for firefighting positions must undergo rigorous physical and mental testing. Completing a Fire Science degree equips students for these assessments. Our Fire Science classes are approved by the Illinois Office of State Fire Marshal, ensuring state certification.
students raising hands

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. 
students in classroom

First Responder Certificate

This program trains citizens, fire fighters, police officers, and others to respond to emergency situations in the home, community, or workplace. 

Program Description

Prairie State College offers the classes you need at a fraction of the cost you would pay anywhere else.

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.

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 firefighters
  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.

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.

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



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