The Fire Science Technology program at College of DuPage is widely recognized as one
of the top service-oriented fire programs in Illinois. Training from this program
is beneficial for both professional firefighters interested in increasing their knowledge
and skill levels, as well as for firefighter candidates. The Fire Science Technology
Program was recently awarded the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE)
recognition by the National Fire Academy.
All College of DuPage Fire Science Technology classes meet or exceed the requirements for certification with the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Division of Personnel Standards and Education, and the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Students with previous credit from another institution, or students who plan to transfer to a four-year baccalaureate institution, should meet with the Fire Science Technology coordinator to discuss transferability of credits before enrolling in Fire Science Technology courses.
Degree Information
Fire Science Technology at College of DuPage offers the following Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees:
Fire Science Technology (minimum 64 credit hours)
The Fire Science Technology A.A.S. degree encompasses both firefighting and emergency medical services, as well as the theory and techniques of firefighting required by most fire departments. Students planning to transfer to baccalaureate-granting institutions should consult with the program coordinator before enrolling in Fire Science Technology courses to ensure transferability of credits.
Emergency Medical Services (minimum 65 credit hours)
The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) A.A.S. degree encompasses both firefighting and emergency medical services, with a focus on emergency medical services and the administration of those services in all situations. Students planning to transfer to baccalaureate-granting institutions should consult with the program coordinator before enrolling in courses to ensure transferability of credits.
Certificate Information
Academic information for each certificate program is available at the following location:
Emergency Medical Technician (10 credit hours)
Most fire departments currently seek candidates who have been trained as emergency medical technicians and/or paramedics. EMTs are trained in basic emergency skills, rescue techniques, assessment of illness and the handling of hazardous materials. More about EMT
Firefighter (24 credit hours)
This certificate provides fire fighter recruits with information on the fundamentals of orientation; fire behavior, streams, and cause and origin; the use of hoses, ropes, ladders, safety equipment, extinguishers, self-contained breathing apparatus and tools; forcible entry; overhaul; ventilation; water supply; rescue and emergency medical care; alarms and communication; inspections; hazardous materials; salvage; and sprinkler systems. This certificate also includes a study of the design, function and operating characteristics of motorized fire apparatus, and training in the skills necessary to qualify for fire apparatus engineer/driver/operator positions. To enroll in this certificate program, student must be a full-time, part-time, volunteer or paid-on call member of a fire department or fire brigade.
Paramedic (36 credit hours)
Most fire departments actively seek candidates with paramedics training. Paramedics are EMT-certified and are trained in advanced emergency care, rescue techniques, illness assessment and the handling of hazardous materials. In addition, paramedics receive training in advanced life support techniques, including administering medications, starting intravenous infusions and providing advanced cardiac care. Paramedics work for fire departments, ambulance services and hospital emergency units.
NOTE: College of DuPage Fire Science Technology classes meet or exceed the requirements
for certification with the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Division of Personnel
Standards and Education, the National Registry of EMT's (NREMT), and the Illinois
Department of Public Health (IDPH).
Program Contact Information
Please visit the Program Contacts page for detailed information.