Fire Science Technology (A.A.S.)

Program Information

The MCC Fire Science Technology program provides high-quality fire service education for entry-level firefighters and current fire service professionals seeking to further their knowledge and skill set. In 2022, fire departments in the U.S. responded to over 1.5 million fires, resulting in over 3,700 deaths and nearly $18 billion in property damage. In addition to extinguishing fires, fire fighters also respond to various other emergency and non-emergency incidents, including medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, vehicle extrication, and other technical rescue incidents. Fire fighters conduct fire inspections to ensure code compliance, as well as provide fire- and life-safety education to the community.

Program Highlights

• MCC offers relevant, up-to-date classroom education and practical-skills training that prepares students for the real-world demands of today’s fire service.
• MCC instructors are experienced, highly qualified fire fighters and officers who currently serve or have served in Kansas City area fire departments, ensuring that fire fighters receive relevant, real-world education and training.
• Attend the fire academy full-time or part-time.
• Earn college credit while preparing to test for certification for FF I&II, HazMat Awareness/Operations, EMT-Basic, and Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT).
• View student handbook Fire Academy

Academy and Course Offerings

• The MCC Fire Academy offers training that is authorized by the Missouri Department of Public Safety's Division of Fire Safety (DFS), which is accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) and Pro Board. Graduates of the MCC-Blue River Fire Academy earn a Fire Science Certificate.
• MCC offers full-time day fire academies in both the fall and spring semesters. This sixteen-week program provides classroom instruction, skills training, and physical fitness training that will prepare students for DFS certification testing for Fire Fighter I & II and Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations.
• MCC also offers an evening/Saturday academy each fall semester. Classes are held 3-4 nights a week and all day on Saturdays and covers the same material as the day academy.
• Note: Successful completion of EMS 150 or presentation of a valid EMT-B license is required for admission to the fire academy.

Training

• Both day and evening academies include classroom instruction and practical skills training for Firefighter I&II, HazMat Awareness/Operations, and physical fitness training.
• Additional mini-session courses round out this intensive academy experience.
• Graduates of the program earn 37 college credits and will be eligible for testing for all certificates and licenses required by most fire departments in the Kansas City area, as well as in many other states.
• Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) As part of each academy, MCC-Blue River offers Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) testing for academy students.

A.A.S. Program

• Unlike many other fire-based A.A.S. degree programs that focus solely on technical certifications, MCC's degree is an academically based program that combines the basic fire academy technical training with upper-level courses addressing the challenges that modern fire departments face.
• Graduates of the A.A.S. program will be able to recognize, analyze, and address legal, technical, and personnel issues that fire officers routinely encounter.
• Many of the requirements for the A.A.S. in Fire Science Technology degree are met upon successful completion of MCC's fire academy, as well as additional fire science and general education courses.
• Fire fighters who did not graduate from MCC's Fire Academy may earn credit by certification for several common fire service certifications. Up to 31 credits can be earned for IFSAC- or Pro Board-accredited certificates for FF I & II, HazMat Awareness & Operations, Inspector I, and EMT or Paramedic.

Careers

• In 2024, median pay for U.S. fire fighters was $59,530/year with jobs expected to increase 4% through 2033.
• While most fire fighters are employed by municipal fire departments or fire protection districts, other fire service career opportunities include:
• Military firefighting
• Industrial fire brigade
• Wildland firefighting
• Private contractor fire/EMS responders
• Emergency medicine (EMT-Basic or EMT-Paramedic) in hospitals, clinics or private ambulance companies
• Emergency preparedness and management
• Fire investigation (public agencies and private industry)
• Fire protection industry
• Fire and life safety consulting
• Fire safety research

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