Fire Science Technology

The MCC Fire Science Technology program provides high-quality fire service education for both entry-level firefighters and current fire service professionals seeking to further their knowledge and skill set.

Over the past few years, fire departments in the U.S. responded to nearly 1.3 million fires. This resulted in 3,700 deaths and nearly $15 billion in property damage.

In addition to extinguishing fires, firefighters also respond to a wide variety of other emergency and non-emergency incidents including: medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, vehicle extrication and other technical rescue incidents.

Firefighters conduct fire inspections to ensure code compliance, as well as provide fire- and life-safety education to the community. 

Program highlights

  • 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 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 firefighters and officers who currently serve or have served in Kansas City area fire departments, ensuring that firefighters receive relevant, real-world education and training.
  • Attend the fire academy full time and part time
  • Offer continuing education classes, EMT training and Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT).

Fire Academy

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.

Academy and course offerings


Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)

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.

FESHEFirefighters who did not graduate from MCC's Fire Academy may earn credit by certification for several common fire service certifications. Up to 21 credits can be earned for IFSAC- or Pro Board-accredited certificates for FF I & II, HazMat Awareness & Operations, Inspector I and EMT or Paramedic.

All of MCC's Fire Science Technology courses are recognized by the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) program and align with FESHE's Model Curriculum for core and non-core courses.


Continuing education

MCC-Blue River also offers several continuing education courses for firefighters seeking to enhance their education and training. In addition to open CPAT and FSEE testing, MCC offers:

  • Fire and Emergency Services Instructor I & II
  • Live Fire Instructor and Live Fire Instructor-in-Charge
  • Fire Officer I & II
  • Incident Safety Officer
  • Driver/Operator Core/Pumper/Aerial

Other professional development courses are offered periodically. Learn more about fire service continuing education.


Careers

In 2022, median pay for U.S. firefighters was $51,680/year with jobs expected to increase 4% through 2032.

While most firefighters 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
Careers
 
Above average outlook for Firefighters jobs expected to increase 4% through 2032

Visit Occupational Information Network (O*NET) to view careers salary information and employment outlook.

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