A firefighter sprays water at the scene of a fire

Fire Protection Technician - Associate Degree

The Fire Protection Technician Program at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College prepares students for employment as Firefighters, EMTs, and Fire Inspectors on municipal fire departments, and for fire protection related careers within private industry. The objectives of the program include instructing qualified students who are seeking a career in the fire service and also updating firefighters and fire officers on changes within the fire service. Students have the opportunity to earn Firefighter Level I, Firefighter Level II, Certified Driver Operator/Pumper and Fire Inspector I state certifications as well as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-Basic) license while in the program. As a graduate of the Fire Protection Technician Program, individuals will be prepared for entry level positions in municipal and rural fire departments throughout the State.

Program Code: 105032
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Program Costs & Financial Aid

See costs of tuition, books, and supplies.

This program is fully eligible for financial aid.

Estimates based on in-state residency. Learn more about tuition and fees.

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Offered At:

Follow Your Path

All credits from the following technical diploma(s) apply toward this associate degree:

Fire Science, 305035

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), 305313

Delivery

  • Day
  • Full-time

How do I get started in this program?

Requirements for Program Entry

  • Apply at www.nwtc.edu/apply.
  • Submit the following:
  • High school transcript (or GED/HSED transcript).
  • College transcript.
  • If your cumulative GPA is below 2.6, complete or submit a placement evaluation.
  • Complete these prerequisite requirements (unless already completed):
  • Caregiver background check.
  • DOT drivers license check.
  • Ability to walk, stand, lift, carry and balance at times, in excess of 125 pounds.
  • Tip! Our admission advisors will assist you through every step. Have questions? Connect with NWTC Admissions at start@nwtc.edu or 920-498-5444.

What are my courses?

Program Outcomes

  • Model Fire Protection Technician (National Firefighter Code of Ethics) professional code of ethics
  • Perform the prevention activities
  • Participate at incident management at an emergency
  • Model firefighter and EMS standards.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively.

What careers are in my future?

100%

Graduate Employment

with 100% in field

Employment Potential

As graduate of the program will have the potential for employment as a Fire Fighter, EMT, Fire Apparatus/Equipment Specialist, Industrial Fire Technician, Industrial Safety Technician, Fire Insurance Investigator, Industrial Fire Inspector, or additional careers applicable to fire sciences and Emergency Medical Technician related occupations.

  • There is a 2 plus 2 agreement in place between UW-Oshkosh and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, which will allow a student to get a bachelor's degree in Fire and Emergency Response Management

What's next after graduation?

Start here. Finish at a four-year.

NWTC transfer programs are offered through collaborative agreements with our four-year college and university partners. See where your associate degree credits will transfer.

What else do I need to know about the program?

Note

  • Students must earn a “C” or higher in all 10-503-XXX and 10-531-XXX courses. A student who withdraws or receives a grade lower than a “C” in a program course may apply for re-entry into the program. Consideration for re-entry will be at the discretion of the re-entry team.
  • The credit for 10-890-101, College 101 is an institutional requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program credit requirements, but must be passed with a "C" or better.
  • Successful program completion prepares and entitles the student to take the state certification examination. A graduate is licensed only after successful completion of the certification examination and application for a state certification. State Certification must be obtained within 2 years of course completion.
  • The Fire Science technical diploma ladders to the Fire Protection Technician associate degree program. Graduates of this technical diploma may qualify for advance standing within the Fire Protection Technician associate degree program in addition to meeting the program benchmark score requirements.
  • The required course work is rigorous. For every credit (hour in class/week) students should plan to spend two hours outside of class time in independent study. Class schedules vary each semester so plan to have a flexible employment schedule while enrolled in the program
  • It is recommended to complete EMT during the summer before the first semester.
  • Students must earn a "C" or higher in College Technical Math 1A

Accreditation

This program is accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) for those that choose to complete the state certification exams.

Industry Credentials

Students who successfully complete the Firefighting Principles, Hazardous Materials Operations courses, state practical and state written exams are certified by the State of Wisconsin as a Fire Fighter I. State Certification must be obtained within 2 years of course completion.

Students who successfully complete the Fire Protection Hydraulics course, state practical and state written exams are certified to the Driver Operator Pumper level with the State of Wisconsin. State Certification must be obtained within 2 years of course completion.

Students who successfully complete the Fire Fighter II course, state practical and state written exams are certified by the State of Wisconsin as a Fire Fighter II. State Certification must be obtained within 2 years of course completion.

Students who complete the Emergency Medical Technician - Basic program have the opportunity to be certified by the NREMT to achieve eligibility for EMS licensure by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services EMS Section.

Wisconsin Caregiver Law

NWTC is required to comply with the Wisconsin Caregiver Law (1997 WISCONSIN ACT 27). The completion of a caregiver background check includes the review of criminal records for convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behavior. Students accepted into this program must complete a background check through www.viewpointscreening.com/nwtc AND complete a Background Information Disclosure (BID) form disclosing any acts, crimes, or convictions prior to program entry and/or clinical, practicum, field experience. The information provided in the BID form must be truthful and match any findings on the criminal record check. Information regarding this process is provided to students immediately upon acceptance into the program. Please review your entry/admission checklist. Students with a criminal history may be denied access to placement at the discretion of the clinical, practicum, or field experience site. Consequently, should a student have a history of convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behaviors, NWTC cannot guarantee clinical/practicum/field experience placement or guarantee graduation.

Online

Classes wherever you have an internet connection. 

  • An in-person career experience, such as an internship, practicum, or credit for prior learning, may be required.
  • Some online courses may be held at specific dates/times.
Day
Classes between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Evening
Classes between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
Weekend
A combination of online classes and Saturday and/or Sunday classes.
Full-time
12 or more credits per term.
Part-time
Fewer than 12 credits per term.
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