Fire Protection Technology

Explore on This Page

• Our Program
• Degrees & Certificates
• How Much Time & Money to Finish?
• Earn More Choices & More Money
• Start on Your Pathway!

Our Program

Why Choose Fire Protection Technology?

• Fulfill your drive to give back to the community & help others
• Be able to use your skills & knowledge to help others in a time of crisis—your greatest reward
• Join the brother/sisterhood of first responders whose life calling is not only personally fulfilling but is also satisfying because they know they have a positive impact on others’ lives

Prepare for What You Will Do at Work

Firefighters

• Fight structural fires & wildland fires
• Perform urban search & rescue
• Provide emergency medical services, including emergency medical technician (EMT) & paramedic care
• Engage in fire prevention activities, such as inspecting buildings & reviewing building plans

Fire Prevention Professionals

• Inspect buildings
• Review of building plans
• Investigate arson
• Suggest ways to minimize fire dangers

Emergency Management Professionals

• Coordinate & manage emergency operations centers
• Plan responses to natural disasters & other emergencies
• Work in organizations such as:
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
  • State & local governments
  • Nonprofit organizations, such as American Red Cross

Marketable Skills You Will Learn

• Critical thinking
• Reasoning
• Communication
• Personal & social responsibility
• Teamwork
• Computer literacy

Before You Enroll, Think About:

• Program-specific courses are offered at our Fire Academy, which is located at TCC Northwest in Fort Worth.
  • You may take courses in basic academic subjects at any TCC campus.
• Firefighters are held to a high degree of integrity and are faced with decision-making opportunities that require sound ethical standards.
• Firefighters typically work a 24-hour shift, which requires they maintain a high degree of physical fitness.
  • The 24-hour rotation includes holidays and weekends and means time away from family and friends.
• Firefighting requires strong interpersonal skills. Teamwork is a major factor in this career field.
• 3 skills or work style traits that will help you succeed in this field:
  • Stress tolerance
  • Dependability
  • Self-control

Licensing Notice: Texas House Bill 1508

This program prepares you for an occupational license. However, you may not be eligible for licensing if you have a prior criminal history.

For more details, see Texas House Bill 1508 Licensing Requirements

Need a boost to get ready for college?

Talk to your advisor about Developmental Studies if your TSI scores say you need some help in math or reading and writing.

Degrees & Certificates

Degree

• Fire Protection Technology, AAS

Certificate

Level 1

• Basic Firefighter Certification

Continuing Education Program

• Basic Firefighter

How Much Time & Money to Finish?

2025–2026 Academic Year

Notes:

• Tuition is based on in-state, in-county rates.
• Totals do not include textbooks and other materials.

Continuing Education Programs

Time commitments and fees vary depending on the course.

Earn More Choices & More Money

Transfer to a college or university to continue your studies. Earning a bachelor’s degree opens the door to promotion opportunities.

For example, you will be ready to work toward:

• Bachelor of Science, Emergency Administration and Planning
• Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science, Fire Administration

Next steps

• Talk to your advisor about planning for transfer
• Explore transfer schools

Start on Your Pathway!