Fire Protection Technology

Quick Facts

Firefighters and fire protection professionals put out fires, rescue people from fires or other emergency situations, and promote fire prevention.

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Job Titles & Career Info

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

Certificate

Level 1

Continuing Education Program

How Much Time & Money to Finish?

2024–2025 Academic Year

Degree or Certificate Program Title Semester Credit Hours Total Tuition & Fees
AAS Fire Protection Technology 60 $4,440
CRT1 Basic Firefighter Certification 18 $1,332

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

Start on Your Pathway!

Contact

Northwest Campus

Randall Alexander
Program Coordinator

Call 817-515-7709

Email randall.alexander@tccd.edu

Northwest Campus

Cade Hart
Career Advisor—Public Services Division

Call 817-515-7289

Email cade.hart@tccd.edu

Please call or email me to make an appointment.

Northwest Campus

Donna Herndon
Administrative Assistant

Call 817-515-7660

Email donna.herndon@tccd.edu

Please call or email me to make an appointment.

Updated September 11, 2024