Firefighting, Associate of Applied Science

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Program Information

Did you dream of being a firefighter when you were growing up? Many do, but few pursue becoming a true hero. If it is your dream to help save lives, then let San Jacinto College help you get on your way!

The San Jacinto College Firefighter Training Academy:

  • Is for aspiring firefighters looking to meet and exceed all state requirements to prepare students for a career as a firefighter; and
  • Prepares students to take the Texas Commission on Fire Protection Basic Suppression Exam that certifies students for entry-level firefighter positions statewide.

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in firefighting is for academy graduates and current firefighters and provides additional fire-related education and certification opportunities. Students can find more information on the College website for the Fire Protection Technology program. 

Career Opportunities

Students who successfully complete the program requirements and the Texas Commission on Fire Protection Basic Suppression certification exam will be able to work as firefighters in the state of Texas. Through international accreditation agreements, certified firefighters will also be able to work as firefighters in many other states.

Career opportunities include:

  • Fire inspector,
  • Fire investigator,
  • Hazardous materials emergency response, and
  • Emergency management.

Earning Potential

Firefighter: $51,388 per year1

1

Source: texaswages.com, median salary Gulf Coast region, 2022

For more information, students may contact 281-476-1834.

Campus

Maritime Campus

Information

The Fire Protection Technology program at San Jacinto College offers two different educational programs for aspiring and current firefighters.

For aspiring firefighters, the College offers the Firefighter Training Academy. The academy meets and exceeds all state requirements for paid/career firefighters. Students seeking an entry-level firefighter position should begin here with further information below regarding the Firefighter Training Academy.

For academy graduates and current firefighters, the College offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in firefighting. This program provides additional fire-related education and certification opportunities as well as courses in general education.

Students in the Fire Protection Technology program must be potentially eligible to participate in certification examinations for firefighters upon successful completion of the prescribed course work. An applicant who has been convicted of a felony, implicated in substance abuse, or involved in activities considered inappropriate by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection may be ineligible to participate in the certification examination. Such an applicant should contact the Texas Commission on Fire Protection in Austin, Texas, for guidance in petitioning the Commission for a decision of eligibility. A copy of the Commission’s statement of eligibility should be submitted to San Jacinto College’s Fire Protection Technology Chief Training Officer.

Firefighter Training Academy

The following courses meet and exceed the Texas Commission on Fire Protection’s curriculum requirements for Basic Fire Suppression Certification. Students who are not currently certified as an Emergency Medical Technician--Basic or higher will also need to complete the Emergency Medical Technician--Basic course. Students may contact the Fire Protection Technology program at 281-476-1834 for further information.

FIRS 1301Firefighter Certification I3
FIRS 1407Firefighter Certification II4
FIRS 1313Firefighter Certification III3
FIRS 1319Firefighter Certification IV3
FIRS 1423Firefighter Certification V4
FIRS 1329Firefighter Certification VI3
FIRS 1433Firefighter Certification VII4
Total Credits24

Academy Information

New academy classes begin during summer and fall semesters. Students may contact the Fire Protection Technology office for specific schedules and registration information. The College suggests that students contact the Fire Protection Technology office a term in advance of anticipated enrollment, as classes fill quickly.

Firefighter Training Academy cadets must undergo a medical examination as defined in NFPA 1582, and submit approval documentation to the program’s Chief Training Officer. Students not completing, or failing, the medical examination are not eligible to continue in the academy and will be withdrawn.

Administrative withdrawal from any San Jacinto College course due to disciplinary action shall result in administrative withdrawal from the Firefighter Training Academy.

Certification Information

San Jacinto College Fire Protection courses fulfill the educational requirements for numerous fire service certifications. Students may contact the Fire Protection Technology program on the Maritime campus for specific information.

Associate of Applied Science Degree

Persons who are currently certified by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection may enter the program with special permission from the Department Chair. Under this provision, Firefighter–Basic Certification is accepted in lieu of completion of the following Fire Protection courses:

FIRS 1301Firefighter Certification I3
FIRS 1407Firefighter Certification II4
FIRS 1313Firefighter Certification III3
FIRS 1319Firefighter Certification IV3
FIRS 1423Firefighter Certification V4
FIRS 1329Firefighter Certification VI3
FIRS 1433Firefighter Certification VII4

Prospective students must satisfy the general admission requirements of the College and provide satisfactory evidence of Basic Firefighter Certification to the Fire Protection Technology Department Chair and the Registrar.

Plan of Study

3FIRE-PROT

Plan of Study Grid
First TermCredits
FIRS 1301 Firefighter Certification I 3
FIRS 1407 Firefighter Certification II 4
FIRS 1313 Firefighter Certification III 3
FIRS 1423 Firefighter Certification V 4
 Credits14
Second Term
FIRS 1319 Firefighter Certification IV 3
FIRS 1329 Firefighter Certification VI 3
FIRS 1433 Firefighter Certification VII 4
 Credits10
Third Term
ENGL 1301 Composition I 3
Mathematics 3
Language, Philosophy, and Culture (Humanities) or Creative Arts (Fine Arts) 3
FIRT 1327 Building Construction for the Fire Service 3
FIRT 1305 Public Education Programs 3
Approved Elective 3
 Credits18
Fourth Term
ENGL 2311 Technical and Business Writing 3
Select one of the following: 3
Introduction to Speech Communication
Interpersonal Communication
Public Speaking
Business and Professional Speech
Approved Elective 3
Approved Elective 3
 Credits12
Summer Year Two Term
Social and Behavioral Sciences or Government/Political Science or American History 3
FIRT 1319 Firefighter Health and Safety 3
 Credits6
 Total Credits60

Capstone Experience: Verification of workplace competencies: Eligible for Credential Exams - Texas Commission on Fire Protection Basic Fire Suppression

Approved Electives

FIRS 2450Hazardous Materials Technician4
FIRT 1338Fire Protection Systems3
FIRT 1342Fire Officer I3
FIRT 1343Fire Officer II3
FIRT 1370Technical Rope Rescue I3
FIRT 1408Fire Inspector I4
FIRT 1440Fire Inspector II4
FIRT 1450Fire Investigator4
FIRT 2305Fire Instructor I3
FIRT 2309Firefighting Strategies and Tactics I3
FIRT 2331Firefighting Strategies and Tactics II3
FIRT 2351Company Fire Officer3
FIRT 2356Fire Officer III3
FIRT 2357Fire Officer IV3
FIRT 2370Technical Rope Rescue II3