Firefighting, Associate of Applied Science

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: $50,837 per year¹

¹

Source: texaswages.com, median salary Gulf Coast region, 2021

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.

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 and physical performance test 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. Students failing the medical examination or the physical performance test will be eligible for a 100 percent refund in accordance with the current refund policy if officially withdrawn in the College Registrar’s office on or before the 12^th class day.

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:

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

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

Approved Electives