Firefighting is a challenging career that tests you physically and emotionally. The conditions you face will change from call to call. and you must have excellent training to do your best. Moraine Valley's Fire Service Operations Program is designed to give students who wish to become firefighters the education and skills required to be qualified for fire department initial eligibility lists.
The program culminates with students completing Fire Academy training and performing a capstone internship with a local fire department. Students learn about the fire service through both classroom and hands-on instruction. Hands-on instruction will cover areas such as the use of hose nozzles, ladders, forcible entry tools, ventilation equipment and supplied-air breathing apparatus. Instruction covers techniques for search-and-rescue and self-survival. You can go on to investigate fires, perform fire inspections, become a hazardous materials specialist or a technical rescue specialist or perform public education.
$24.38
Median Hourly Pay
$50,700
Median Annual Salary
Using appropriate methods and equipment, fire science personnel attack and extinguish fires, cope with hazardous materials incidents, and are familiar with rescue techniques. In addition, they can administer emergency medical assistance to injured persons, maintain fire-fighting apparatus and equipment, and are knowledgeable of general building construction and related building codes.
Fire science personnel may work in urban and suburban areas, airports, chemical plants, other industrial sites, and rural areas like grasslands and forests.
With this degree, individuals can move into positions such as:
- Firefighter
- Public safety personnel
- Industrial firefighter
- Industrial loss prevention personnel
Employment of firefighters is projected to grow 4% from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Physically fit applicants with paramedic training will have the best job prospects.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics
Part of the Fire Service Operations Degree Program includes completing the Moraine Valley Fire Academy. It is comprised of eight courses offered twice annually. Successful students earn 22 hours of college credit, which are most of the core credits for the Fire Service Operations A.A.S. Degree.
Students will learn the mechanics and technical aspects of firefighting through hands-on experience. Live fire training includes setting fire to buildings to conducting training drills with students.
Visit the Fire Academy page for a full list of admission requirements.
Program Details
| Program Name | Type of Credential | Curriculum Code | Department or Division |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Service Operations | A.A.S. | 1331 | Public Service |
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Questions?
Contact the program coordinator Andrew Hufnagl by completing this form.
