The decision to work in public safety is a commendable and selfless sacrifice. It takes a special man or woman to take on the unique challenge of a career in public service and safety.

The Iowa Central Community College Fire Science program provides the knowledge, training and skills necessary for a rewarding career in Fire Fighting Field. The training our students receive can be beneficial to help students enter the field of Fire Fighting or if they are already in the field, the training is beneficial for career advancement. Students also have the opportunity to receive National Certification in Firefighter I & II, Emergency Medical Technician and entry level Wildland Firefighter.

The Iowa Central Community College Fire Science Technology Program prepares students to certify at the following levels:

• Emergency Medical Technician
• Firefighter I
• Firefighter II
• Hazardous Materials – Awareness
• Hazardous Materials – Operations

Certification at the Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Hazardous Materials – Awareness, and Hazardous Materials - Operations levels is performed through the Iowa Fire Service Training Bureau (FSTB).  The FSTB’s Certification Division is accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC).

Professional Licensure and Certification Disclosure Information

For more on Professional Licensure and Certification Disclosure Information, click here.

Scholarship Opportunities

In addition to General, Foundation, and External Scholarship opportunities there are many other scholarships available for Fire Science program students.

• Bruce Holm NATA Fire Science/EMS Scholarship
• IFA Scholarship Program
• Jordan Ulicki Memorial Fire Science/EMS Scholarship
• John M. Etzel Memorial Scholarship
• Mike Rowe WORKS Foundation Work Ethic Scholarship
• Nebraska Fire Chiefs Association Scholarship (Nebraska residents and members of the Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighters Association in their 3rd semester of a fire science degree)
• Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighter’s Association Auxiliary Scholarship (Nebraska residents and members of the NSVFA)
• Public Safety Officers’ Educational Assistance (PSOEA) Program (Spouses and children of public safety offices who died or were disabled in the line of duty.  Federal benefits apply, State benefits vary)
• Rev. Allen Henderson's Future Servant Scholarship
• Theodore N. "Ted" Erb, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
• $300 per semester to two students who agree to fill breathing air cylinders and maintain equipment each semester

Program Requirements

Students must earn a grade of a "C" or better in all Fire Science Program of study courses and meet the necessary pre-requisites to progress in the program. All Fire Science students must complete a criminal Record/Child and Adult Abuse Check prior to attending any hands on experience.

Course Schedule

The Associate in Applied Science in Fire Science is a comprehensive two-year program designed to allow students to gain college credit hours for specific training that will help them enter the field of Fire Fighting. This program is rich in general education courses to facilitate pursuit of a baccalaureate degree and possesses the requisite technical and managerial courses to provide the foundation for leadership in the Fire Science Profession.

More Information

Iowa Community colleges have developed the following Core Performance Standards for all applicants to Health Care Career Programs.  These standards are based upon required abilities that are compatible with effective performance in health care careers.  Applicants unable to meet the Core Performance Standards are responsible for discussing the possibility of reasonable accommodations with the designated institutional office.  To view the full Iowa Core Performance Standards, click here.

Potential Job Titles

The FESHE program mark represents the idea that within the ivory towers of higher education, firefighters and fire officers, armed with the knowledge and a college degree, can reduce the human and economic impact of fires in their communities.