Fire Science/Technology
Rapid population growth has resulted in the expansion of the firefighting departments at the city, county, state, and federal government levels, as well as the military and various private agencies. With that growth comes increased competition, however, and is why we've developed the technical and manipulative training at Columbia College to be one of the best offered anywhere.
Fire Technology program students receive individual instructor support through our Fire Academy. Columbia College is also one of only two community colleges in California to operate its own fire station, staffed by students enrolled in the program. Through an agreement with the Tuolumne County Fire Department and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the on-campus station responds to over 350 calls a year.
The Columbia College Fire Technology program is an Accredited Regional Training Program (ARTP), as approved by the Office of the State Fire Marshal's State Fire Training Division.
Core Fire Science/Technology classes include:
- Emergency Medical Responder and CPR
- Emergency Medical Technician Training
- Fire Prevention Technology
- Building Construction for Fire Protection
- Firefighter Academy
Related Electives include:
- Low Angle Rope Rescue
- High Angle Rope Rescue
- Work Experience in Emergency Medical Services
- Driver/Operator
Fire Science Majors go into a variety of careers. Some examples are:
| At the Certificate Level: | At the Associate's Level: | With Additional Training or Bachelor's Level: |
| Firefighter | Deputy Fire Chief | Safety Manager/Consultant |
| Wildland Firefighter | Fire Captain | Fire Chief |
| Ambulance Services | Fire Dept. Communications Manager | Fire Protection Engineer |
| Professional Rescuer CPR | Fire Sprinkler Designer | Fire Inspector |
| Search and Rescue | Arson Investigator | Environmental Health & Safety Manager |
Please see a counselor for major preparation and general education that will best meet your specific goals.
| AA-T/AS-T = Associates of Arts/Science Degree for Transfer | Earned by completing requirements in the academic major, a transfer general education pattern, and a total of 60 transferable units that would be the typical first two years of a 4-year degree; provides a clear transfer pathway to CSU. |
| AA/AS = Associate of Arts/Science Degree | Earned by completing requirements in the academic major, a general education pattern, and a total of 60 degree-applicable units. |
| COA = Certificate of Achievement | Formally recognizes a student’s competence in a program of study and prepares students for employment in a career/technical field. Also available for completion of a General Education Pattern for transfer. Will appear on the student’s academic transcript. |
| SAC = Skills Attainment Certificate | Prepares students for employment with experience in specific career/technical fields. Do not appear on official transcripts. |
