Fire Protection students

Fire Protection Technician

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Program Information

Degree Type
60-credit Associate of Applied Science Degree

Program Code
10-503-2

Time to Degree
2 years

Start Date
August / January

How You'll Learn

Daytime

Firefighters protect life, property and the environment through fire suppression, hazardous materials mitigation and emergency medical services. They also improve their communities through fire prevention activities. Learn from experienced firefighters and practice skills using state-of-the-art training facilities and equipment. Being a member of a fire department is highly recommended, but it is not an admissions requirement.

Tuition Costs

The cost of your degree depends on a number of factors, including where you live, how your program is delivered, how long it takes to finish your program and the financial aid you receive. Explore current tuition and fees.

Firefighter I and II Costs

Physical/Medical Requirements: up to $250
Uniform: up to $200
Turn-out Gear Rental: up to $500
Practical Certification Testing Fees: $80 per test

Principles of Driver/Operator Costs

CDL temp license for Driver/Operator if non-affiliated: $30
Practical Certification Testing Fees: $80

Emergency Medical Technician Costs

EMSTESTING Access: $52
Premium Planner software: $33
EMT Kit: $53
Immunizations/health requirements: up to $500
Drug screen: $50
Uniform: up to $200
Testing fee (NREMT certification): $200
Any computer or tablet
External keyboard and durable case for tablet (recommended)

View the full EMT cost and supply list.

How To Apply

Apply online and pay the $30 application fee.
Submit a copy of one of the following to demonstrate your reading, writing and math skills:
- High school GPA of 2.60 or above. Transcript must include completed coursework through the 11th grade.*
- ACT, ACCUPLACER® or GED - 2014 Series (165 or higher).*
- Prior college coursework may meet this requirement in whole or in part. Courses must be in the specific area(s), and you must have earned a grade of C or better (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) in the courses.*
- If none of the above apply, sign up for the ACCUPLACER® placement test.

*Unofficial copies of these documents can be sent to admissions@wctc.edu.

Questions on the application process? Visit the Admissions page or contact an enrollment counselor.

Steps to Complete the Fire Protection Technician Degree

Before You Apply

View the Fire Protection Technician program costs above. Payment plans are available for tuition. The required uniform shirts can be purchased at the WCTC Bookstore.
Review the Fire and EMS Technical Standards.

Apply to the Program

Follow the "How to Apply" steps outlined above. Be sure to complete these steps by the date listed in the "Application Deadlines" tab.

After Your Application is Accepted

Begin General Studies and Fire core courses.
Sign up for Firefighter 1 Certification or the Emergency Medical Technician program.

Have transfer credit? Check out Credit for Prior Learning.

Before You Begin Firefighter 1 and EMT Courses

Attend a mandatory Program Expectation Session (chosen during Firefighter 1 Certification and EMT course registration).
See special requirements for the Emergency Medical Technician program.

After Completing Fire Core Courses and EMT Program

Take Wisconsin Fire Certification exams for fire certification courses completed.
Apply for certificates from the National Fire Academy for each Fire core course.
Take the EMT National Registry Certification Exam. Skills testing can be completed at WCTC or any testing site. The written exam must be taken at a certified testing center.

After the EMT National Registry Exam

Apply for the EMT State License. This licensure is required before being eligible to register in subsequent EMS licensure programs.

Program Details

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Questions? We'd love to help! Connect with our Enrollment team by filling out our online form or by email at enroll@wctc.edu.

Potential Careers

If you’re physically fit, devoted to saving lives and handle intense situations well, a career in firefighting may be right for you. Firefighters must communicate with other members of their team, and be flexible and adaptable. They need to have a take-charge attitude and make critical decisions in life-threatening conditions.

Fire Fighter
Fire Inspector
Code Enforcement Specialist
Plans Reviewer
Fire Service Equipment Sales

High School Eligibility

This program is open to qualified high school applicants. Please note, you must meet certain age requirements in order to complete Emergency Medical Technician, which is required for this program. Learn more >

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Career Salaries

$34,400 – $69,000 annually

Salary range estimates based on wages for related occupations in Waukesha County as reported by Lightcast. Individual wages may vary based on experience, industry, location and specific job requirements. Find our graduates' entry wages in the most recent Graduate Success Report.

Financial Aid

As a program student, you are eligible to receive:

Financial aid loans
Scholarships
Other forms of assistance

Learn more about financial aid.

Program Courses

Protective Services Programs

Career Pathway

What Makes This Program Unique

WCTC is designated as a Regional Fire Training Center and offers all levels of Wisconsin Firefighter Certification training.
Students earn their Firefighter I and EMT certificates in the first year of this program.
The program is taught by subject matter experts, including many officers from local fire departments.

Accreditation

The U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Academy (NFA) – Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education program has determined that this program meets the minimum standards of excellence established by FESHE professional development committees and the NFA. WCTC’s program is one of just two in the state to hold this recognition.

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CPR and First Aid Training Courses

CPR and first aid skills are essential in a wide range of professions and useful for just about anyone! WCTC is an American Heart Association Regional Training Center.

Fire and EMS Training Center

A Wisconsin state-approved training center, WCTC provides specialized, hands-on fire and EMS skills training in our cutting-edge classrooms and labs.

Program Pathway

Earn certificates, technical diplomas and/or industry credentials along this pathway. Start with some courses for entry-level employment, and continue with additional courses for higher wages and job advancement.

Fire Protection Technician Pathway

Earn credit for prior learning for the college-level knowledge and skills that you've already acquired through advanced high school classes, previous college coursework, self-study, military training work or volunteer experience.

More Credit Opportunities

Dual enrollment offers high school students an opportunity to get a head start in high-demand fields while earning college credits.

Learn More

You may have the opportunity to obtain credit for the college-level skills and knowledge you've already acquired through prior coursework, work experience and more.

Learn More

Transfer Opportunities After WCTC

WCTC has credit transfer agreements with many four-year institutions that allow our degree graduates to transfer credits into a baccalaureate program, often at junior-level standing.

Explore Transfer Agreements