Associate of Science

The Fire & Emergency Services program is designed to prepare graduates for entry into the challenging and competitive field of fire and emergency services. The program concentrates on industry recognized certifications and the U.S. Fire Administration’s Federal Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education Curriculum, while also providing the student with a well-rounded general education and 4-year degree transfer opportunities. Successful students will be well trained and qualified to enter and advance in careers with fire and emergency services agencies across Montana and around the country. The program includes options for a 1-year Certificate of Applied Science (C.A.S.) and a 2-year Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in Fire & Emergency Services. All of the courses included in the 1-year Certificate of Applied Science is fully transferable to the 2-year A.S. degree. A student that has earned the C.A.S. in Fire & Emergency Services can continue directly into the second year of the A.S. in Fire & Emergency Services degree program.

Fire & Emergency Services students must complete a physical exam form, respirator use form, and immunization form prior to the first week of classes. Because of the physical demands of the program and the occupation, students should be in good physical condition. In addition, fire departments require students to pass extensive background checks and psychological exams prior to hire. Students should be aware of these conditions of hire prior to entering the program.

The Fire & Emergency Services program allows students to meet the requirements for certain FIRE classes through industry-recognized certifications. These certifications, appearing on the transcript as credit by exam, will count towards the 1/3 graduation requirement for Helena College credits in the A.S. in Fire & Emergency Services degree.

Licensure as an EMT is required for many Fire & Emergency Services career opportunities. ECP 130 Emergency Medical Technician Emergency Medical Technician is a strongly recommended elective for the Fire & Emergency Services program students that do not have an EMT license.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate professional conduct by displaying a positive work ethic, flexibility, teamwork, physical fitness, safety consciousness, and sensitivity to diversity.
• Demonstrate basic fire fighter skills in the areas of structural firefighting, wildland firefighting, hazardous materials, and emergency response.
• Effectively communicate and interact in the workplace as well as in the community.
• Be able to function at the NFPA 1010 Fire Fighter I Level.
• Demonstrate basic knowledge of fire protection systems, fire prevention, and technical rescue techniques.
• Be able to function at the NFPA 1010 Fire Fighter II Level.

Note: The Fire & Emergency Services Program requires tools outlined in the Equipment and Tool section of this program. Students will be charged a program fee each semester.

Requirements

¹

FIRE 101 Principles of Fire/Emer Svcs I Co-requisite

²

BIOH 201 Human Anat Phys I/Lab (= 301)/BIOH 211 Human Anat Phys II & Lab(=311) Recommended for pre-paramedic.

³

A.S. required general education courses may have substitution options. The above courses are SUGGESTED based on industry recommendations. Contact an advisor for information regarding options/substitutions/transfer credits

⁴

BIOH 211 Human Anat Phys II & Lab(=311) Recommended for pre-paramedic

Note: The suggested sequence in this catalog is for students entering in the fall semester. Please see your advisor for a suggested spring entry sequence and part-time pathway option. Students must earn a C- or better in order to successfully complete a course.

Pathway Advising Notes: Students should be advised to complete the membership process of their chosen volunteer emergency services organization before starting FIRE 298 Fire Service Internship. Some organizations have lengthy membership processes. Students are required to complete one FIRE 298 Fire Service Internship session but may count up to 3 semesters. Note that at least 15 credits must be 200 Level.

Helena College provides students with the majority of gear needed for the program including turnout pants and coat, a helmet, mask, and SCBA. Students will need to pay for and provide their own structural firefighting books, gloves, a hood, ear plugs, and safety glasses. Please refer to the Equipment and Tools section for a list of the required gear.

Equipment and Tool Ordering Procedure

Students do not purchase tools through the College. Tool costs vary depending on the vendor; approximates are average costs. Tools may take several weeks to arrive, and vendors will not deliver without full payment. A commitment sheet in writing from your vendor on the latest possible delivery date is advised before ordering. Good sources for many of these supplies are Galls.com or thefirestore.com

Tool vouchers may be available for students who are eligible and have completed all requirements for enough financial aid to cover all tuition, fees, and the cost of tools. Tool vouchers may be obtained through Student Accounts.

Fire & Emergency Services Equipment

$750 (Approximately)

Helena College provides students with the majority of gear needed for the program including turnout pants and coat, a helmet, mask, and SCBA.

Below is the required list of gear that must be purchased by the student. Students will need to pay for and provide these items:

1. NFPA 1971 Current edition certified Structural Fire Boots
2. NFPA 1971 Current edition certified Structural Fire Gloves
3. NFPA 1971 Current edition certified Structural Fire Hood
4. Extrication Gloves
5. 2- Helena College Fire & ES Uniform Shirts (Instructions will be given at orientation for purchase of these shirts)
6. 2- Pair NFPA 1975 Current edition certified navy blue pants.
7. Black station style boots with safety toe
8. ANSI Z87.1 Safety Glasses – Multiple Pairs
9. Earplugs