FIRE SCIENCES

The Fire Sciences Department (FIRE) provides training and education for students wishing to begin a career in the fire service, attain a higher level of education, and/or prepare for career advancement.

General Education Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Fire Protection Technology degree program will be able to:

Understand how hostile fire conditions develop that threaten the public and emergency responders.
Understand how various work environments can effect development of hostile fire conditions.
Efficiently utilize tactical resources and effective methods of deployment in responding to a variety of emergency incidents.
Possess a knowledge and skill set that allows them to be effective in preventing hostile fire emergencies occurring in their community.

Fire Protection Technology, AAS

Within the Fire Sciences Department, two degrees are offered:

The Fire Protection Technology, AAS degree is designed to prepare those students wishing to enter the fire protection career as entry-level firefighters. It is a skills and certification-based program that prepares a student with the education, certifications, and affiliation, valued by fire service leaders.
The Fire Service Administration, AAS-T degree is designed for students who are currently working as career firefighters and wish to create the opportunity for upward mobility. The degree is academic-based and is primarily online in its delivery, suiting the needs of shift workers. The degree is fully transferable to bachelor-level programs.
By adding a third year of general education courses, students receiving the Fire Protection Technology, AAS degree can also obtain the Fire Service Administration, AAS-T degree. Achieving the AAS-T degree means not only being prepared for an entry-level fire-fighting position, but also lays the foundation for eventual advancement in the fire service.

Learn More

The information above reflects the 2024-2025 course catalog and is subject to change. Please check with your advisor for the most up to date information.

Program Photo(s) / Video(s)

Program Admissions

Please apply at Enrollment Services. Enrollment in the program is limited to 36 students entering each September. Selection is on a first-come, first served basis from an “interest” list. Students may enter the program only at the beginning of Fall Quarter. Winter and/or Spring quarter entry is based on prior experience and Department Chair permission. All students must meet with the Fire Protection Technology Department Chair for an orientation prior to registration.

Firefighter courses can be physically demanding. Students must be medically and physically fit to participate. Students will be subject to a background evaluation. Once accepted into the program, the following requirements must be met:

Complete an Illegal Substance-Drug Screen and Criminal Background check. This is based on emergency medical industry standards and Washington State laws protecting vulnerable populations (RCW 43.43.880 and 43.43.842). This practice is common among colleges and universities in Washington State and is required by clinical agencies where students complete their clinical experiences.
Complete a Department of Motor Vehicle violation check. This check is used for training and counseling purposes to determine suitability to gain employment in the fire service.
Complete and pass a physical/medical evaluation by a physician approved by the program, confirming physical ability to perform structural firefighting activities in compliance with WAC 296- 305-0159(7)(b).
Costs associated with criminal background check, drug screen, motor vehicle violation check and physical/medical evaluations are the responsibility of the student.

Admission to individual classes for those students not in the Fire Protection Technology (FIRE) program is by Department Chair approval only. Prerequisites for all Fire Protection Technology classes must be met before enrolling in that specific FIRE class.

Admission to individual classes for those students not in the Fire Service Administration program is by Department Chair approval only. Prerequisites for all Fire Service Administration classes must be met before enrolling in that specific class.

Certification/Licensure

The Fire Prevention Technology program aligns with the standards of the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) and the U.S. Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) model curriculum. In Washington State, IFSAC testing is coordinated by the Washington State Patrol and its network of partners. Students can earn multiple IFSAC certificate seals during their time in the program. IFSAC certificates have excellent transferability across state and even international lines. However, there may be a small handful of jurisdictions that do not have reciprocity and may require certification under Pro Board or other standards.

The Basic and Enhanced Emergency Medical Technician Micro-Certificates both conclude with the National Registry Emergency Medical Technician certification practical examination for EMT. Successful completion of this exam—coupled with paid or volunteer affiliation with a licensed county, aid, or ambulance association—allows individuals to become certified as a Washington State EMS Provider, a certification that is generally transferrable to all other states so long as it is kept active.

SVC/Pierce College BAS-FSLM Articulation Agreement

If you are currently enrolled in, or have graduated from, Skagit Valley College's Fire Sciences Degree program, you may qualify to enroll in the BAS in Fire Services Leadership and Management (BAS-FSLM) at Pierce College. Read below to learn more.

On Oct. 16, 2024, Skagit Valley College entered into an articulation agreement with Pierce College. The purpose of this articulation agreement is to foster spirit of collaboration between Pierce College. It facilitates qualified students of SVC’s Fire Science Degree program in their application to, admission to, and completion of the Bachelor of Applied Science in Fire Services Leadership and Management program at Pierce College.

Qualified student applicants must meet minimum requirements of admission to Pierce College and will be evaluated individually by the application committee of the FSLM program.

Minimum Requirements for Applications

Submitted the BAS-FSLM Application per instructions.
Submitted Official Transcripts from a regionally accredited college showing completed AA
degree. (This includes transcripts from courses taken at Pierce College.)
- Note: if some or all transcripts are from other countries, they will need to be evaluated. Evaluations can be conducted by any agency in NACES.
Submitted a Personal Statement (300–400 words) articulating the applicant’s personal and professional interests in pursuing a BAS-FSLM degree.
Submitted one (1) letter from a personal, professional or academic reference.
Submitted a professional resume.
Submitted a letter from the fire department you are affiliated with proving affiliation.

Need help with completing your application? The SVC Writing Center can help!

Fire Protection Technology Scholarship Opportunity

The Skagit County Joint Fire Agencies with Skagit Valley College are excited to offer scholarships to new qualifying Fire Protection Technology freshman students beginning Fall Quarter, 2025.

Membership as a firefighter/EMT in a participating Skagit County fire agency
College expenses paid (estimated value over $8,000 annually) including:
- Tuition, book, and fees
- Background check
- Basic Firefighter Academy
- EMT-B course
- Live fire operations course
- Testing and certification fees
- Class B Uniforms
Opportunity for state certifications in:
- HazMat Operations
- Firefighter 1 and 2
- Emergency Vehicle Accident Prevention
- NWCG Wildland Firefighter 2
- EMT-B
Opportunity for an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Fire Protection Technology

If you have not yet applied for admission to Skagit Valley College, visit: skagit.edu/apply
- When applying for admission to Skagit Valley College, identify “FIRE” as your program of study.
Download and complete the Fire Scholarship Application packet.
Email your complete Fire Scholarship Application packet to:
- - Fire Scholarship Administrator
    firescholarship@skagit.edu
  - Submit your complete Scholarship Application by May 30th, 2025 at 5:00pm.
Selected applicants will be chosen to interview with the Scholarship Selection Committee to determine final recipients.