SVC - Skagit Valley College - Fire Protection Technology

Fire Protection Technology

firefighters working together with latter

Welcome to the Fire Protection Technology Program

Have you always wanted to work in fire protection, responding to emergencies and making a positive difference in people's lives? Enroll in SVC's exceptional Fire Protection Technology program today and prepare to take your place in this rewarding career field.

Your Program Options

Whether you are a working professional, or completely new to the field of fire protection, SVC's programs are designed to meet your needs. You can select from a variety of study options.

Fire Protection Technology, Associate in Technical Arts degree
Certificates. Focused on a general area of expertise
- Firefighter 1
- Emergency Vehicle Accident Prevention
- Incident Command Systems 200
- Haz-Mat Operations
- EMT-Basic
- Wildland Firefighter (red card)
- Rescue Technician
- Fire Officer 1
Micro-Certificates, focused on specific skills
- Basic Firefighter
- Basic Emergency Medical Technician
- Hazardous Materials First Responder

You will study a systematic and organized inquiry into the occurrence of fire and its control. You will learn of fire's development, strategies used by the fire service to prevent its occurrence and lessen its impact, and methods employed to combat it.

You will also gain a deep understanding of the mental discipline and physical strength needed to succeed in a career that requires performing unusually challenging tasks under virtually any condition with little room for error. Classes include:

Fire Chemistry
Firefighter Skills
Fitness & Wellness
Incident Management Systems
Hazardous Materials First Response
Building Construction
Emergency Vehicle Accident Prevention
Fire Company Leadership
Fire Department Budgets
Emergency Service Leadership
Managing Tactical Operations

Fire Service Hydraulics
Fire Protection Systems
Water Supply Operations
Professional Communication
Fire Codes & Ordinances
Rescue Systems
Live Fire Operations
Wildland Firefighting
Vehicle Extrication
Basic Emergency Medical Technician
Law for Fire Services

Why Skagit Valley College?

The only school in Washington State with a live fire pad
Real world experience - program designed to replicate a fire department
Exceptional instructors with broad fire technology experience
Internships for practical experience and job placement networking
Two fire engine fleet, training tower and breathing air station

Career Opportunities

The Fire Protection Technology (FIRE) program will prepare you for a career as a firefighter. You will learn to respond to emergencies and save lives, stabilize emergency situations, reduce loss of property and improve public safety. Your career choices include working for private or industrial fire departments, or as a member of a government fire department at the municipal, state or federal level.

Placement/Estimated Employment Rate 87.6%

Entry into the Program

Please apply to the Admissions Office. Enrollment in the program is limited to thirty students entering each September. Selection is on a first-come, first served basis from a wait list. Read more

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 Firefighter Training Department Chair prior to registration.

Firefighter courses can be physically demanding. Student must be medically and physically fit to participate.

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

Contact Us

Patrick McVicker
Department Chair
360.416.7783
Pat.Mcvicker@skagit.edu

Program Video