Fire Protection Technician
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.
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
Contact Us
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 >
Career Salaries
$39,100 – $66,400 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.
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.
Similar Programs
Other Educational Opportunities
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
High School Dual Credit
Dual enrollment offers high school students an opportunity to get a head start in high-demand fields while earning college credits.
Credit for Prior Learning
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.
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.