VTC Offers
Firefighter Degree

Individuals interested in pursuing a career in fire services now have a degree program available to them in Vermont.

The Vermont State Colleges Board of Trustees recently gave final approval to Vermont Technical College to offer an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science. It is the first such degree program in the state.

"The program will provide students with the technical know-how and leadership skills to be successful as firefighters and fire officers," said Tom Raffensperger, the interim program director.

The program will emphasize solutions to the regulatory, legal and technical challenges characteristic of the work of today’s fire service professionals.

The curriculum includes coursework in fire behavior, emergency medicine, hazardous materials chemistry, incident strategy and tactics, administration of emergency services, fire prevention, and occupational safety and health.

"I am most excited that finally we, the fire service, will have a fire science degree program within Vermont," said the Director of Vermont’s Division of Fire Safety John Wood. "Young high school graduates now have a choice they never had before—to attend college at an affordable price in their own state and, in some cases, still be able to contribute to their communities as firefighters."

The program also will prepare students for National Fire Protection Association certification for Firefighter I and basic certification as an EMT. Both certifications are increasingly required of candidates for employment in career fire departments.

Typical career choices for graduates of the Fire Science program include professional firefighters, emergency medical technicians, dispatchers, and fire suppression and alarm system installers and technicians.

The program will be offered through the college’s Randolph Center campus. The first class will begin studies fall semester 2007.

Additional information is available at the college web site at www.vtc.edu.