Fire and Rescue

Students in this program will graduate with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Fire and Rescue. The program will provide applied entry-level career training for fire fighters and will enhance on-going training for current protective services professionals in Montana and the western states.

Fire and Rescue courses concentrate on training in fire behavior, extinguishing agents, apparatus, tactics, rescue, and safety. Students will experience live fire situations in training mock-ups and will be able to enter careers in community-based fire departments, industrial fire brigades, airport fire brigades, and wildland fire agencies.

Students taking math, writing, and career development on the UM-Missoula College of Technology campus will take the equivalent courses of PSYX161 Fundamentals of Organizational Psychology (3 credits) or PSYX100 Introduction to Psychology (3 credits); WRIT121 Introduction to Technical Writing (3 credits); and M111T Technical Mathematics (3 credits).

Students are required to pass a physical exam performed by the student’s physician (the physical form is available through Admissions and Records) and the physical agility test. Students must successfully complete the following physical agility test, within a one and one-half hours’ time frame, before being allowed to register for Fire and Rescue classes. The required physical agility test will be offered at fall orientation programs. Fire and Rescue applicants will be notified of specific testing and orientation dates.

The physical agility test includes:

• One-mile-run under 10 minutes
• Fifty sit-ups under two minutes
• Twenty-five push-ups under two minutes
• Lift and drag a 175-pound mannequin 50 feet
• Climb a 24 foot ladder

These meet minimum standards as set forth under the guidelines of the National Fire Protection Association Standards 1500, 1582, and 1901.

Additional Costs:

• Student Uniform - Approximately $150
• Personal Protective Equipment - Approximately $250
• Turnout Rental - $210 per academic year; includes bunker pants, coat, and helmet
• Criminal Background Check - Approximately $50
• Gym Membership - Approximately $200 annually

Requirements for ECP130 Emergency Medical Technician: 

• Students are required to have their own blood pressure cuff and stethoscope.
• Students are required to have the Hepatitis B vaccine and current (within six months) test for tuberculosis.

Gainful Employment

Fire and Rescue
Associate of Applied Technology

Career Outlook: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics employment of firefighters is expected to grow 9 percent, slower than the average for all occupations.

Continued population growth will increase the number of emergency calls requiring firefighter responses. The majority of situations that firefighters respond to are medical—rather than fire—emergencies, and the aging of the population will lead to an increased demand for emergency responders.

In addition, jobs will be created as volunteer firefighters are converted to paid positions in areas where population growth creates the need for a full-time workforce. An increase in urban populations, where full-time firefighters are more common, also is expected to increase the demand for firefighters.
Prospective firefighters will face tough competition for positions. Many people are attracted to the job’s challenge, opportunity for public service, relatively low formal educational requirements, and pensions that are usually guaranteed after 25 years of service. As a result, a department often receives hundreds or thousands of applicants for a single position. Physically-fit applicants with high test scores, some post-secondary firefighter education, and paramedic training have the best prospects.

For the most current salary information please refer to the Bureau of Labor Statistics “Occupational Outlook Handbook found at www.bls.gov/ooh/.

Program Cost:
Approximately $8,624

Fire and Rescue

For more information, please contact the Student Support Center

*NOTE: FIRE289 - Fire Service Internship may be substituted for FIRE288 - Capstone. Must meet acceptance requirements.