Associate Degree in Fire Protection Technology: Online Degree
Have you always wanted to be a firefighter? Are you interested in preventing fires through the control of hazardous materials and use of technology? An associate degree in fire protection technology may be just what you need to enter the field or advance your career. Schools offering Fire & Emergency Services degrees can also be found in these popular choices.
What Kinds of Online Fire Protection Technology Associate Degree Programs Are Available?
Online associate degree programs in fire protection technology are hard to find at 4-year schools, but a very small selection of programs are available through community colleges. You can enroll in an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Protection or Fire Protection Technology. Online programs might allow you to complete all assignments and coursework remotely, but you usually must visit your school to complete the skills portion of the program. This residency can last two weeks and might require you to remain on campus for the entire process.
You also can take individual courses online through the U.S. Fire Administration's National Fire Academy program (www.usfa.fema.gov). You may be able to apply credits from these classes to a fire protection technology associate degree program.
What Will I Learn?
Many fire protection programs include fire academy training, in addition to fire technology coursework. Fire academy training can provide you with practical firefighting skills, such as using ladders, hoses and other fire gear. If you've already completed a fire academy program, you may be able to waive a certain number of units from your associate degree program. Professional courses in fire protection might address fire safety, chemistry, hydraulics or building construction. Classes also might include the study of fire codes, arson and legal issues related to fire protection.
What Positions Could I Get?
An associate degree in fire protection technology can aid you in obtaining an entry-level firefighting position. You might also find jobs in insurance investigation, fire inspection or industrial safety. A program could further help you embark on a career as an emergency medical technician (EMT) or paramedic.
What Income Could I Expect?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of firefighters was expected to grow 19% from 2008-2018, which was faster than normal, but competition should be great (www.bls.gov). Firefighters made an annual mean salary of $47,730 as of May 2010. If you want to enter emergency services as an EMT or paramedic, the BLS reported that jobs were predicted to increase at an average pace of nine percent from 2008-2018. EMTs and paramedics earned a mean yearly salary of $33,300 as of May 2010.
To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below:
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