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Fire Science Technology

Greenville Technical College offers firefighter training right here at home including the only associate degree in Fire Science Technology offered in South Carolina. This training benefits those with no previous experience and firefighters wishing to advance in their careers.

Scheduling is easy with

classes taught mornings and evenings for certificate courses
courses available online, so students can avoid interference with work responsibilities
Fire Science Technology certificate courses offered once per year, beginning in the fall

A career you can count on

Graduates work for fire departments and industry fire brigades.

With further education, they move up to positions including company officer, fire marshal, fire investigator, and fire prevention officer.

Learn about real-time job openings and salary information through Career Coach.

What you’ll learn in the program

The program provides instruction in

basic first aid, CPR, incident command, fire behavior and rescue
fire prevention methodology
fire detection systems
fire codes
fire investigation
rescue
safety and salvage procedures
hazardous materials
fire behavior and extinguishment

Is Fire Science right for you?

Students must meet these requirements

Provide a physician’s statement prior to FST 102 clearing you to wear a respirator and stating that there are no restrictions on your ability to perform training necessary in the firefighter program. (form - pdf)
Provide a portion of the personal protective equipment (firefighter boots, gloves, and flash hood); other tools and equipment will be provided by the college.
SC Fire Departments require a SLED criminal background check prior to employment.

Your connection to industry

This program includes specific training to meet local needs as well as the national standards needed to pass the IFSAC exam.

The Fire Chief’s Association of Greenville County provides guidance, and representatives from leading area companies serve on our advisory board to help us ensure that what we teach is relevant and to give us access to the latest training tools.

Program details and courses

Fire Science Technology
Associate in Applied Science

This program combines basic fire service training with advanced courses recommended by the National Fire Academy (NFA) Fire Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) committee’s recommended curriculum. The basic training portion must be taken in traditional classes, with all other courses in the associate degree program available online. Completion of the associate degree prepares firefighters for advancement to officer positions as fire departments continue to recognize the importance of higher education.

Fire Service Technology
Certificate in Applied Science

This program is designed for the student considering a career in fire service or currently working as a paid firefighter or volunteer firefighter. The program teaches the knowledge and skills needed to become a basic firefighter, training to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001 Standard for Firefighter Professional Qualifications: Firefighter I & II. Upon successful completion, students may apply to sit for the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) written certification examination for Firefighter I & II.

Recommended program schedule

Gainful Employment

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, we encourage you to review our gainful employment disclosure information for Fire Service Technology.