Program Overview
This program follows the standards of training according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001 and Standard for Firefighters.
Course Outline
First year students receive instruction in Health Care Provider CPR and Fire Science Orientation. The classes are taught in the semesters indicated below:
Semester 1: The introduction to fire protection and emergency services and healthcare provider CPR will be taught. The introduction class will cover fire science technology, career opportunities, chemistry of fire, administration and support functions. The class covers a chapter a week, there will be weekly quizzes and chapter tests. Students will also be required to write two papers: one about a historic fire event and the second will be on an interview with a firefighter.
Semester 2: The second semester will cover tactics and strategy considerations on the fireground. Topics will include decision making, company operations, building construction, and fires in a variety of occupancies. Additionally, students will be completing National Incident Management system courses.
Throughout the year, students will be working on chapters from the International Fire Service Training Association, Essentials of Firefighting 7th edition, Coving Introduction to Fire Service, Communications, Firefighter PPE, Ropes and knots, and structural search and rescue. There will be hands-on drills using ladders, SCBA and hose.
Students that meet the requirements will have the opportunity to ride with a local fire department and experience a day as a firefighter.
Curriculum Topics
The topics below are among the essential skills for this program. This is not a comprehensive list of all available skills and goals, but is provided to show the scope of the curriculum. Changes may occur year to year based on industry input, change in focus, or other factors. Please contact the program instructor or coordinator for additional information.
- Firefighter Safety and Health
- Fire Department Communications
- Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment
- Ropes, Webbing, and Knots
- Structural Search, Victim Removal, and Firefighter Survival
- Forcible Entry
- Ground Ladders
- Tactical Ventilation
- Water Supply Fire Hose
- Fire Streams
- Fire Control
- Loss Control
- Online Certifications
- Hazardous Materials and Terrorism
Assessment Standards/Grading Practices
Students are graded on the following criteria:
- Safety
- Accuracy
- Initiative
- Cooperation
- Dependability
- Homework
- Written tests
- Practical tests
A, B, C, D, F grades are given for each area. Students need to make every effort to complete assigned work and complete all chapter and modular tests.
Field Experiences/Competitive Opportunities:
The TCD Fire Science Technology program has developed strong partnerships with local fire departments, ambulance providers, dispatch agencies, and branches of local government. Students can gain even more extracurricular experiences by joining a local fire department Explorer Post where students train at the firehouse under the direct supervision of professional firefighters.
Graduates of the TCD Fire Science Technology program generally have a clear and distinct advantage over most applicants who apply for fire department employment or college. Students at TCD are taught by instructors who are licensed, professional, and seasoned firefighters/paramedics. Additionally, students have earned college credit, have had opportunities for significant field experience, and are armed with a professional portfolio which includes their personal statement, resume, and certifications earned within the program.
Academic Readiness
Math: Students should have an understanding of basic algebra to calculate correct pump pressures for hose lines. This will include figuring nozzle flow rates, friction loss, and elevation.
Reading/Writing: Students should be able to read and comprehend information from textbooks that are written at the 9th grade level. Students will be completing two papers. One about a historic fire event and the other covering firefighter interviews.
Attendance: Students are expected to attend class every day that their schools send a bus. This is a hands-on, college level program and students miss important material and skills training when absent.
Professional Skills
Fire Science students are also expected to effectively display the following attributes:
Students work in squads, and are guided in leadership, time management, team building, and critical thinking skills, which are important for success in this career path. Students who possess a strong personal desire to pursue this career path generally do well, and report experiencing a high level of personal accomplishment and satisfaction.
Students are prepared to accomplish the following specific skill sets: basic firefighting operations, rescue, command and communications, (written and radio), scene size-up and safety, and CPR.