Fire Science Technology
Associate in Applied Science
Firefighter EMTs are the front lines of the Emergency Response System. Emergency First Responders provide fire protection, rescue, medical care, hazardous materials mitigation, and other emergency services to the public in need.
24/7
support in the ICC Academic Support Center
ICC’s Fire Science Program does not require that a person already be a Fire Department or EMS Provider before being allowed to take classes. Students will acquire and develop the knowledge of fire and emergency services functionality. Students will learn the proper choice, implementation, and use of emergency tools.
Admissions Office
ICC’s program is led by career firefighters who are still in the fire service providing first hand knowledge to their students.
Students will have the opportunity to do ride time with several area EMS and fire agencies.
Emergency Medical Technician, Firefighter, Paramedic, Emergency Dispatcher
COMPLETION TIME
24 Months
if Full Time
5 Semesters
64 Total Credit Hours
What if I attend part-time?
Our Student Success Advisors help with an academic plan that works for you.
ESTIMATED COST
$9,920
+ supplies & fees
Based on 2024-25
What financial assistance can I receive?
Find the plan right for you by connecting with our Financial Aid office.
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
15 Students
average per class
Small class sizes mean more individual attention and a higher rate of success.
View the College Catalog to see a complete list of classes for this program.
Meet Our Students and Alumni
Throughout the program, students will be able to sit for several national and state certification exams that will strengthen their candidacy for employment after graduation.
Terry Carter, Coordinator – Fire Science Program
How Do I Get Into the Fire Science Technology Program?
Firefighters represent the first level of many emergency responses. Talk to an Admissions representative to learn how to get started in a rewarding career as a firefighter.
- Complete our quick admissions application. It’s free and easy!
- Apply for financial aid (FAFSA).
- Apply for ICC Scholarships. Just 1 application for over 600 scholarships.
- Experience on a volunteer fire or EMS department is beneficial.
- For the EMT portion of the program, a drug screen, fingerprint criminal background check, physical examination and immunizations will be required following admittance to the program.
What Can I Expect As a Fire Science Technology Student?
- The program has a balance of on-campus coursework and supervised, off-campus training.
- Graduates will earn a Fire Science Technology Associate in Applied Science degree.
- Graduates can choose to go directly to work or transfer to a four-year university including Southern Illinois University, Western Illinois University, or Eastern Kentucky University.
- Graduates have gone on to work at Peoria, Pekin, Canton, and East Peoria fire departments, along with several volunteer fire departments in the area. In addition, graduates have found employment as EMTs in the emergency departments of area hospitals.
How Am I Going to Manage This?
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What if I am working while going to school?
We have you covered. Many of our students are working adults who balance life and school. We have great resources on campus to help keep you going!
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What are my options for funding my education?
Do this first: fill out and file your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Even if you don’t want federal aid, this document is used by many scholarship and grant programs to evaluate aid packages.
Look for scholarships and grants first because usually they don’t have to be paid back. The ICC Foundation sponsors some scholarships, and grants may be available from Illinois or federal programs. Other organizations also offer scholarships, and we can help you research those opportunities.
Federally guaranteed student loans can be a smart way to fund college. Think about your transfer plans and what your career looks like. Some sources recommend that you cap your borrowing at the level of what you (realistically!) can expect to earn at your first job after college. So, research careers and pay, too.
Of course, savings, jobs, and work-study are key parts of your budget. Your employer may offer tuition reimbursement. Find the tools to make a complete plan for paying for school.