
Fire ScienceRequirements
Build a strong foundation in fire science skills with a fire science associate degree at Aims. If you have completed Aims Fire Academy, you have already earned 13 credit hours toward this degree. Completion of this degree qualifies you to earn a national firefighter certification.
The fire science degree covers several applications for EMT training, including medical and trauma emergencies. You’ll learn the skills tested for Firefighter I and II certification as well as hazardous materials (hazmat) training. These three certificates/certifications qualify you to work as a firefighter. After that, you’ll learn additional skills to make you a more versatile and valuable team member: driving, hydraulics, health and instructional methodology. Core associate degree requirements help you communicate with workplace teams, which is valuable to any career path.
Row Groupings | Major Requirements: | Credits |
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required | FST 102 - Principles of Emergency ServicesProvides an overview to fire protection; career opportunities in fire protection and related fields; philosophy and history of fire protection/service; fire loss analysis; organization and function of public and private fire protection services; fire departments as part of local government; laws and regulations affecting the fire service; fire service nomenclature; specific fire protection functions; basic fire chemistry and physics; introduction to fire protection systems; introduction to fire strategy and tactics. Three credits. |
3 |
required | FST 103 - Fire Behavior and CombustionExplores the theories and fundamentals of how and why fires start, spread, and are controlled. Three credits. |
3 |
required | FST 105 - Building Construction for Fire ProtectionProvides the components of building construction that relate to fire and life safety. The focus of this course is on firefighter safety. The elements of consideration and design of structures are shown to be key factors when inspecting buildings, preplanning fire operations, and operating at emergencies. Three credits. |
3 |
required | FST 106 - Fire PreventionProvides fundamental information regarding the history and philosophy of fire prevention, organization and operation of a fire prevention bureau, use of fire codes, identification and correction of fire hazards, and the relationships of fire prevention with built-in fire protection systems, fire investigation, and fire and life-safety education. Three credits. |
3 |
required | FST 109 - Occupational Safety & Health for FireIntroduces the basic concepts of occupational health and safety as it relates to emergency service organizations. Topics include risk evaluation and control procedures for fire stations, training sites, emergency vehicles, and emergency situations involving fire, EMS, hazardous materials, and technical rescue. This course introduces the basic principles and history related to the national firefighter life safety initiatives, focusing on the need for cultural and behavioral change throughout emergency services. Three credits. |
3 |
required | FST 202 - Strategy and TacticsProvides an in-depth analysis of the principles of fire control through utilization of personnel, equipment, and extinguishing agents on the fire ground. Three credits. Course Prerequisites
FST 102, FST 103, and FST 105 with grades of "C" or better |
3 |
required | FST 209 - Fire Protection SystemsProvides information relating to the features of design and operation of fire alarm systems, water-based fire suppression systems, special hazard fire suppression systems, water supply for fire protection and portable fire extinguishers. Three credits. Course Prerequisites
FST 105 with a grade of "C" or better |
3 |
required | FST 251 - Legal Aspects of Fire ServiceIntroduces the Federal, State, and local laws that regulate emergency services, national standards influencing emergency service, standard of care, tort, liability, and a review of relevant court cases. Three credits. |
3 |
required | FST 255 - Fire Service ManagementServes as the basic management course for present and potential members of the fire and emergency service professions. The course introduces the student to current fire service management practices, challenges, and real-world applications from the fire officer's point of view. The course addresses decision-making, problem solving, necessary communication skills, conflict resolution, effective leadership skills, as well as the role of the fire service manager in supervising personnel and programs. Three credits. Course Prerequisites
FST 102 and SOC 218 with grades of "C" or better |
3 |
Total Major Credits | 27 |
Row Groupings | General Education Requirements: | Credits |
---|---|---|
required | COM 115 - Public SpeakingCombines the basic theory of speech communication with public speech performance skills. Emphasis is on speech delivery, preparation, organization, support, and audience analysis. Three credits. |
3 |
required | COM 125 - Interpersonal Communication: GT-SS3Examines the communication involved in interpersonal relationships occurring in family, social and career situations. Relevant concepts include self-concept, perception, listening, nonverbal communication, and conflict. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS3 category. Three credits. |
3 |
required | MAT 107 - Career MathCovers material designed for career and technical students who need to study particular mathematical topics. Topics include measurement, algebra, geometry, statistics, and graphs. These are presented at an introductory level and the emphasis is on applications. This course may be used for the A.A.S. degree only. Course readiness is determined by review of high school transcripts, assessment, and/or meeting with an Aims Academic Advisor. Three credits. |
3 |
required | MAT 135 - Intro to Statistics [MA1]Introduces descriptive and inferential statistics, with an emphasis on critical thinking and statistical literacy. Topics include methods of data collection, presentation and summarization, introduction to probability concepts and distributions, and statistical inference of one and two populations. This course uses real world data to illustrate applications of a practical nature. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-MA1 category. Course readiness is determined by review of high school transcripts, assessment, and/or meeting with an Aims Academic Advisor. Three credits. |
3 |
required | ENG 121 - English Composition I [CO1]Emphasizes the planning, writing, and revising of compositions, including the development of critical and logical thinking skills. This course includes a wide variety of compositions that stress analytical, evaluative, and persuasive/argumentative writing. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-CO1 category. May be taken concurrently with CCR 094. Three credits. |
3 |
required | POS 125 - American State/Local Gov.[SS1]Emphasizes the structure and function of state, county, and municipal governments including their relations with each other and with national government. Includes a study of Colorado government and politics. This course is a statewide guaranteed transfer course GT-SSI. Three credits. |
3 |
required | SOC 218 - Sociology of Diversity [SS3]Explores differences based on race, ethnicity, social class, gender, age, ability status, and sexual identity. Critically examines the dynamics of intergroup relations and how social construction of these differences can lead to patterns of prejudice, discrimination, and inequality nationally and globally. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS3 category. Three credits. |
3 |
Total General Education Credits | 15 |
Row Groupings | Recommended Electives: | Credits |
---|---|---|
Recommended Electives: | (Choose minimum of 25 credits from the following course options) |
|
required | EMS 121 - EMT FundamentalsIntroduces the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) student to prehospital emergency care. The topics included in this course are Emergency Medical Services (EMS) systems, well-being of the EMT, communications, documentation, anatomy, airway management, and patient assessment. Prerequisite(s): Professional level CPR certification. Three credits. |
3 |
required | EMS 122 - EMT Medical EmergenciesProvides the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) student with the knowledge and skills to effectively provide emergency care and transportation to a patient experiencing a medical emergency. This course focuses on the integration of the physical exam, medical history, and pathophysiology when assessing and treating the medical patient. Four credits. Course Prerequisites
Professional level CPR certification and EMS 121 with a grade of "C" or better Course Corequisites
EMS 123, EMS 124, and EMS 170
|
4 |
required | EMS 123 - EMT Trauma EmergenciesProvides the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) student with the knowledge and skills to provide appropriate emergency care and transportation of a patient who has suffered a traumatic injury. The concepts of kinematics and the biomechanics of trauma, along with pathophysiology and injury patterns will provide the student with the ability to assess and manage the trauma patient. Two credits. Course Prerequisites
Professional level CPR certification and EMS 121 with a grade of "C" or better. Course Corequisites
EMS 122, EMS 124, and EMS 170
|
2 |
required | EMS 124 - EMT Special ConsiderationsProvides the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) student with the knowledge and skills required to modify the assessment, treatment, and transportation of special patient populations and patients in special circumstances. This course also provides an overview of incident command, mass casualty incidents, vehicle extrication, air medical support, hazardous materials, and terrorism. Two credits. Course Prerequisites
Professional level CPR certification and EMS 121 with a grade of "C" or better. Course Corequisites
EMS 122, EMS 123, & EMS 170
|
2 |
required | EMS 170 - EMT ClinicalProvides the EMT student with the clinical experience required for initial certification and some renewal processes. Visit the Online Orientation at . One credit.https://www.aims.edu/academics/ems/start-today.phphttps://www.aims.edu/academics/ems/start-today.php Course Prerequisites
Current CPR certification, applicable immunizations and a background check Course Corequisites
EMS 121; EMS 122; EMS 123; EMS 124
|
1 |
required | FST 100 - Firefighter IAddresses the requirements necessary to perform at the first level of progression as identified in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001, Firefighter Professional Qualifications. This is a lecture and lab course for meeting the NFPA 1001, Level I, standard. Nine credits.font-family:verdana, sans-serif;font-size:9pt;http://www.aims.edu/student/cashier/tuitionDifferential tuition rates apply. Course Prerequisites
Professional level CPR certification |
9 |
required | FST 101 - Firefighter IIAddresses the requirements necessary to perform at the second level of progression as identified in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001, Firefighter Professional Qualifications. This is a lecture and lab course for meeting the NFPA 1001, level II, standard. . Three credits.http://www.aims.edu/student/cashier/tuitionDifferential tuition rates apply Course Prerequisites
FST 100, FST 107, and FST 170 with grades of "C" or better |
3 |
required | FST 107 - Haz Mat Operations Level IIntroduces hazardous materials incidents, recognizing and identifying hazardous materials, planning response, implementing response procedures, decision making, and continued evaluation at the awareness and operation level. See Tuition and Fees web page for rate listings atThree credits.font-family:verdana, sans-serif;font-size:9pt;Differential tuition rates apply. font-family:verdana, sans-serif;font-size:9pt;http://www.aims.edu/student/cashier/tuitionwww.aims.edu/student/cashier/tuition. |
3 |
required | FST 126 - Vehicle Extrication AwarenessProvides the student with entry level knowledge and skills to safely operate at the scene of a vehicle/machinery extrication. Training in this course represents the minimum level of training needed to respond to a vehicle extrication incident. See Tuition and Fees web page for rate listings atOne credit.font-family:verdana, sans-serif;font-size:9pt;Differential tuition rates apply. font-family:verdana, sans-serif;font-size:9pt;http://www.aims.edu/student/cashier/tuitionwww.aims.edu/student/cashier/tuition. |
1 |
required | FST 127 - Vehicle Extrication OperationExpands and refines the objectives of FST 126. Students shall be capable of hazard recognition, equipment use, and techniques necessary to operate safely and effectively at incidents involving persons injured or entrapped in a vehicle or machinery. See Tuition and Fees web page for rate listings at. Prerequisite(s): FST 126. Two credits.font-family:verdana, sans-serif;font-size:9pt;Differential tuition rates apply. font-family:verdana, sans-serif;font-size:9pt;http://www.aims.edu/student/cashier/tuitionwww.aims.edu/student/cashier/tuition Course Prerequisites
FST 126 min grade C |
2 |
required | FST 128 - Vehicle Extrication TechExpands and refines the objectives learned in FST 127. Training in this course represents the highest level of operation at the rescue scene involving vehicle extrication. Students shall be capable of hazard recognition, equipment use, and techniques necessary to operate and effectively supervise at incidents involving persons injured or entrapped in a vehicle or machinery. See Tuition and Fees web page for rate listings at. Prerequisite(s): FST 127. Three credits.font-family:verdana, sans-serif;font-size:9pt;Differential tuition rates apply. font-family:verdana, sans-serif;font-size:9pt;http://www.aims.edu/student/cashier/tuitionwww.aims.edu/student/cashier/tuition Course Prerequisites
FST 127 min grade C |
3 |
required | FST 151 - Driver-OperatorProvides the student with the basic knowledge and skills to safely operate fire apparatus according to the NFPA professional standard. Enables the student to display and demonstrate knowledge of fire apparatus, operation of apparatus, pumps and pumping, hydraulics calculations, maintenance and testing. Three credits.font-family:Verdana, 'sans-serif';font-size:9pt;Differential tuition rates applyfont-family:Verdana, 'sans-serif';font-size:9pt;. See Tuition and Fees web page for rate listings at . http://www.aims.edu/student/cashier/tuitionwww.aims.edu/student/cashier/tuition |
3 |
required | FST 160 - Physical Test Prep CoursePrepares students for the CPAT and other related fitness testing for entry level firefighters. The course will focus on aerobics and strength training to assist students in passing a CPAT test or any related fitness entry level test. Students will also be trained on how to use various firefighting tools as they pertain to how the tools will be used in the CPAT or other related entry level fitness test. Three credits. |
3 |
required | FST 170 - Clinical IOffers the clinical practicum to apply the related fire science technology. Differential tuition rates apply. Course is repeatable with a maximum of 12 credit hours. Zero to twelve credits. |
0 to 12 |
Student must take | Student may use maximum of 1 credit in FST 170 toward this degree. | |
required | FST 201 - Instructional MethodologyIdentifies the roles and responsibilities of the fire service instructor. Includes oral communication skills, concepts of learning, planning and development of lesson plans and instructional materials and delivery methods, testing and evaluations, records and reports, and demonstration of instructional abilities. Fire Instructor I State Certification is possible. Three credits. |
3 |
required | FST 203 - Fire Hydraulics and Water SupplyProvides a foundation of theoretical knowledge in order to understand the principles of the use of water in fire protection and to apply hydraulic principles to analyze and to solve water supply problems. Three credits. |
3 |
required | FST 206 - Fire Co Superv and LeadershipAddresses the requisite knowledge and skills required to perform at level 1 as identified in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1021, Fire Officer Professional Qualifications. Areas of focus include: fire department organization, company officer traits, roles and responsibilities, communications practices, administrative functions, safety, health and wellness, training, fire prevention, human resources management, and incident management and operations. The course prepares the learner for the Colorado Fire Officer I State Exams and JPR evaluations. Three credits. |
3 |
required | FST 280 - InternshipProvides students with the opportunity to supplement coursework with practical work experience related to their educational program. Students work under the immediate supervision of experienced personnel at the business location and with the direct guidance of the instructor. Course is repeatable with a maximum of 12 credit hours.Zero to twelve credits. |
0 to 12 |
required | HWE 111 - Health and WellnessExplores the six components of wellness: physical, social, intellectual, spiritual, emotional, and occupational. Topics include health risks, wellness behaviors, and personal behavior change in the areas of nutrition; exercise; substance abuse; stress management; cardiovascular and cancer risk factors; the aging process; and violence, death, and dying in our society. Provides tools to complete self-assessments and develop a wellness program for a healthier lifestyle across a lifespan. Three credits. |
3 |
Total Elective Credits | 25 |
Total Credits for A.A.S. Degree | 67 | |
---|---|---|
Total Credits for A.A.S. Degree | Students requesting credit for prior learning can contact the department advisors for details. |
Degree at a Glance
Degree Type
Associate of Applied ScienceLocation
Credits
67Tuition*
*Check Cashier's Office for current tuition rates