Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) has a comprehensive program of study leading to an Associate Degree in Fire Protection Technology. The program of study is flexible, offering courses completely online or through the traditional classroom setting. The program is designed to provide individuals with technical and professional knowledge to make decisions regarding fire protection for both public and private sectors. The program also provides a sound foundation for continuous higher learning in fire protection, administration, and management. Course work includes classroom and laboratory exercises to introduce the student to various aspects of fire protection. Students will learn technical and administrative skills, such as hydraulics, hazardous materials, arson investigation, fire protection safety, fire suppression management, law, and codes.

In addition to the associate degree program, two other learning pathways are available in an effort to meet the needs of students and the fire service community: the High School Connections Program and a Program for Working Adults and Certified Fire Fighters.

High School Connections Program. Together with Cumberland County Schools through the High School Connections program, FTCC offers a certificate program which allows high school juniors and seniors to attend college-level courses at FTCC for two semesters, simultaneously earning high school and college credit for four classes—all tuition free! Upon graduation, students have the option to continue at FTCC to complete the associate degree program and then either work or transfer their associate degree to a 4-year college or university. Students who transfer to a college environment will find the FTCC transfer/transition process to be handled seamlessly.

Program for Working Adults and Certified Fire Fighters. Earnest Ward (FTCC Fire Training Program Coordinator) and I have outlined several courses within FTCC’s Fire Protection Technology program that will transfer curriculum credit hours from the Fire Academy and the Executive Fire Officer courses. A similar crossover credit is available for military firefighters. Firefighters have seen their hard work and training equate to course credits for Fire Academy graduation and other approved courses. Through this program, FTCC is able to improve the firefighter’s technical knowledge while also assisting them in career advancement and professional development. We at FTCC feel this is truly a win-win situation not only for us in our efforts to serve students but also for the firefighter who desires to attain a higher level of professionalism. All interested individuals, both local and distant, can participate, as the program can be completed online, an option particularly helpful to a firefighter’s work schedule.

Graduates of FTCC’s Fire Protection Technology program qualify for employment or advancement in governmental agencies, industrial firms, insurance rating organizations, educational organizations, and municipal fire departments. Employed individuals who complete the program should have opportunities for skilled and supervisory-level positions within their current organizations.

The faculty and staff at FTCC work hard to ensure that students’ learning experiences are enjoyable, meaningful, and successful. More information on the Fire Protection Technology Associate Degree program is available at FTCC’s website, http://www.faytechcc.edu/public_service/fip.aspx. I can be reached at (910) 678-0046. Get “fired up” today by visiting or calling FTCC to learn more!

Photo: In addition to the associate degree program, two other learning pathways are available in an effort to meet the needs of students and the fire service community: the High School Connections Program and a Program for Working Adults and Certified Fire Fighters.