A.A.S. Fire Technology

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Fire Protection Technology is designed to build upon completion of the Fire Academy, which is the first semester in the degree program.

Upon successful completion of the Fire Academy, students obtain 25 credit hours towards the degree.

Subsequent semesters in the degree plan include advanced courses that prepare students for first-level supervision in a fire service organization, i.e. Fire Officer. In addition, these courses offer advanced certifications with the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP), which will enhance employment and promotional opportunities in a fire service career.

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Fire Academy Credit by Petition

Students that successfully completed a TCFP Fire Academy as a continuing education program may be eligible to file a Petition for Credit for 25 credit hours towards the AAS degree, provided they satisfy the petition’s requirements. Contact the Director of Fire Technology for details and to initiate the petition.

Texas Commission of Fire Protection Certifications

Several TCFP certifications are embedded in Fire Technology courses. Upon successful completion of the following courses, students who meet TCFP testing requirements are eligible to take the examination for the associated certification.

Course	TCFP Certifications
FIRT 2407, Fire Instructor II	Fire Instructor I Fire Instructor II
FIRT 1443, Fire Officer II	Fire Officer I Fire Officer II
FIRT 1450, Fire Investigator	Fire Investigator
FIRT 2111, Incident Safety Officer	Incident Safety Officer

Credit by Petition

Students that have successfully completed any of the above TCFP courses with their department or as a continuing education course with another educational agency may be eligible to file a Petition for Credit for the associated course towards the AAS degree, provided they satisfy the petition’s requirements. Contact the Director of Fire Technology for details and to initiate the petition.

Note: The maximum number of hours that may be obtained by Petition for Credit is 25 hours.

Course Schedule

Fire Technology courses offered in upcoming semesters are listed in the Credit Course Schedule, on the Fire Technology home page in the Announcements section, and on the Fire Technology Facebook page.

Financial Aid

Courses in the AAS degree in Fire Protection Technology are eligible for financial aid grants and veteran’s benefits for those students who qualify. See the Financial Aid home page to file an application. Students must complete a FAFSA (federal financial aid application) to initiate the process. Additionally, there is a link on the Financial Aid home page for the Veteran’s Center.

The COM Foundation does have scholarships available to Fire Academy students. Students must file an application from the link on the Foundation home page.

Note: Applications for financial aid grants and scholarships must be filed by specific due dates, which are listed on the applicable web sites. Prospective students are advised to complete these applications as early as possible.

Firefighters Exemption of Tuition Enrolled in Fire Science Courses

Firefighters currently employed by a political subdivision of the State of Texas, e.g. a fire department, are eligible for an exemption of tuition for credit or continuing education fire science courses. Note: Regular college fees are not covered by the exemption.

Volunteer firefighters that have been active members of an organized volunteer fire department of the state for three years and hold SFFMA Firefighter II or TCFP Firefighter II certification are also eligible for this exemption.

In order to obtain the exemption, students must obtain a letter from their department verifying employment or service to their volunteer department and provide it to the cashiers when registering and paying for courses.

Registration

To enroll in Fire Technology courses, students new to COM must file an online application to become a COM student and comply with Admissions requirements. New students enrolled in the AAS degree will be required to schedule placement tests (unless exempt) and attend COM’s new student orientation.

Course Curriculum

All Fire Technology courses are offered as Internet courses with course materials will be completed though the Blackboard Learning System. The following courses also include labs:

• FIRT 1443, Fire Officer
• FIRT 1450, Fire Investigator
• FIRT 2111, Incident Safety Officer
• FIRT 2407, Fire Instructor

For these courses, students will be required to attend labs to complete skills that are required to be completed in person by the TCFP. Specific dates that lab sessions meet will be listed in course syllabi.

Since all Fire Technology courses in the AAS degree are Internet courses, students must complete the Online Learners Workshop, WBCT 1003, before they will have access to their course. After being admitted to COM, students may enroll for this course through Web Advisor.