Fire Technology

Effective: Fall 2024
Associate in Science Program Map

This program map from the 2024-2025 catalog year represents one possible pathway to complete this program. Your pathway may vary depending on your transfer plans and also previous college credit, including AP Test scores, concurrent enrollment courses and high school articulated courses.

I'm ready to get started. What do I do next?

  1. Review this program map to get an overview of the required courses
  2. Meet with a counselor to develop your customized student education plan www.chabotcollege.edu/counseling
  3. Use DegreeWorks, an online student education planning tool, to track your progress toward graduation www.chabotcollege.edu / admissions / degreeworks
Program Description

The Fire Technology Associate Degree is based on the Uniform Fire Technology curriculum as approved by the State Board of Fire Services and the California Fire Chiefs Association.

Successful completion of the Fire Academy prepares the pre-employment student firefighter with qualifying experience for certification as California Fire Fighter I by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress and the Pro Board Fire Service Professional Qualifications System (IFSAC / ProBoard) as administered by the California Office of State Fire Marshal, Division of State Fire Training. Classes are also offered for fire service personnel pursuing California Fire Service Training and Education System (CFSTES) Certification Track programs for Company Officer, Driver/Operator and related disciplines.


What can I do with this major?

Here are some of the jobs for which this degree is good preparation:

  • Firefighter
  • Driver/Operator
  • Fire Company Officer
  • Ambulance EMT/Paramedic
  • Seasonal Wildland Firefighter
  • Forest and Conservation Technician
  • Forestry Aide
  • Cal Fire Fire Fighter I
  • Public Safety Officer

Learning and Career Pathway
  • Law & Public Safety

Icon Key

= Critical Course = Prerequisite for Other Courses = Prerequisite Required = Required for Major GE = General Education

Students pursuing the Associate Degree, who are currently employed by a Fire Department in the rank of Firefighter or higher, may have the following classes waived with proof of equivalent or higher certification: FT 10, FT 11, EMS 1, EMS 2, and EMS 2W.

These students may opt for an alternate Physical Education course in lieu of the FT 88A (Introduction to Fire Fitness Training) course.

Semester 1

16.5-17.5 units

EMS 1
First Responder

2.5 units
This course is designed to provide students with the basic knowledge and skills to manage many medical and trauma-related emergencies; includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation and prevention of disease transmission. Students will learn through lecture and lab practice how their role as an Emergency medical responder aligns with the Emergency Medical Services community. Successful completion of the knowledge and skills tests qualifies for an Emergency Medical Responder Certificate and an American Heart Association "Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider" Certificate. May not receive credit if Health 61 has been completed.
Terms Offered: Fall, Summer, Spring

FT 1
Principles of Emergency Services

3 units
This course provides an overview to fire protection and emergency services; career opportunities in fire protection and related fields; culture and history of emergency services; 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; life safety initiatives. (May not receive credit if Fire Tech 50 has been completed.)
Course Details:
  1. Strongly Recommended: ENGL 1A
  • Transfers to CSU
  • Terms Offered: Spring, Summer, Fall

    FT 2
    Principles of Fire and Emergency Services Safety and Survival

    3 units
    This course provides students with the basic principles and history related to the national firefighter life safety initiatives, with a focus on the need for cultural and behavioral changes throughout the emergency services. Topics include assessment of fire dangers; common fire situations; risk abatement; personal preparation for unforeseen fire emergencies; roles and responsibilities in educating the public on fire safety; and development of a survival attitude. Students learn problem-solving techniques for increased situational awareness and self-reliance in emergencies. This course is intended for students majoring in Fire Technology; practicing firefighters and other emergency service personnel; or anyone with an interest in fire safety. (May not receive credit if Fire Tech 52 has been completed.)
    Course Details:
    1. Strongly Recommended: FT 1
    2. or
    3. Strongly Recommended: FT 50
  • Transfers to CSU
  • Terms Offered: Spring, Fall

    FT 88A
    Introduction to Fire Fitness Training

    1 unit
    This course is designed to prepare the Fire Technology student for the physical rigors of FT89 and the Chabot Fire Academy. Course sessions will address aspects of physical training, ladder and hydrant operations and knots utilized in the Fire Service. May not receive credit if PEAC FFT has been completed.
    Course Details:
    Terms Offered: Spring, Fall

    English 1- Critical Reading and Composition

    4 units
    GE

    Math Course- See a counselor to choose the appropriate general education math course option for this term.

    3-4 units
    GE

    Semester 2

    16.5 units

    EMS 3
    Emergency Medical Technician Academy

    9 units
    Provides training in the foundational skills and knowledge required of the EMT-B scope of practice. The EMT-B certification is the minimum requirement for ambulance attendants and most entry level firefighter positions. EMT-B certification is also required for entry into paramedic training. This training program is accredited by the Alameda County Emergency Medical Services Agency. This course enrollment also requires: evidence of immunizations for Measles, Mumps and Rubella, Hepatitis B series, Flu, Covid, Varicella and dTap. You must also provide a negative TB test. Current BLS for healthcare provider is also required. May not receive credit if Health 81 or EMS2&2W has been completed.
    Course Details:
    1. Prerequisite: EMS 1
    Terms Offered: Fall, Spring

    FT 3
    Fire Behavior and Combustion

    3 units
    This course introduces students to the theory and fundamentals of fire behavior including how fires start; how and why they spread; and how they are controlled. Topics include fire chemistry and physics; fire characteristics of materials; extinguishing agents; and fire control techniques. This course is intended for students majoring in Fire Technology and Fire Prevention Inspector, or anyone interested in fire science. (May not receive credit if Fire Tech 53 has been completed.)
    Course Details:
    1. Advisory: ENGL 1A
    2. Strongly Recommended: FT 1
    3. or
    4. Strongly Recommended: FT 50
  • Transfers to CSU
  • Terms Offered: Spring

    FT 6
    Building Construction for Fire Protection

    3 units
    This course provides the components of building construction related to firefighter and life safety. The elements of construction and design of structures are shown to be key factors when inspecting buildings, preplanning fire operations, and operating at emergencies. Other topics include the development and evolution of building and fire codes in relation to past fires in residential, commercial, and industrial occupancies. This course is intended for students majoring in Fire Technology and Fire Prevention Inspector, or anyone interested in fire protection. (May not receive credit if Fire Tech 56 has been completed.)
    Course Details:
    1. Advisory: ENGL 1A
    2. Strongly Recommended: FT 1
    3. or
    4. Strongly Recommended: FT 50
  • Transfers to CSU
  • FT 10
    Introduction to Fire Fighter I Academy

    1.5 units
    This course provides an orientation to the Fire Fighter I Academy and introduces the applied operation and maintenance of basic rescue and fire suppression apparatus and equipment. Topics include radio communications, ropes, ladders, hose, personal protective equipment, tool operations, maintenance, and physical fitness training. This course is required for students preparing to apply to the Fire Fighter I Academy at Chabot College. (May not receive credit if Fire Tech 89 and Fire Tech 51W have been completed.)
    Course Details:
    1. Advisory: ENGL 1
    2. Advisory: MTH 53
    3. Prerequisite: FT 50
    4. or
    5. Prerequisite: FT 1
    6. and
    7. Prerequisite: EMS 1
    8. and
    9. Prerequisite: FT 88A
    10. Strongly Recommended: EMS 2
    11. and
    12. Strongly Recommended: EMS 2W
    13. Strongly Recommended: FT 52
    14. or
    15. Strongly Recommended: FT 2
    16. and
    17. Strongly Recommended: FT 53
    18. or
    19. Strongly Recommended: FT 3
    20. Strongly Recommended: FT 56
    21. or
    22. Strongly Recommended: FT 6
    23. Strongly Recommended: INDT 74
    Terms Offered: Spring, Fall, Summer

    FT 88B

    Summer 1

    6 units

    General Education Course- see a counselor to choose the appropriate general education pattern and general ed course option for this term.

    3 units
    GE

    General Education Course- see a counselor to choose the appropriate general education pattern and general ed course option for this term.

    3 units
    GE

    Semester 3

    17 units

    FT 11
    Fire Fighter I Academy

    17 units
    This course provides the skills and knowledge needed for the entry-level firefighter, career or volunteer, to perform his/her duties safely, effectively, and competently. The curriculum is based on the NFPA 1001 Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications, the NFPA 1051 Standard for Wildland Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications, and the NFPA 472 Standard for Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents. The seven overarching themes of the California State Fire Fighter I curriculum are: general knowledge germane to the profession, fire department communications, fireground operations, rescue operations, preparedness and maintenance, wildland suppression activities, and hazardous materials/WMD. The course emphasizes the requirements of the California State Board of Fire Services Certified Firefighter I training, International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) standards, Professional Qualifications (ProBoard) requirements, and Cal Fire Wildland Firefighter-Basic training. This course, combined with Firefighter I Academy Skills Review and Certification, satisfies all training requirements for the IFSAC Firefighter I certification. Certificates of Completion for Fire Fire Fighter I Academy and Cal Fire Basic Firefighter issued with a grade of "C" or better.
    Course Details:
    1. Prerequisite: FT 10
    2. or
    3. Prerequisite: FT 89
    4. and
    5. Prerequisite: FT 51W

    Semester 4

    15 units

    General Education Course- see a counselor to choose the appropriate general education pattern and general ed course option for this term.

    3 units
    GE

    General Education Course- see a counselor to choose the appropriate general education pattern and general ed course option for this term.

    3 units
    GE

    General Education Course- see a counselor to choose the appropriate general education pattern and general ed course option for this term.

    3 units
    GE

    FT 4
    Fire Prevention

    3 units
    This course provides fundamental knowledge relating to the field of fire prevention. Topics include: history and philosophy of fire prevention; organization and operation of a fire prevention bureau; use and application of codes and standards; plans review; fire inspections; fire and life safety education; and fire investigation. This course is intended for students majoring in Fire Technology and Fire Prevention Inspector, or anyone interested in fire prevention. (May not receive credit if Fire Tech 54 has been completed.)
    Course Details:
    1. Advisory: ENGL 1A
    2. Strongly Recommended: FT 1
    3. or
    4. Strongly Recommended: FT 50
  • Transfers to CSU
  • FT 5
    Fire Protection Systems

    3 units
    This course provides 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. This course is intended for students majoring in Fire Technology and Fire Prevention Inspector, or anyone interested in fire protection. (May not receive credit if Fire Tech 55 has been completed.)
    Course Details:
    1. Advisory: ENGL 1A
    2. Strongly Recommended: FT 1
    3. or
    4. Strongly Recommended: FT 50
  • Transfers to CSU
  • Terms Offered: Spring
    Total Units: 71-72 units