Fire Protection Technology
The Fire Protection Technology curriculum is designed to provide students with knowledge and skills in the technical, managerial, and leadership areas necessary for advancement within the fire protection community and related firefighting industries and to provide currently employed firefighters with knowledge and skills often required for promotional consideration.
Coursework includes diverse fire protection subject areas, including fire prevention and safety, public education, building construction, fire ground strategies and tactics, and local government finance and laws, as they apply to emergency services management. Emphasis includes understanding fire characteristics and the structural consequences of fire; risk assessment and management; and relevant research, communications, and leadership methodologies.
What will you learn?
•Safely carry out fire prevention, fire suppression, and arson detection/investigation
•Instruct and supervise fire service personnel
•Work within the laws governing inspections, OSHA guidelines, code enforcement, and building construction
•Develop safe and effective strategies for fighting fires, dealing with hazardous materials, and demonstrate an ability to predict fire dynamics and combustion
What can you earn?
Associate in Applied Science Degree
Fire Protection Technology
Diploma
Fire Protection
Certificate
•Fire Protection
•Inspections
•Management
Career opportunities
•Municipal/county/volunteer firefighter
•Fire prevention inspector
•Fire marshal (2-yr. degree)
•Public fire educator
Salary
Entry-level range: $35,000 per year
With five years’ experience: $39,000 per year
(contingent on the economy and geographic location)
Admission
Entering or returning students may be required to take the placement tests for Math and English before enrolling; testing is done in Student Success by appointment. Students may be required to take one or more developmental English or Math courses before the required course(s), depending upon their SAT, ACT, COMPASS, or ASSET test scores.
Technical Standards
Students enrolling in the program must meet specific emotional, behavioral, physical, and cognitive standards. This information is found in the Student Success office. Students qualifying for special accommodations to these standards must contact the Coordinator for Special Needs and Counseling at 336-506-4130 for more specific information.
Contact us
For more information, call the Fire Protection
Technology department at 336-506-4344.
print Fire Protection Technology • Semester by Semester
Developmental English and/or Math may be required, based on placement test results.
- Math Elective—Choose from one of the following: MAT 110, MAT 143, MAT 152 or MAT 171
- Humanities Elective—Choose 3 hours from the following: ART 111, ART 114, ART 115, ART 131, DRA 111, DRA 112, ENG 231, ENG 232, ENG 241, ENG 242, HUM 115, HUM 122, HUM 150, HUM 160, MUS 110, MUS 112, PHI 215, PHI 240, REL 110, REL 211, REL 212
- Social/Behavioral Science Elective—Choose 3 hours from the following: POL 120, POL 130, PSY 150, SOC 210, SOC 220, SOC 242, HIS 111, HIS 112, HIS 131, HIS 132
- Major Elective—Choose 3 hours from the following: FIP 221, FIP 244, PED 110, PED 120, SOC 210, SOC 213
| Course Number |
Course Title |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIS-110 | Introduction to Computers | 4 | 3 |
CIS-110 Introduction to Computers PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces computer concepts, including fundamental functions and operations of the computer. Topics include identification of hardware components, basic computer operations, security issues, and use of software applications. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role and function of computers and use the computer to solve problems. Register for this class |
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| FIP-120 | Introduction to Fire Protection | 3 | 3 |
FIP-120 Introduction to Fire Protection PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course provides an overview of the development, methods, systems and regulations that apply to the fire protection field. Topics include history, evolution, statistics, suppression, organizations, careers, curriculum, and related subjects. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a broad understanding of the fire protection field. Register for this class |
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| FIP-124 | Fire Prevention & Public Education | 3 | 3 |
FIP-124 Fire Prevention & Public Education PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces fire prevention concepts as they relate to community and industrial operations referenced in NFPA standard 101. Topics include the development and maintenance of fire prevention programs, educational programs, and inspection programs. Upon completion, students should be able to research, develop, and present a fire safety program to a citizens or industrial group. Register for this class |
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| FIP-132 | Building Construction | 3 | 3 |
FIP-132 Building Construction PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course covers the principles and practices reference in NFPA standard 220 related to various types of building construction,including residential and commercial, as impacted by fire conditions. Topics include types of construction and related elements, fire resistive aspects of construction materials, building codes, collapse, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to understand and recognize various types of construction and their positive or negative aspects as related to fire conditions. Register for this class |
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| FIP-220 | Fire Fighting Strategies | 3 | 3 |
FIP-220 Fire Fighting Strategies PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course provides preparation for command of initial incident operations involving emergencies within both the public and private sector referenced in NFPA standards 1561, 1710, and 1720. Topics include incident management, fire-ground tactics and strategies, incident safety, and command/control of emergency operations. Upon completion, students should be able to describe the initial incident system as it relates to operations involving various emergencies in fire and non-fire situations. Register for this class |
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| Semester Total | 16 | 15 | |
| Course Number |
Course Title |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG-112 | Writing and Research in the Disciplines | 3 | 3 |
ENG-112 Writing and Research in the Disciplines PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take ENG-111This course, the second in a series of two, introduces research techniques, documentation styles, and writing strategies. Emphasis is placed on analyzing information and ideas and incorporating research findings into documented writing and research projects. Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate and synthesize information from primary and secondary sources using documentation appropriate to various disciplines. Register for this class |
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| FIP-128 | Detection and Investigation | 3 | 3 |
FIP-128 Detection and Investigation PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course covers procedures for determining the origin and cause of accidental and incendiary fires referenced in NFPA standard 921. Topics include collection and preservation of evidence, detection and determination of accelerants, courtroom procedure and testimony, and documentation of the fire scene. Upon completion, students should be able to conduct a competent fire investigation and present those findings to appropriate officials or equivalent. Register for this class |
|||
| FIP-136 | Inspections and Codes | 3 | 3 |
FIP-136 Inspections and Codes PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course covers the fundamentals of fire and building codes and procedures to conduct an inspection referenced in NFPA standard 1730. Topics include review of fire and building codes, writing inspection reports, identifying hazards, plan reviews, site sketches, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to conduct a fire code compliance inspection and produce a written report. Register for this class |
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| FIP-146 | Fire Protection Systems | 5 | 4 |
FIP-146 Fire Protection Systems PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces various types of automatic sprinklers, standpipes, fire alarm systems, and fixed and portable extinguishing systems referenced in NFPA standard 25, including their operation, installation, and maintenance. Topics include wet and dry systems, testing and maintenance, water supply requirements, fire detection and alarm systems, including application, testing, and maintenance of Halon, carbon dioxide, dry chemical, and special extinguishing agents utilized in fixed and portable systems. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of sprinkler and alarm systems, both fixed and portable, including appropriate application, operation, inspection, and maintenance requirements. Register for this class |
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| FIP-152 | Fire Protection Law | 3 | 3 |
FIP-152 Fire Protection Law PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course covers fire protection law as referenced in NFPA standard 1. Topics include legal terms, contracts, liability, review of case histories, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss laws, codes, and ordinances as they relate to fire protection. Register for this class |
|||
| Semester Total | 17 | 16 | |
| Course Number |
Course Title |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIP-228 | Local Government Finance | 3 | 3 |
FIP-228 Local Government Finance PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces local governmental financial principles and practices. Topics include budget preparation and justification, revenue policies, statutory requirements, audits, and the economic climate. Upon completion, students should be able to comprehend the importance of finance as it applies to the operations of a department. Register for this class |
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| FIP-230 | Chemistry of Hazardous Materials I | 5 | 5 |
FIP-230 Chemistry of Hazardous Materials I PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course covers the evaluation of hazardous materials referenced in NFPA standard 1072. Topics include use of the periodic table, hydrocarbon derivatives, placards and labels, parameters of combustion, and spill and leak mitigation. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the chemical behavior of hazardous materials. Register for this class |
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| EPT-140 | Emergency Management | 3 | 3 |
EPT-140 Emergency Management PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course covers the four phases of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Topics include organizing for emergency management, coordinating for community resources, public sector liability, and the roles of government agencies at all levels. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of comprehensive emergency management and the integrated emergency management system. Register for this class |
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| Math Elective | 3 | 3 | |
| Humanities Elective | 3 | 3 | |
| Semester Total | 17 | 17 | |
| Course Number |
Course Title |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIP-232 | Hydraulics and Water Distribution | 4 | 3 |
FIP-232 Hydraulics and Water Distribution PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course covers the flow of fluids through fire hoses, nozzles, appliances, pumps, standpipes, water mains, and other devices reference in NFPA standard 25. Emphasis is placed on supply and delivery systems, fire flow testing, hydraulic calculations, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to perform hydraulic calculations, conduct water availability tests, and demonstrate knowledge of water distribution systems. Register for this class |
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| FIP-240 | Fire Service Supervision | 3 | 3 |
FIP-240 Fire Service Supervision PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course covers supervisory skills and practices in the fire protection field. Topics include the supervisor's job, supervision skills, the changing work environment, managing change, organizing for results, discipline and grievances, and safety. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of effective fire service supervision, meeting elements of NFPA 1021. Register for this class |
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| FIP-248 | Fire Service Personnel Administration | 3 | 3 |
FIP-248 Fire Service Personnel Administration PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course covers the basics of setting up and administering the personnel functions of fire protection organizations referenced in NFPA standard 1021. Emphasis is placed on human resource planning, classification and job analysis, equal opportunity employment, affirmative action, recruitment, retention, development, performance evaluation, and assessment centers. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the personnel function as it relates to managing fire protection. Register for this class |
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| Major Elective | 3 | 3 | |
| Social/Behavioral Science Elective POL 120 recommended |
3 | 3 | |
| Semester Total | 16 | 15 | |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 63 | |||
print Fire Protection • Semester by Semester
| Course Number |
Course Title |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIP-124 | Fire Prevention & Public Education | 3 | 3 |
FIP-124 Fire Prevention & Public Education PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces fire prevention concepts as they relate to community and industrial operations referenced in NFPA standard 101. Topics include the development and maintenance of fire prevention programs, educational programs, and inspection programs. Upon completion, students should be able to research, develop, and present a fire safety program to a citizens or industrial group. Register for this class |
|||
| FIP-132 | Building Construction | 3 | 3 |
FIP-132 Building Construction PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course covers the principles and practices reference in NFPA standard 220 related to various types of building construction,including residential and commercial, as impacted by fire conditions. Topics include types of construction and related elements, fire resistive aspects of construction materials, building codes, collapse, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to understand and recognize various types of construction and their positive or negative aspects as related to fire conditions. Register for this class |
|||
| FIP-220 | Fire Fighting Strategies | 3 | 3 |
FIP-220 Fire Fighting Strategies PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course provides preparation for command of initial incident operations involving emergencies within both the public and private sector referenced in NFPA standards 1561, 1710, and 1720. Topics include incident management, fire-ground tactics and strategies, incident safety, and command/control of emergency operations. Upon completion, students should be able to describe the initial incident system as it relates to operations involving various emergencies in fire and non-fire situations. Register for this class |
|||
| Semester Total | 9 | 9 | |
| Course Number |
Course Title |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIP-146 | Fire Protection Systems | 5 | 4 |
FIP-146 Fire Protection Systems PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces various types of automatic sprinklers, standpipes, fire alarm systems, and fixed and portable extinguishing systems referenced in NFPA standard 25, including their operation, installation, and maintenance. Topics include wet and dry systems, testing and maintenance, water supply requirements, fire detection and alarm systems, including application, testing, and maintenance of Halon, carbon dioxide, dry chemical, and special extinguishing agents utilized in fixed and portable systems. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of sprinkler and alarm systems, both fixed and portable, including appropriate application, operation, inspection, and maintenance requirements. Register for this class |
|||
| FIP-152 | Fire Protection Law | 3 | 3 |
FIP-152 Fire Protection Law PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course covers fire protection law as referenced in NFPA standard 1. Topics include legal terms, contracts, liability, review of case histories, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss laws, codes, and ordinances as they relate to fire protection. Register for this class |
|||
| Major Elective | 3 | 3 | |
| Social/Behavioral Science Elective | 3 | 3 | |
| Semester Total | 14 | 13 | |
| Course Number |
Course Title |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIP-228 | Local Government Finance | 3 | 3 |
FIP-228 Local Government Finance PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces local governmental financial principles and practices. Topics include budget preparation and justification, revenue policies, statutory requirements, audits, and the economic climate. Upon completion, students should be able to comprehend the importance of finance as it applies to the operations of a department. Register for this class |
|||
| FIP-230 | Chemistry of Hazardous Materials I | 5 | 5 |
FIP-230 Chemistry of Hazardous Materials I PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course covers the evaluation of hazardous materials referenced in NFPA standard 1072. Topics include use of the periodic table, hydrocarbon derivatives, placards and labels, parameters of combustion, and spill and leak mitigation. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the chemical behavior of hazardous materials. Register for this class |
|||
| Math Elective | 3 | 3 | |
| Semester Total | 11 | 11 | |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 33 | |||
printFire Protection Certificate
The Fire Protection Certificate is a 15-hour concentration under the curriculum of Fire Protection Technology that has been specifically designed to prepare fire-fighters for operational-level positions with the fire service. It provides professional development and career enhancement opportunities for those currently employed, as well as those newly entering into fire service careers.
Courses taken toward completion of the certificate apply toward both the diploma, as well as to the Fire Protection Technology Associate in Applied Science degree.
Course work includes a writing course (ENG 111) and four FIP courses: Introduction to Fire Protection; Building Construction; Fire Fighting Strategies; and Fire Prevention & Public Education.
Students entering for the certificate options are required to meet the same criteria for the diploma and the Fire Protection Technology associate's degree.
| Course Number |
Course TITLE |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIP-120 | Introduction to Fire Protection | 3 | 3 |
FIP-120 Introduction to Fire Protection PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course provides an overview of the development, methods, systems and regulations that apply to the fire protection field. Topics include history, evolution, statistics, suppression, organizations, careers, curriculum, and related subjects. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a broad understanding of the fire protection field. Register for this class |
|||
| FIP-124 | Fire Prevention & Public Education | 3 | 3 |
FIP-124 Fire Prevention & Public Education PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces fire prevention concepts as they relate to community and industrial operations referenced in NFPA standard 101. Topics include the development and maintenance of fire prevention programs, educational programs, and inspection programs. Upon completion, students should be able to research, develop, and present a fire safety program to a citizens or industrial group. Register for this class |
|||
| FIP-132 | Building Construction | 3 | 3 |
FIP-132 Building Construction PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course covers the principles and practices reference in NFPA standard 220 related to various types of building construction,including residential and commercial, as impacted by fire conditions. Topics include types of construction and related elements, fire resistive aspects of construction materials, building codes, collapse, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to understand and recognize various types of construction and their positive or negative aspects as related to fire conditions. Register for this class |
|||
| FIP-220 | Fire Fighting Strategies | 3 | 3 |
FIP-220 Fire Fighting Strategies PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course provides preparation for command of initial incident operations involving emergencies within both the public and private sector referenced in NFPA standards 1561, 1710, and 1720. Topics include incident management, fire-ground tactics and strategies, incident safety, and command/control of emergency operations. Upon completion, students should be able to describe the initial incident system as it relates to operations involving various emergencies in fire and non-fire situations. Register for this class |
|||
| Semester Total | 12 | 12 | |
printInspections Certificate
The (Fire) Inspections Certificate is a 15-hour concentration under the curriculum title of Fire Protection Technology that has been specifically designed to prepare firefighters for inspections-level positions within the fire service. It provides professional development and career enhancement opportunities for those currently employed seeking promotion or transfer into inspections-level positions within fire service careers.
Courses taken toward the completion of the certificate apply toward both the diploma, as well as to the Fire Protection Technology Associate in Applied Science degree.
Course work includes five FIP courses: Introduction to Fire Protection; Building Construction; Fire Protection Law; Inspections & Codes; and Detection & Investigation. Completion of state certification exam(s), probationary period(s), and other minimum requirements must be met to become a state-certified inspector in the fire service. Completion of this certificate alone will not grant state certification.
Students entering for the certificate options are required to meet the same criteria for the diploma and the FIP A.A.S.
| Course Number |
Course TITLE |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIP-120 | Introduction to Fire Protection | 3 | 3 |
FIP-120 Introduction to Fire Protection PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course provides an overview of the development, methods, systems and regulations that apply to the fire protection field. Topics include history, evolution, statistics, suppression, organizations, careers, curriculum, and related subjects. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a broad understanding of the fire protection field. Register for this class |
|||
| FIP-128 | Detection and Investigation | 3 | 3 |
FIP-128 Detection and Investigation PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course covers procedures for determining the origin and cause of accidental and incendiary fires referenced in NFPA standard 921. Topics include collection and preservation of evidence, detection and determination of accelerants, courtroom procedure and testimony, and documentation of the fire scene. Upon completion, students should be able to conduct a competent fire investigation and present those findings to appropriate officials or equivalent. Register for this class |
|||
| FIP-132 | Building Construction | 3 | 3 |
FIP-132 Building Construction PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course covers the principles and practices reference in NFPA standard 220 related to various types of building construction,including residential and commercial, as impacted by fire conditions. Topics include types of construction and related elements, fire resistive aspects of construction materials, building codes, collapse, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to understand and recognize various types of construction and their positive or negative aspects as related to fire conditions. Register for this class |
|||
| FIP-136 | Inspections and Codes | 3 | 3 |
FIP-136 Inspections and Codes PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course covers the fundamentals of fire and building codes and procedures to conduct an inspection referenced in NFPA standard 1730. Topics include review of fire and building codes, writing inspection reports, identifying hazards, plan reviews, site sketches, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to conduct a fire code compliance inspection and produce a written report. Register for this class |
|||
| FIP-152 | Fire Protection Law | 3 | 3 |
FIP-152 Fire Protection Law PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course covers fire protection law as referenced in NFPA standard 1. Topics include legal terms, contracts, liability, review of case histories, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss laws, codes, and ordinances as they relate to fire protection. Register for this class |
|||
| Semester Total | 15 | 15 | |
printFire Protection Management
The Fire Protection Management Certificate is a 15-hour concentration under the curriculum title of Fire Protection Technology that has been specifically designed to prepare firefighters for mid-level management positions within the fire service. It provides professional development and career enhancement opportunities for those currently employed as well as those newly entering into fire service careers.
Completion of the certificate will prepare currently-employed students for promotion to or beyond the supervisory level and will be especially beneficial in those agencies requiring the certificate for promotion to certain levels. Courses taken toward completion of the certificate apply toward both the diploma, as well as to the Fire Protection Technology Associate in Applied Science degree.
Course work includes a writing course (ENG 111) and four FIP courses: Local Government Finance, Fire Service Supervision, Fire Service Personnel Administration, Fire Fighting Strategies.
Students entering for the certificate options are required to meet the same criteria for the diploma and the Fire Protection Technology associate's degree.
| Course Number |
Course TITLE |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIP-220 | Fire Fighting Strategies | 3 | 3 |
FIP-220 Fire Fighting Strategies PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course provides preparation for command of initial incident operations involving emergencies within both the public and private sector referenced in NFPA standards 1561, 1710, and 1720. Topics include incident management, fire-ground tactics and strategies, incident safety, and command/control of emergency operations. Upon completion, students should be able to describe the initial incident system as it relates to operations involving various emergencies in fire and non-fire situations. Register for this class |
|||
| FIP-228 | Local Government Finance | 3 | 3 |
FIP-228 Local Government Finance PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces local governmental financial principles and practices. Topics include budget preparation and justification, revenue policies, statutory requirements, audits, and the economic climate. Upon completion, students should be able to comprehend the importance of finance as it applies to the operations of a department. Register for this class |
|||
| FIP-240 | Fire Service Supervision | 3 | 3 |
FIP-240 Fire Service Supervision PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course covers supervisory skills and practices in the fire protection field. Topics include the supervisor's job, supervision skills, the changing work environment, managing change, organizing for results, discipline and grievances, and safety. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of effective fire service supervision, meeting elements of NFPA 1021. Register for this class |
|||
| FIP-248 | Fire Service Personnel Administration | 3 | 3 |
FIP-248 Fire Service Personnel Administration PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course covers the basics of setting up and administering the personnel functions of fire protection organizations referenced in NFPA standard 1021. Emphasis is placed on human resource planning, classification and job analysis, equal opportunity employment, affirmative action, recruitment, retention, development, performance evaluation, and assessment centers. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the personnel function as it relates to managing fire protection. Register for this class |
|||
| Semester Total | 12 | 12 | |
Employment opportunities exist with fire departments, governmental agencies, industrial firms, insurance rating organizations, and educational organizations. Employed persons should expect enhanced opportunities for skilled and supervisory level positions within his/her current organization.