LMC Fire Technology classes are offered at two locations in the county
– Los Medanos College and the LMC Brentwood Center.
Los Medanos College offers programs to aid those pursuing or working in fire service careers. The first programs consists of six semester-long classes leading to a fire technology certificate or degree.
A Certificate of Achievement may be earned by completing the required Fire Technology courses listed below in addition to completion of competency requirements (see catalog) with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher. An Associate in Science Degree may be earned by completion of the 21 units of required Fire Technology courses listed below plus College Associate Degree requirements (see catalog). To receive a certificate an official request must be filed with the Office of the Dean of Career and Technical Education and departmental approval must be obtained.
The guide below suggests the order of classes that lead toward a certificate or an AS Degree |
Units |
|
First Semester |
||
Fire 101 |
Fire Protection Organization |
3 |
| Fire 102 | Fire Behavior and Combustion | 3 |
Second Semester |
||
Fire 103 |
Fire Protection Equipment and Systems |
3 |
Fire 105 |
Fire Prevention |
3 |
Third Semester |
||
Fire 104 |
Building Construction for Fire Protection |
3 |
| Fire 107 | Firefighter Safety and Public Education | 3 |
Fourth Semester |
||
EMS 10 |
Emergency Medical Technician I |
6 |
The above listing is a suggested sequence only. Some courses may have prerequisites. Students may take courses in any sequence except where a prerequisite applies.
See Course Catalog for complete information on specific requirements and course options to fulfill degree requirements. A Los Medanos College counselor may be of assistance for program planning and career guidance assistance. Counseling EXT. 3334
This two-year AS Degree diploma program is designed for students who wish to pursue careers in fire protection and for people presently in those careers wishing to improve their academic and technical skills and abilities.
The Fire Technology program is based on the Uniform Fire Technology curriculum as approved by the State Board of Fire Services and the California Fire Chiefs Association.
Students completing the two-year program in Fire Technology receive an Associate of Sciences Degree in Fire Science Technology, and a Certificate of Achievement in Fire Protection.
Students can enroll in F SC 105 Work Experience and be assigned to various fire department locations in San Francisco and surrounding communities and gain valuable on-the-job work experience. Students are exposed to various career paths such as Firefighter, Fire Prevention Inspector, Arson Investigator, First Responder, Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic. All fire science course work is taught to National Fire Protection Association Standard 1001-Firefighter, California Fire Technology Director’s Association (CFTDA), and Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE).
What kind of jobs can I get once I complete the program? How much will they pay? What “demand” is expected for these jobs?
Occupation |
Average Annual Salary (California) |
Expected Regional Demand |
Forest and Conservation Technicians |
$32,189 |
2200 |
EMT/Paramedic |
$45,808 |
2,700 (California) |
Firefighter |
$63,129 |
4,900 (California) |
Building Inspector |
$73,529 |
Faster than Average Growth |
Fire Inspectors and Investigators |
$83,011 |
1000 |
Time to Complete* |
|
A.S. in Fire Science Technology |
Two years |
Fire Protection Certificate |
Two-four semesters |
Fire Fighter One Certificate |
Two semesters |
*Based on full-time attendance or 12 units per semester
These courses provide an education in fire protection as well as fire prevention activities. They will be most helpful in preparing you a future in the fire service. Some of them are pre-requisites for entering the LMC fire academy
The California Community College system has very similar curriculum. In most cases you can transfer in units taken at another California community college. Contact LMC Counseling at 925-439-2181 ext. 3334 for an appointment
Department contact information:
Mike Grillo, Department Chair
925-439-2181 x 3274