Fire Protection Technician
- Associate Degree
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Western's Fire Protection Technician program is designed to provide you with the latest knowledge and skills in fire prevention and firefighting, preparing you for a rewarding career in the fire service. As a firefighter, you'll be a frontline responder, taking action in the face of accidents, fires, natural disasters, and various emergencies that jeopardize lives and property. You'll collaborate in teams to rescue victims, offer assistance, recover property, and operate essential firefighting equipment such as ladders and firefighting vehicles. During periods of non-emergencies, firefighters also play a vital role in educating individuals and businesses on fire safety, maintaining firefighting equipment, and conducting training to uphold your knowledge and skills.
While most firefighters serve in city fire departments, opportunities also exist in diverse settings such as airports, chemical plants, and wildland firefighting. The training offered in this program not only prepares you for these roles but also sets the stage for achieving essential certifications, including Wisconsin IFSAC Firefighter I & II, Fire Inspector I, Hazmat Operations, Driver/Operator-Pumper certification, and the Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (NREMT-B) certification. With these skills and certifications, you will be well-equipped to make a significant impact in the field of fire protection and emergency response.
Courses are held at Western's state-of-the-art Public Safety Training Facility [1] in Sparta.
Western also offers an Experienced Firefighter Pathway to help full-time firefighters complete their Fire Protection Technician associate degree while continuing to work and serve their communities. Read about this new offering. [2]
To view the Fire Protection Technician program’s required disclosure on professional licensure, please click here [3].
Fire Protection Technician 2021, 2022, & 2023 Graduation Employment Stats
| Graduates | 28 |
| Graduates Responding | 10 |
| Employed in Related Occupation | 5 |
| Employed in Non-related Occupations | 2 |
| Seeking Employment | 0 |
| Continuing Education | 2 |
| Not in Labor Market | 3 |
Salary Data - Related Employment
| Part Time | Full Time | |
|---|---|---|
| Responding | 0 | 4 |
| Average Hours Per Week | 66 | |
| Average Hourly Wage | $21.12 | |
| Hourly Wage Range | $16.90-$25.33 | |
| Average Annual Salary | $58,145 |
Respondents in Related Occupations
- EMT, Captain/EMT, Firefighter
Career Opportunities
Program Outcomes
- Demonstrate professional conduct by displaying personal code of ethics, positive work ethics, flexibility, teamwork skills, physical fitness, safe procedures, and sensitivity to diverse cultures and individuals
- Perform fire prevention activities including preplanning, public education, inspection, and investigation
- Apply incident management and mitigation skills to emergency incidents
- Meet professional fire and EMS credentialing standards
- Communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and through written documentation with clients, coworkers, other agencies, and supervisors
- Apply critical thinking skills to both emergency and non-emergency situations
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Software and Technology
Most of Western’s classes require the use of a personal computer or laptop, standard software, internet access, and other technology-related items.
If you do not have a personal computer or laptop, or if the one you have does not meet the following criteria, resources may be available. Submit a Student Resource Request using our online form [4].
Computer/Laptop Hardware
- Smartphones are not recommended for completing assignments.
- Chromebooks are not recommended due to issues with installing software that is needed for classes, such as Office 365.
- Web camera with microphone (usually built into newer laptops or can be purchased separately) is necessary for online participation.
Software Needs
- Western uses the Blackboard Learning Management System. Some courses may use Zoom or Microsoft Teams to meet and work virtually. Visit our website for guidance on how to access and use these tools [5].
- Office 365 (available to download for free once you have a student email)
- Recommended web browsers: Chrome or Firefox
For detailed specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes [6] on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.
Campus Resources
- Western has several computer labs available. Visit our website to find open hours and locations on the La Crosse campus [7]. Or find information on how to access resources on our Regional Locations web page [8].
- The Learning Commons has computers, webcams, and microphones available for in-house use. Our librarians recommend checking your local public library for computer access on the weekends. Staff members can also provide information on free, off-campus Wi-Fi spots. Contact them at LearningCommons@westerntc.edu [9] or call 608-785-9198.
Need Assistance?
- Contact the Learning Commons [10]! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.
Courses
Western offers most courses in a 7-week format, but course length can vary. There are two 7-week sessions in each term, so courses listed below may not be taken at the same time. See www.westerntc.edu/7-weeks [11] for more information.
This course list gives you an idea of what coursework will be required but is not the official list. Current students should use the MyWestern [12] self-service portal for academic planning.