Fire Science
Are you interested in helping others in need, saving lives and property? IRSC programs in Fire Science will prepare you for a professional career or enhance your skills if you are already in this field.
Once You Complete the Program
Graduates of the program typically find employment as firefighters, investigators, fire protection and detection specialists, fire engineers and safety inspectors.
Fire Academy Track Program
The Fire Academy Track is a two-year degree program designed to provide the student with the skills, abilities and education to be successful in the fire service. The Fire Academy Track program exposes students to a strong educational foundation in general education and fire science courses as a member of a cohort. Students learn to function as a member of a team through instruction and team-building exercises. Upon completion, students will be eligible for certification as a firefighter and emergency medical technician in the State of Florida.
During this program, students will complete:
- An Associate in Science Degree in Fire Science Technology
- The Emergency Medical Technology program
- The Basic Recruit Fire Academy
For more information, contact:
Dr. Alfred H. Williams V, Associate Professor, Department Chair
772-462-7954
awilliam@irsc.edu
We are now accepting applications for the Fall 2021 class.
The Fire Science Academy Track Program is on a first-come, first-served basis. Once an application is turned in and it is determined that the applicant qualifies, they will receive a seat in the upcoming available class. Space in the program is limited.
- Apply to IRSC.
- Complete the Fire Academy Track Preliminary Application. Visit TCPSTC Academy Track website for fore information about this program.
- Once both have been completed, schedule an appointment to turn in your application in, get interviewed and verify the admissions process.
The final semester of the two-year degree program will be the Basic Recruit Fire Academy. Participation in this final phase of training will be solely dependent on the student successfully completing all the required coursework prior to entrance into the Basic Recruit Fire Academy.
Part-time Fire Science Technology A.S. for Certified Firefighters
The Associate in Fire Science Technology degree is offered as a part-time program exclusively for currently certified Firefighters looking to further their career and education. Through online classes, this program is designed to work with your busy schedule.
Academic Plans/Guided Pathways for Fire Science
To view and print an Academic Plan/Guided Pathway, double-click on the program title.For course descriptions, see the College Catalog.Academic Plans/Guided Pathways are recommended sequences of courses and prerequisites needed to complete your degree. It is a general suggestion for when to take your courses; it is not a course schedule. Students should meet with their advisors to make appropriate course selections. The Academic Plans/Guided Pathways listed below are for the current academic year. Students should consult with their advisors for plan requirements specific to their academic year.
Fire Science Technology A.S.
Basic Recruit Fire Academy Career Training
You can also choose the Basic Recruit Fire Academy to meet the minimum educational requirements for a certified combat firefighter in the State of Florida. The program is offered as a daytime program, meeting Monday through Friday for 12 to 15 weeks, and as an evening program, meeting Monday through Thursday and Saturdays for 20 to 24 weeks . Upon successful completion of this training program, the student is eligible to take the state written and practical examination administered by the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training. Students must already be certified as EMTs or complete the Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic training program. See Admission Requirements for details.
This is a selective-admissions program. Applicants must complete and pass a multi-step application process to be accepted.
For more information, contact:
Shannon Henriquez, Fire Academy Clerk
772-462-7951
shenriquez@irsc.edu
Mike Kemp, Director
772-462-7968
mkemp@irsc.edu
Prior to admissions, students must meet the following requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be a United States citizen
- Must possess good moral character
- Must have a high school diploma or its equivalent
- Must not have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving perjury or false statements as an adult, notwithstanding suspension of sentence or withholding of adjudication
- Must pass a medical examination
- Must have the ability to participate in vigorous physical activities without restrictions
- Must have a valid Florida driver license or be capable of obtaining one
- Must not use tobacco or tobacco products
- Must pass the physical agility entrance test
Students must show proof of EMT or Paramedic State/National certification, and also meet the following requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must be a United States citizen
- Must possess good moral character
- Must have a high school diploma or its equivalent
- Must not have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving perjury or false statements as an adult, notwithstanding suspension of sentence or withholding of adjudication
- Must pass a medical examination
- Must have the ability to participate in vigorous physical activities without restrictions
- Must have a valid Florida driver license or be capable of obtaining one
- Must not use tobacco or tobacco products
- Must pass the physical agility entrance test
The Basic Recruit Fire Academy is a multi-step admission process.
Step 1: Preliminary Application
To start the application process, the applicant must submit the following items together:
- Completed Preliminary Application Packet
- A copy of your EMT/Paramedic Certification
Deadline dates are listed in the Preliminary Application Packet.
Step 2: Attend Mandatory Orientation
Once you have successfully turned in both components of the Preliminary Application, your selection process will begin. Orientation dates are printed within the Preliminary Application under the Class Schedules. If you have successfully turned in a completed Preliminary Application and have not received confirmation through email of your seat at orientation, please contact the Fire Science Department.
Step 3: Medical Physical and Hearing Test
Medical physical and hearing test forms will be handed out at orientation. Both tests are mandatory and will be scheduled for you. Tests will not be rescheduled for any reason if the applicant misses their appointment.
Step 4: Physical Agility Test (PAT) for Fire Science
You must pass the PAT for Fire Science with an acceptable completion time. Each academy class will have an assigned Practice Physical Agility Test and Physical Agility Test.
Academy Practice Physical Agility Test (Test is not required, but highly recommended.)
$25.00
Register Now
Academy Physical Agility Test
$50.00
Register Now
Test Day Procedures
- Please be present for the 8:30am test 15 minutes early to allow for check-in. No one will be admitted to the testing area after 8:30 pm.
- Please be present for the 1:00pm test 15 minutes early to allow for check-in. No one will be admitted to the testing area after 1:00pm
- Drivers license and paid receipt are required for admittance
- No personal items will be allowed in the testing area, including newspapers, backpacks, books, hats, purses, electronic equipment, cell phones, beverages, etc.
What to Bring/Wear
- T-Shirt (non-offensive writing)
- Long Pants
- Running Shoes
- Gloves (baseball or workout with fingers covered)
- Water
The Indian River State College Basic Recruit Fire Academy is certified by the Bureau of Firefighter Standards and Training.
The Fire Academy oversees both the Basic Recruit Academy and Pre-Employment Testing for the Treasure Coast area agencies. From your initial testing for the academy application process to required agency hire testing, IRSC has the classes and resources for your new career opportunity.
Academic Plans/Guided Pathways for Fire Academy
For course descriptions, see the College Catalog.Academic Plans/Guided Pathways are recommended sequences of courses and prerequisites needed to complete your degree. It is a general suggestion for when to take your courses; it is not a course schedule. Students should meet with their advisors to make appropriate course selections. The Academic Plans/Guided Pathways listed below are for the current academic year. Students should consult with their advisors for plan requirements specific to their academic year.
Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex
The Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex at Indian River State College (IRSC) is one of the most comprehensive, technologically advanced public safety training facilities in the nation. The 50-acre, eight-building Complex has gained national and international attention for its proactive approach to disaster prevention, response, recovery and relief. The Complex enables IRSC to combine criminal justice, fire science, emergency management, public administration, paralegal and human services education in one place for a coordinated response to all types of emergencies. This innovation in public service education provides students with access to quality instruction, integrating academics, technology and practical applications that lead to degrees and certifications in the public service sector.
At a local level, the proximity of the Complex to public safety agencies helps Treasure Coast communities save money on continuing education and enables them to easily work together to fine tune interagency response to hurricanes and other natural and man-made disasters. At a national level, specialized training and workshops attract thousands of public service professionals from around the nation. IRSC has hosted federal agencies for training to prepare for large-scale events.
