Fire and Emergency Technology
El Camino’s fire and emergency technology degree and certificate programs prepare you for careers in the fire services and emergency medical fields or for transfer to another school. Our Fire Academy offers real-world experience that prepares you for a rewarding, in-demand career.
Our Fire and Emergency Technology Associate in Science (AS) degree typically takes two years, plus a year to complete prerequisites. Certificate programs can take up to six months to one year.
Fire and emergency technology education at El Camino trains you to serve others in their time of need. We’ll be there to help you along the way.
Application Requirements
Interested in the Fire Academy? Apply once you have completed all prerequisite requirements.
Full-Time is a sixteen-week class that runs Monday through Friday from 0700 to 1700. There are three to four hours of homework each night and over the weekends. Students find it difficult to hold down a job and attend the Full-Time Academy, because the class workload is so extensive.
Please note for both the Full-Time Academy our students are not allowed to continue with any score below 80% in the classroom, and 100% in the drill yard!
Prerequisites
Fire and Emergency Technology 1 – Fire Protection Organization
Fire and Emergency Technology 3 – Fundamentals of Personal Fire Safety and Survival
Fire and Emergency Technology 5 – Fire Behavior and Combustion
Fire and Emergency Technology 6 – Building Construction for Fire Protection
Emergency Medical Technician License or National Registered Card
Biddle or CPAT physical agility test
Medical physical
Completed Application
$3,900
Approximate cost for an El Camino College AS degree in fire and emergency technology.7.2%
Career opportunities for this program are expected to grow 7.2% nationwide from 2016
to 2026.$89K
Careers associated with this program have a salary range from $39,000 to $202,000
with an average salary of $89,000.Degree
As you earn a Fire and Emergency Technology Associate in Science degree, you will participate in rigorous training focused on community safety and service.
- Learn and apply the principles of fire combat, fire protection, fire prevention, fire behavior, and building construction.
- Gain knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, and codes pertaining to safety and efficiency in all emergencies and scenarios.
- Review fire equipment design and use.
- Train as an EMT; recognize and treat medical illnesses and traumatic injuries through classroom study and field experience.
- Develop team-building skills, compassion, and knowledge essential to a fire services career.
Certificates
The El Camino Fire Academy offers rigorous training to help you prepare for an entry-level position as a firefighter. Approved by the California State Fire Marshal, the Academy meets the highest level of firefighter training.
- Participate in a 495-hour course of instruction emphasizing basic firefighting skills.
- Earn California State Fire Marshal certification in:
- Fire Control I, II, III B, IV, & VI
- Auto Extrication
- Confined Space Awareness
- Hazardous Materials Fire Responder Operational
- Hazardous Materials Fire Responder Decontamination
- S-130 and S-190
- El Camino Fire Academy features hands-on training facilities:
- Three Class A diesel pumpers and a truck company
- Classroom and an engine room
- Drill grounds with a four-story fire rescue training tower and fire environment building
- Flashover training container for flashover training
- Learn and apply the principles of fire combat, fire protection, fire prevention, fire behavior, and building construction.
- Train to the highest standards so you are prepared to serve others.
A certificate of achievement from El Camino’s fire and emergency program prepares you for a career in fire services.
- Learn basic fire protection and prevention.
- Review the principles of fire behavior and building construction.
- Study fire equipment design and use.
- Train as an EMT; recognize and treat medical illnesses and traumatic injuries through classroom study and field experience.
El Camino’s Fire Explorer Certificate of Accomplishment offers an introduction to a career in fire services.
- Learn about career opportunities in fire protection and related fields and the philosophy and history of fire protection.
- Study the components of building construction that relate to fire safety.
- Train as an EMT; recognize and treat medical illnesses and traumatic injuries through classroom study and field experience.
El Camino’s Paramedical Technician Certificate of Achievement prepares you for a career as a paramedic.
- Learn life support techniques, trauma and emergency response, and other prehospital care principles.
- Complete a paramedic clinical internship and field internship.
With El Camino's fire technology program, I feel prepared to take the next step in my career.”
Meet a Student
Pursue an Entry-Level Fire Services Job or Further Education
As an El Camino fire and emergency technology graduate, you’ll be ready to start in a fire services career or pursue a bachelor’s degree at another school. We’ll help you gain the specific skills and knowledge to get started.
- Work in a fire department as a firefighter, EMT/paramedic, arson investigator, or forest fire specialist.
- Join the long list of El Camino graduates who have been hired throughout the county, state and nation.
- Learn to pursue lifelong learning, teaching, and leadership – critical skills for professional advancement.
- Collaborate with community leaders on public safety, outreach, and fire education.
- Careers associated with this program have a salary range from $39,000 to $202,000 with an average salary of $89,000.
Learn In a Hands-On Setting
El Camino fire and emergency technology students learn from professionals in the South Bay firefighting community. The perspectives and connections you develop here will prove valuable throughout your career.
- Work as a team with other Fire Academy recruits to complete the rigorous physical training program.
- Participate in community service projects with fellow recruits.
- Seek certification for positions in fire services.
Questions? Contact Us
El Camino College Public Safety Office
Chief Josh Boies
Fire Academy Coordinator