CVCC
Academic Resources
Programs
Public Services
Fire Protection
Fire Protection Technology

Fire Protection Technology

Fire Protection Technology prepares students to enter either the public or private sectors of fire protection. Graduates may choose to seek a bachelor's degree.

The Fire Protection Technology curriculum is intended to offer individuals professional and technical knowledge to make decisions regarding fire protection in both public and private domains. It provides a stable foundation for continuous higher learning in fire protection, administration, and management.

The online Associate of Applied Science in Fire Protection Technology will prepare students for a variety of positions in the Fire Protection Technology field. Students will learn technical and administration skills such as fire protection systems, fire suppression strategies, fire rescue service management, arson investigation, fire prevention education, government finance, hazardous materials, inspections, codes and laws. Our faculty members have years of experience in the field of Fire Protection Technology and can offer real-world perspectives and understand the challenges students will face as they advance in their field.

Students upon graduation can gain employment or advancement in the fire protection field with governmental agencies, industrial firms, private corporations, insurance rating organizations, safety organizations, educational organizations, and municipal or volunteer fire departments. Graduates will have opportunities for more skilled and supervisory level positions.

An online associate degree in Fire Protection Technology will allow students to specialize in the area of fire protection and will also prepare them for advancement to a bachelor's degree.

CVCC's Fire Protection Technology associate degree has been FESHE Symbol recognized by the National Fire Academy with the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) Recognition. The FESHE recognition is an acknowledgement that CVCC has met the standards of excellence established by FESHE professional development committees and the National Fire Academy. Students can now earn National Fire Academy credit while completing FESHE approved classes at CVCC.

Program Information

Program Options

Fire Protection Technology, AAS
Fire Protection Technology Fire Protection Management Certificate
Fire Protection Technology Fire Protection Management High School Pathway Certificate
Fire Protection Technology Industrial Fire Protection Certificate

Please see the catalog for more information about the degree option in this curriculum.

Related Programs

Basic Law Enforcement Training
Criminal Justice Technology
Criminal Justice Technology-Forensic Science
Emergency Management
Emergency Medical Science (EMS)

Information

Comprehensive Articulation Agreement

The Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA) allows a student who earns the Associate degree with no grade lower than a "C" to be guaranteed admission to at least one of the UNC system schools as a Junior and make a smooth transition for maximum credit transfer.

Some Associate in Applied Science degrees may transfer in full or in part to a four-year school. CVCC has agreements with certain schools to accept the AAS degree in a 2 + 2 arrangement (subject to change).

Important Note: As always, it is imperative that a student at CVCC should be in full conversation with the senior school before selecting and completing a program of study at CVCC.

Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Fire Protection Technology may transfer to B.S. in Fire and Emergency Services Administration at Fayetteville State University.

Career

Job opportunities are available with governmental agencies, industrial firms, private corporations, insurance rating organizations, safety organizations, educational organizations, and municipal or volunteer fire departments. Depending on continued education possible careers include but not limited to:

Firefighter
Fire Officer
Arson Investigator
Fire and Security Control Install Tech Specialist
Fire Insurance Appraiser
Fire Inspector
Fire or Emergency Service Instructor
Fire Protection Specialist
Hazardous Materials Technician
Health and Safety Specialist
Rescue Technician
Fire Protection Field Analyst
Fire/Life Safety Educator

CareerOneStop and the US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook websites give detailed information about the skills, abilities, work activities, and recommended education for jobs in fields using skills that can be learned in the Fire Protection Technology program.

Becoming A Firefighter: 10 Must-Do Things

Being a firefighter is not easy and neither is the process of becoming a firefighter. Competition is fierce and the hiring process can be challenging. An article by Steve Prziborowski, Battalion Chief for Santa Clara County Fire Department, CA list the top ten must-do things for anyone desiring to be hired as a firefighter and to standout as the best candidate for the job. Read the article on FireRescue.com.

National Geographic: How Investigators Determine the Causes of Fires

National Geographic interview Richard Meier, a fire investigator with John A Kennedy and Associates, who analyzes fires and explosions for insurance companies and trials.

Mission, Purpose, and Program Outcomes

Fire Protection Technology Department Mission Statement

The Department of Fire Protection Technology at Catawba Valley Community College is committed to improving the lives of our community members by providing high quality educational services and lifelong learning opportunities to our stakeholders, students, community members, and employers, while adhering to cultural diversity within the community.

Program Description/Purpose Statement

The Fire Protection Technology curriculum is designed to provide individuals with technical and professional knowledge to make decisions regarding fire protection for both the public and private sectors. The department is committed to the enablement of student academic and professional development. The education provided is intended to assist students in their quests for academic and professional excellence, to be successful in gaining entrance into the fire service and associated fire protection fields, and to become leaders in the profession.

Fire Protection Technology Associate Degree Learning Outcomes

Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of the principles of supervision and management necessary for leadership and administration in the fire protection field.
Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of the 16 life safety initiatives, focusing on the need for cultural and behavioral change in the fire service.
Graduates will identify and demonstrate a functional knowledge of standards as recommended by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of the legal aspects of the fire protection.
Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of building construction principles, fire protection systems, and fire prevention codes to improve fire protection.
Graduates will demonstrate an understanding the history and basic principles of the fire service.

» Fire Protection Technology Program Outcomes

» Fire Protection Technology Student Achievement

Advisory Committee

Mission Statement

The mission of the Catawba Valley Community College Fire Protection Technology Advisory Committee is to provide recommendations, feedback, and support to the CVCC Fire Protection Technology program.

Fire Protection Technology Advisory Committee

Scott Abernathy, Chief of Stony Point Fire Department
Bryan Blanton, Director of Catawba County Emergency Services
Certification Specialist (Western Region), North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal
Rick Davis, Chief of Sherrills Ford/Terrell Fire Rescue
Mark Earle, Deputy Fire Marshal and Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator for Alexander County
Terry Foxx, Captain of Alexander County Rescue Squad and EMS
Mark Hinson, Chief of Conover Fire Department
Rusty Graham, Director of Fire Protection Technology/Emergency Management
Steve Moore, Deputy Chief of Hickory Fire Department
Robin Ross, Dean of Health and Public Services
Mark Stafford, Captain of Conover Fire Department
Kevin Yoder, Chief of Newton Fire Department

Resources

Career Outlook

Fire Protection Technology: Career Outlook

CONTACT INFORMATION

Rusty Graham

Director - Fire Protection Technology/Emergency Management Programs

Health and Public Services Innovation Center

Email: Rusty Graham
Phone: 828-327-7000 x4903

Overview

Admissions
Catalog
Tuition
Request Info
Apply Now