Program Description

This program was established under the direction of the California Fire Technology Directors Association and the Sacramento Regional Fire Technology Advisory Board.  The program offers both an intensive training course culminating in a Certificate of Achievement and an additional general education program leading to the Associate in Arts degree.  Instructors in this program are experienced members of the fire service. 

Certificate of Achievement

A Certificate of Achievement can be obtained upon completion of the 35-unit major with a grade of “C” or better in each course.

Associate of Arts Degree

The Associate of Arts degree can be obtained upon completion of a total of 60 units, including the major and general education units with a grade of “C” or better in each course.

Complete Program Information

Refer to American River College catalog at: http://web.arc.losrios.edu/catalog/FireTech.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to be a Firefighter?

To be a firefighter in Sacramento County, you will need to have graduated from high school, be at least 18 years of age and completed your Emergency Medical Technician 1 (EMT-1) certificate.   In addition, some of these fire departments want the candidate to have taken several college units prior to applying for the firefighter’s exam.   Others may require a Certificate of Completion of California’s Firefighter 1 or a Certificate verifying completion of a California State Fire Marshal’s Accredited Regional Fire Academy.

What are some career options/opportunities available to me after I earn the certificate and/or degree?  

Most major fire agencies in the Sacramento area provide an incentive salary increase to firefighters with a Certificate and/or a degree in Fire Technology.  In addition, naturally an individual with a certificate and/or degree would be looked upon more favorable for employment than someone without such documents.

What is the average cost of the certificate program?  

American River College is a public community college.  Enrollment fees are $20 per unit for California residents. Out-of-state and international students will pay higher fees. The minimum number of units required for a certificate is 35 units.    Books and materials are an additional cost.

What is the average cost of the degree program?

The minimum number of units required for a degree is 60 units.  This may be accomplished by adding the certificate’s 35 units, plus 25 general education units.     

What employment opportunities exist in the fire service?

California is growing and with growth comes the need for additional firefighters in public agencies.  In addition, the fire service has a great retirement plan where upon many firefighters retire at an early age creating a vacuum, which must be filled by new personnel.   So, future employment opportunities look very good.

What courses do I need to take? 

Complete course program information can be found in the ARC catalog at: http://web.arc.losrios.edu/catalog/FireTech.pdf

What is the first step I need to take to enroll in the program?

You may apply online at American River College’s Home Website: http://www.losrios.edu/lrc/lrc_app.html

Where is the Fire Technology AA degree and certificate program class schedule located?

Spring 2008: http://wserver.losrios.edu/arc/spring/Fire-Technology-FT.htm 

Where is the California State Fire Training Courses and Schedule located?

http://web.arc.losrios.edu/~safety//firetechcalendar.pdf

Who can give me more information?

Al Iannone, Fire Technology Director  (916) 570-5009

To reserve a spot in one of the California State Fire Training Courses, please call (916) 570-5000

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