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The Fire Science Technology at Columbus State Community College offers two Associate Degree programs:

1) Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

2) Associate of Technical Studies (ATS)

In addition, we offer training for Professional Firefighter I & II certification (FIRE 117).  This is the course often referred to as "the 240 class" (240 hrs of training), and is offered each year in Spring, Summer, and Autumn Quarter.

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE (AAS)

This program of study meets the needs of individuals with one of the following backgrounds:

1) someone with no previous fire and/or EMS training who wants to get started on a degree/career path;

2) someone with Firefighter I & II certification, whose EMS certification level is EMT-Basic.

ASSOCIATE OF TECHNICAL STUDIES (ATS):  EMS/FIRE SCIENCE

This program of study meets the needs of individuals with either Firefighter I & II and/or EMT-Paramedic certification, or someone who is planning to achieve these levels of certification.

The major difference between the AAS and ATS degrees is in the technical credit hour requirements.  In the AAS degree, all the required technical hours are obtained by completing Fire Science courses.  The ATS degree divides the required technical hours between EMS and Fire Science courses.

Previous Training and Experience (non-traditional credit)

It is possible that individuals may receive non-traditional ("N") credit for courses in the Technical portion of either degree.  Granting "N" credit is based upon appropriate documentation, meeting with Program Coordinator and approval of the Dept. Chairperson.

Individuals may be eligible for "N" credit for technical courses from the following list:

FIRE 117 (Firefighter I & II)

EMS 110 (EMT-Basic)

EMT-Paramedic courses:

EMS 211 - 214

EMS 281 - 284

EMS 291 - 294

FIRE 102 (Fire Inspector I)

FIRE 151 (Fire Inspector II)

FIRE 116 (with PSSI certification)

FIRE 202 (Haz Mat Tech)

Individuals may be eligible for "N" credit for Basic Related courses from the following list:

LAWE 268 (Haz Mat Awareness/Operations)

LAWE 266

LAWE 104

Contact the EMS/Fire Science Coordinator for more information: (614) 287-2519.

Getting Started!!

1) If you have not made application to Columbus State, you may do so on the web,  OR contact the Admissions Department and request an application be mailed to you: (614) 287-2669.

2) You will need to take the COMPASS placement tests unless you have transfer credit from another college.  There is no fee and no appointment necessary, but call (614) 287-3602 for information regarding days and times they are open.  You will receive the test results before you leave the testing center.

3) Call the EMS/Fire Science Coordinator (Carolyn Steffl: (614) 287-2519) to schedule an appointment for a short meeting to discuss eligibility for any "N" credit, clarify the Gen. Ed. and Basic Related requirements, get questions answered, etc.

4) Fill out the Fire Science Health Record Form (.pdf). Applicants to the program must submit a recent physical and demonstrate that they are in good health.

 For information regarding Fire Science at CSCC, contact Fire staff or call Carolyn Steffl at (614)287-2519.