Firefighter Basic Operations

Associate in Applied Science
Career Degree
Cost
$14,024*

Manage emergencies and disasters

With an Associate in Applied Science in firefighter basic operations, you learn to work with people to mitigate situations, whether EMS related or firefighting, and save lives. Firefighters help people in need daily, hourly and every minute as a firefighter/paramedic. The fire service is all about customer service and meeting the needs of the residents as well as those that come through the community. 

 

What can you do with an A.A.S. in Firefighter Basic Operations?

Whether you’re just starting out or have a background in firefighting, this Associate in Applied Science positions you for success in firefighting and emergency services.

While studying to become a state-certified firefighter, you train to become a nationally registered EMT and earn the Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) certification as the (OSFM) hazardous materials operations technician.

Start right away with your associate degree in roles such as:

  • firefighter
  • EMT or paramedic
  • fire training officer
  • wildland firefighter

With additional education, you can help people as a:

  • paramedic
  • fire lieutenant
  • battalion chief
  • deputy chief
  • fire chief

Highlights

  • State Certifications

    Earn state certifications upon course completion.

  • Top-Notch Facilities

    Gain practical skills on campus and at the Grayslake Fire Station.

  • Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

    Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.

  • Career Degree

    Earn an associate degree in 2 years and gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills.

  • Program Length: 2 Years

    Full-time students finish in 2 years.

Career Outlook

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Need help?

Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) helps you

  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. View degree requirements in the college catalog.

Icon Key

  • Credit for prior learning available
  • Dual credit options available
  • Global citizenship
  • Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CLC 120

    CLC 120 College Success Seminar

    Class Description

    This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
         		2
    ENG 120

    ENG 120 Introduction to Professional & Technical Composition

    Class Description

    Introduction to Professional & Technical Composition is an introductory college level writing course for anyone interested in learning how to develop their professional writing skills for real world applications. Students will learn how to plan, draft, compose, and revise a variety of technical and professional documents common to the workplace. Writing clearly and succinctly for a defined target audience will be emphasized, as well as developing skills in document design and multimodal composition. Projects are based on practical situations within the student’s area of study.
         		3
    MTH 114

    MTH 114 Applied Mathematics

    Class Description

    This course explores the basic principles of mathematics with an emphasis on career technical applications. Operations of signed numbers including integers fractions and decimals are studied. Further areas of study include ratios, proportions, percentages, measuring systems, unit conversions, precision, accuracy, scientific notation introductory algebra and practical geometry.
         		3
    CIT 119

    CIT 119 Introduction to Office Software

    Class Description

    This course is a hands-on course for students wanting to learn the basics of productivity software including: word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation software. Basic operating system tasks will also be presented. Software used for this class includes a current version of Windows, Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. NOTE: This course is not intended for CIT majors and does not apply towards any CIT degree or certificate.
         		3
    FST 111

    FST 111 Introduction to Fire Service

    Class Description

    This course provides an overview of fire protection and emergency services, career opportunities in fire protection and related fields. This course further address topics including the culture and history of emergency services, fire loss analysis, along with the organization and function of public and private fire protection services. Additional insight will be provided on the topics of fire departments as part of local government, laws and regulations affecting the fire service, fire service nomenclature, and specific fire protection functions. Other topics will include basic fire chemistry and physics, introduction to fire protection systems, introduction to fire strategy and tactics, and life safety initiatives. Note: Individuals with greater than one year firefighter experience are not eligible for credit.
         		3
    • Course Code CLC 120
      Course Title

      CLC 120 College Success Seminar

      Class Description

      This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ENG 120
      Course Title

      ENG 120 Introduction to Professional & Technical Composition

      Class Description

      Introduction to Professional & Technical Composition is an introductory college level writing course for anyone interested in learning how to develop their professional writing skills for real world applications. Students will learn how to plan, draft, compose, and revise a variety of technical and professional documents common to the workplace. Writing clearly and succinctly for a defined target audience will be emphasized, as well as developing skills in document design and multimodal composition. Projects are based on practical situations within the student’s area of study.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code MTH 114
      Course Title

      MTH 114 Applied Mathematics

      Class Description

      This course explores the basic principles of mathematics with an emphasis on career technical applications. Operations of signed numbers including integers fractions and decimals are studied. Further areas of study include ratios, proportions, percentages, measuring systems, unit conversions, precision, accuracy, scientific notation introductory algebra and practical geometry.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code CIT 119
      Course Title

      CIT 119 Introduction to Office Software

      Class Description

      This course is a hands-on course for students wanting to learn the basics of productivity software including: word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation software. Basic operating system tasks will also be presented. Software used for this class includes a current version of Windows, Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. NOTE: This course is not intended for CIT majors and does not apply towards any CIT degree or certificate.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code FST 111
      Course Title

      FST 111 Introduction to Fire Service

      Class Description

      This course provides an overview of fire protection and emergency services, career opportunities in fire protection and related fields. This course further address topics including the culture and history of emergency services, fire loss analysis, along with the organization and function of public and private fire protection services. Additional insight will be provided on the topics of fire departments as part of local government, laws and regulations affecting the fire service, fire service nomenclature, and specific fire protection functions. Other topics will include basic fire chemistry and physics, introduction to fire protection systems, introduction to fire strategy and tactics, and life safety initiatives. Note: Individuals with greater than one year firefighter experience are not eligible for credit.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    EMT 111

    EMT 111 Emergency Medical Technician-Basic

    Class Description

    This course prepares students to take the licensure examination to become an EMT-B, including classroom instruction, practical demonstrations and testing, and clinical experience. The course is offered at associated hospitals and fire departments in Lake County.
         		7
    FST 173

    FST 173 Fire Instructor I

    Class Description

    This course is designed to meet the needs of those individuals who wish to learn the techniques of instructing in the fire service. It is structured to provide basic information about human relations in the classroom environment, methods of teaching, and the proper method of writing lesson plans. Areas covered include: Orientation and description of the instructor's job, roles and responsibilities of the fire service instructor, concepts of learning, human factors in learning, oral communications, methods of instruction, lesson plans, instructional materials, organizing the learning environment, testing and evaluation, records and reports, and practical application. Persons currently recognized by the Office of the State Fire Marshall (OSFM) as a firefighter are eligible to challenge the OSFM end-of-course exam. NOTE: FST 111 and/or one year active service experience in the fire service is recommended.
         		3
    FST 174

    FST 174 Fire Instructor II

    Class Description

    This course is a continuation of FST 173. Teaches advance principles and techniques of instruction. This course is structured to provide information about human relationships in the teaching-learning environment, methods of lesson and course development. Materials covered will include performance objectives, instructional materials development, evaluation and references. Recognized by the Office of the State Fire Marshal towards Instructor 2/Company Officer certification.
         		3
    PHY 120

    PHY 120 Practical Aspects of Physics

    Class Description

    This is a one semester lecture-discussion course supplemented with demonstrations and laboratory designed primarily for non-science students. It stresses some fundamental concepts in physics as applied to everyday situations. A verbal rather than a mathematical approach will be emphasized.
         		4
    • Course Code EMT 111
      Course Title

      EMT 111 Emergency Medical Technician-Basic

      Class Description

      This course prepares students to take the licensure examination to become an EMT-B, including classroom instruction, practical demonstrations and testing, and clinical experience. The course is offered at associated hospitals and fire departments in Lake County.
      Credits 7
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code FST 173
      Course Title

      FST 173 Fire Instructor I

      Class Description

      This course is designed to meet the needs of those individuals who wish to learn the techniques of instructing in the fire service. It is structured to provide basic information about human relations in the classroom environment, methods of teaching, and the proper method of writing lesson plans. Areas covered include: Orientation and description of the instructor's job, roles and responsibilities of the fire service instructor, concepts of learning, human factors in learning, oral communications, methods of instruction, lesson plans, instructional materials, organizing the learning environment, testing and evaluation, records and reports, and practical application. Persons currently recognized by the Office of the State Fire Marshall (OSFM) as a firefighter are eligible to challenge the OSFM end-of-course exam. NOTE: FST 111 and/or one year active service experience in the fire service is recommended.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code FST 174
      Course Title

      FST 174 Fire Instructor II

      Class Description

      This course is a continuation of FST 173. Teaches advance principles and techniques of instruction. This course is structured to provide information about human relationships in the teaching-learning environment, methods of lesson and course development. Materials covered will include performance objectives, instructional materials development, evaluation and references. Recognized by the Office of the State Fire Marshal towards Instructor 2/Company Officer certification.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PHY 120
      Course Title

      PHY 120 Practical Aspects of Physics

      Class Description

      This is a one semester lecture-discussion course supplemented with demonstrations and laboratory designed primarily for non-science students. It stresses some fundamental concepts in physics as applied to everyday situations. A verbal rather than a mathematical approach will be emphasized.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    PSY 121

    PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

    Class Description

    This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
         		3
    • Course Code PSY 121
      Course Title

      PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

      Class Description

      This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CMM 121

    CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

    Class Description

    For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
         		3
    FST 120

    FST 120 Introduction to Emergency Management

    Class Description

    (Formerly EDM 111) This course introduces students to the field of emergency management. Students will be exposed to the terminology and definitions used in emergency and disaster management. Students will examine legal requirements, responsibilities, and laws pertaining to emergency management. An introduction to the incident command system is included.
         		3
    FST 130

    FST 130 Basic Operations Firefighter A

    Class Description

    This course focuses on the organization and structure of a fire agency, fire behavior, building construction, safety issues in the fire service, communication procedures and practices, self-contained breathing apparatus, fire extinguishers and fire extinguishing agents, and ropes and knots. The course will include weekly lectures and lab sessions that focus on developing and enhancing practical skills. Students enrolled in this course will become active members of an assigned fire department. NOTE: This is the first of three courses that prepares students to sit for the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal's Basic Operations Firefighters certification examination.
         		4
    FST 192

    FST 192 Hazardous Materials Operations

    Class Description

    This course is designed for firefighters and other persons who might encounter Hazardous Materials in the course of their occupations. This course will stress identification, site entry, isolations, evacuation, use of Hazardous Safety Data sheets, and how to obtain assistance at the hazardous materials scene. Practical applications and hands-on experiences are required for this course. The course is designed to meet the requirements of Hazardous Materials First Responder Awareness, and Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations, of the Office of the State Fire Marshal Certification, OSHA 29 CFR 1910, and NFPA 472.
         		3
    • Course Code CMM 121
      Course Title

      CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

      Class Description

      For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code FST 120
      Course Title

      FST 120 Introduction to Emergency Management

      Class Description

      (Formerly EDM 111) This course introduces students to the field of emergency management. Students will be exposed to the terminology and definitions used in emergency and disaster management. Students will examine legal requirements, responsibilities, and laws pertaining to emergency management. An introduction to the incident command system is included.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code FST 130
      Course Title

      FST 130 Basic Operations Firefighter A

      Class Description

      This course focuses on the organization and structure of a fire agency, fire behavior, building construction, safety issues in the fire service, communication procedures and practices, self-contained breathing apparatus, fire extinguishers and fire extinguishing agents, and ropes and knots. The course will include weekly lectures and lab sessions that focus on developing and enhancing practical skills. Students enrolled in this course will become active members of an assigned fire department. NOTE: This is the first of three courses that prepares students to sit for the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal's Basic Operations Firefighters certification examination.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code FST 192
      Course Title

      FST 192 Hazardous Materials Operations

      Class Description

      This course is designed for firefighters and other persons who might encounter Hazardous Materials in the course of their occupations. This course will stress identification, site entry, isolations, evacuation, use of Hazardous Safety Data sheets, and how to obtain assistance at the hazardous materials scene. Practical applications and hands-on experiences are required for this course. The course is designed to meet the requirements of Hazardous Materials First Responder Awareness, and Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations, of the Office of the State Fire Marshal Certification, OSHA 29 CFR 1910, and NFPA 472.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    FST 131

    FST 131 Basic Operations Firefighter B

    Class Description

    This course focuses on fire service ladders, hose and related appliances, nozzles and streams, water supply, forcible entry and ventilation. The course will include weekly lectures and lab sessions that focus on developing and enhancing practical skills. Students enrolled in this course will be active members of an assigned fire department. NOTE: This is the second of three courses that prepares students to sit for the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal's Basic Operations Firefighters certification examination.
         		4
    FST 132

    FST 132 Basic Operations Firefighter C

    Class Description

    This course focuses on search and rescue, fire control, loss control, protecting evidence, fire detection, alarm, and suppression systems, prevention techniques, public education, wild land and ground cover firefighting, and firefighter safety and survival. The course will include weekly lectures and lab sessions that focus on developing and enhancing practical skills. Students enrolled in this course will be active members of an assigned fire department. NOTE: This is the third of three courses that prepares students to sit for the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal's Basic Operations Firefighters certification examination.
         		4
    FST 116

    FST 116 Fire Fighting Tactics and Strategy I

    Class Description

    An introduction to the basic principles and methods associated with the strategic and tactical responsibilities of the line officer on the fireground. Emphasizes size-up, fire operations, pre-fire planning, and basic engine and truck company operations. NOTE: FST 111 and/or one year active experience in the fire service is recommended.
         		3
    FST 117

    FST 117 Fire Fighting Tactics and Strategy II

    Class Description

    Continuation of FST 116, with advanced principles and methods associated with fireground strategies and tactics, required of the company officer and chief officer. The course emphasizes multi-company alarm assignments, sectorization of the fireground, handling disasters and major fire incidents. Student participation of assigned fire simulation exercises will be required.
         		3
    HUM 127

    HUM 127 Critical Thinking

    Class Description

    Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
         		3
    • Course Code FST 131
      Course Title

      FST 131 Basic Operations Firefighter B

      Class Description

      This course focuses on fire service ladders, hose and related appliances, nozzles and streams, water supply, forcible entry and ventilation. The course will include weekly lectures and lab sessions that focus on developing and enhancing practical skills. Students enrolled in this course will be active members of an assigned fire department. NOTE: This is the second of three courses that prepares students to sit for the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal's Basic Operations Firefighters certification examination.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code FST 132
      Course Title

      FST 132 Basic Operations Firefighter C

      Class Description

      This course focuses on search and rescue, fire control, loss control, protecting evidence, fire detection, alarm, and suppression systems, prevention techniques, public education, wild land and ground cover firefighting, and firefighter safety and survival. The course will include weekly lectures and lab sessions that focus on developing and enhancing practical skills. Students enrolled in this course will be active members of an assigned fire department. NOTE: This is the third of three courses that prepares students to sit for the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal's Basic Operations Firefighters certification examination.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code FST 116
      Course Title

      FST 116 Fire Fighting Tactics and Strategy I

      Class Description

      An introduction to the basic principles and methods associated with the strategic and tactical responsibilities of the line officer on the fireground. Emphasizes size-up, fire operations, pre-fire planning, and basic engine and truck company operations. NOTE: FST 111 and/or one year active experience in the fire service is recommended.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code FST 117
      Course Title

      FST 117 Fire Fighting Tactics and Strategy II

      Class Description

      Continuation of FST 116, with advanced principles and methods associated with fireground strategies and tactics, required of the company officer and chief officer. The course emphasizes multi-company alarm assignments, sectorization of the fireground, handling disasters and major fire incidents. Student participation of assigned fire simulation exercises will be required.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HUM 127
      Course Title

      HUM 127 Critical Thinking

      Class Description

      Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

Total Credit Hours

64

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.



Female student taking notes in class

Fire Science Technology at CLC: Get the bigger picture

An A.A.S. in firefighter basic operations is just one possible way to study fire science technology. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options. The A.A.S in fire science technology will take you into other fire service career paths such as fire marshal, public educator, fire investigator, as well as a fire protection engineer just to name a few.  

Learn about courses, faculty, related programs and more.

View the Fire Science Technology Program Overview

Frequently asked questions

  • Photo of Joshua Cardin

    Joshua Cardin

    Graduate

    “While I was in the Coast Guard, I’d take a class here or there online with other colleges. None of them hold a candle to CLC. It’s unbelievable how far the college is looking forward and how many opportunities are available for the people of Lake County.”

    Joshua studied Fire Science Technology at CLC after serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. He now works as a firefighter and is studying Emergency Medical Technology to also become a paramedic.

    Read Joshua's story

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