Other Criteria - Firefighter Basic Operations Facilities

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

CLC will provide students their own personal protective safety equipment. This equipment consists of:
- firefighter turnouts (coat and pants)
- firefighting footwear
- suspenders
- gloves
- hood
- safety glasses
- fire helmet
- self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) piece that mates to CLC-provided SCBA
All equipment must comply with current National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.
All students must:
- have a valid NFPA 1001 medical physical
- have a current background investigation
- consult with a Fire Science Technology Advisor to plan and schedule their program
- agree to become a member of the fire department the College assigns them to
- provide your schedule for staffing in your assigned fire department
Students must apply to the department chair in December each year and go through a process to gain admission to this program. Approval requires completion of the firefighter basic operations application and proof of a valid Candidate Physical Ability Test.

Highlights

Other Criteria - Firefighter Basic Operations Facilities

Oct 2, 2023, 15:57 PM

Title : Other Criteria - Firefighter Basic Operations Facilities

Heading : Top-Notch Facilities

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

Career Outlook

Need help?

Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) is your "go-to person" ready to help you get started at CLC.

Your CCN guides you through the admission process, helps you choose your academic program, enroll in classes and connect you with 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.

View program in catalog

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

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
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 Highlights
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 Code	Course Title	Credits
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 Highlights
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 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 Highlights
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 Code	Course Title	Credits
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 Highlights
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 Code	Course Title	Credits
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 Highlights
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

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.

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

This is a cornerstone program at CLC, started as the only one of its kind offered in Illinois. The program has since become a model for its effectiveness and ability to meet the needs and demands of becoming a firefighter in Illinois.
Your other benefits include:
- 95% placement rate of our students after graduation
- highly qualified instructors passionate about training and student success
- stellar equipment and training facilities donated by former CLC graduates who are now chiefs
Here are some great options:
- Complete your bachelor's degree in Lake County: Continue your education online or in person at the Grayslake Campus through the University Center of Lake County.
- Guaranteed transfer admission: Seamlessly transfer to 30+ four-year partners and get admitted to your transfer school in your first semester at CLC.
- Explore the many more transfer options available such as Southern Illinois University who is aligned with CLC.
Skills you learn in the program include:
- fire investigation
- how to become a fire educator
- how to become a fire marshal
- emergency management
CLC provides the students with the PPE for the Fire Basic Operations (FBO) program
This program prepares you to take the Illinois professional licensure exam. When you pass the exam, you can work as firefighter in the state of Illinois.
You may be able to work elsewhere with this degree.
View professional licensure disclosures

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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Firefighter Basic Operations

Manage emergencies and disasters

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

Admission: More needed

Highlights

Other Criteria - Firefighter Basic Operations Facilities

Career Outlook

Need help?

Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 14 Credits

Semester 2 17 Credits

Semester 3 3 Credits

Semester 4 13 Credits

Semester 5 17 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Fire Science Technology at CLC: Get the bigger picture

Frequently asked questions

Why should I study Firefighter Basic Operations at CLC?

What's the best way to get my bachelor's degree?

What will I learn?

How much does the required PPE cost and where do I find it?

Where can I work as a firefighter?

Joshua Cardin

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

Explore careers

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