RCCC offers new fire protection degree | Schools

SALISBURY - Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (RCCC) is offering a new associate degree program in Fire Protection Technology, with classes starting in January 2011.

The two-year program will prepare graduates for firefighting careers in both the public and private sector and provide a solid foundation for higher learning and advancement in fire protection administration and management.

Many of the program’s courses will be offered at the Salisbury, Concord and Kannapolis Fire Departments, so currently employed firefighters can take classes conveniently.

Program requirements include 15 credit hours of general education courses and 53 to 54 credit hours of fire-protection-specific courses. 

RCCC’s program offers three distinct tracks; 1) a terminal AAS degree in fire protection technology, 2) an AAS in FPT transferring to UNC Charlotte’s Fire Safety Engineering bachelor’s degree program, and 3) an AAS in FPT that transfers to Fayetteville State University’s Fire Science bachelor’s program.

Course work includes classroom and laboratory exercises to introduce the student to various aspects of fire protection. Students will learn technical and administrative skills such as hydraulics, hazardous materials, arson investigation, fire protection safety, fire suppression management, and law and codes.

Courses will be provided in class and on-line.

Graduates should qualify for employment or advancement in governmental agencies, industrial firms, insurance rating organizations, educational organizations, and municipal fire departments. 

Currently employed firefighters should gain opportunities for skilled and supervisory-level positions within their current organizations.

The Concord and Salisbury fire departments have introduced incentives for employees enrolling in the program. The Concord department will integrate some of the program’s courses into its recruit school.

The Kannapolis Fire Department also offers incentives for Associates, Bachelors and Masters as long as they are in an approved field or area of concentration.

For more information about RCCC’s new associate degree program in Fire Protection Technology, contact faculty member Franklin Merrill at 704-216-3920 or franklin.merrell@rccc.edu.