A career as a firefighter or emergency care provider requires dedication, desire and commitment, but it can be very rewarding and those who secure employment are deeply committed to their peers and serving the community.
College of DuPage offers two-year degrees in Fire Science Technology and Emergency Medical Services, as well as firefighter, emergency medical technician (EMT) and paramedic certificates. The College also offers a Public Safety Telecommunicator certificate program.
Whether you are just starting out or are already employed in the Fire Science industry,
College of DuPage offers fire science classes in a flexible schedule that will help you attain your goals in this exciting and
rewarding field.
Courses are offered in the state-of-the-art Robert J. Miller Homeland Security Education Center (HEC). The HEC includes a life-size street scene with fire truck bays, ambulance simulator, working fire hydrants and a simulation hazmat/smoke room.
Determine Your Path
Employment of firefighters, EMTs and paramedics is expected to grow faster than average. The growing population and the need to replace workers who retire will result in many job openings. An increasingly aging population will lead to an increasing number of requests for services.
Whether you are interested in earning an Associate in Applied Science degree in EMS or Fire Science Technology or an EMT, firefighter or paramedic certificate, COD offers:
- Dedicated instructors with years of EMS and Fire Service experience, certifications and licensing
- Instruction in top-notch facilities and on cutting-edge equipment
- Practical, hands-on experience as well as classroom-based studies
- Clinical and field partners that provide vital hands-on experience with actual patients
- A pathway to prepare students for the rigor of paramedic training following completion of EMT
- An excellent reputation among EMS and Fire Service agencies, with professional networking and career opportunities
Emergency Medical Services, A.A.S.
The Emergency Medical Services degree includes theory and techniques of firefighting, inclusive of the Emergency Medical Technician curriculum, required by most fire departments. The program focuses on emergency medical services and the administration of those services in any setting. After completion of the degree and all of the objectives of the Illinois Department of Public Health are passed, the student is allowed to take the State of Illinois Paramedic Licensing exam.
Emergency Medical Technician, Certificate
The Emergency Medical Technician certificate is designed for students and professionals who have an interest or are currently employed in the field of fire science or the emergency medical field. Introduction to the study of pre- hospital care as it relates to patient assessment, treatments and transportation to the hospital. After successful completion of the certificate and all of the objectives of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) are passed, the student is allowed to take the State of Illinois IDPH State Licensing exam or the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician Certification exam. This certificate requires a grade of B or better and 10 credits in FIRE 2271 Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
Fire Fighter, Certificate
The Fire Fighter Certificate is designed for students in the fire service and professionals in similar fields who have an interest or are currently employed in the field of fire science. Basic operations firefighter, building construction, and extinguishing and alarm systems are essential in today's fire service. After completion of the certificate, state certifications will be awarded through the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM), if state requirements are met and state Certification Exams are passed. This certificate requires 24 credits in the courses listed below.
Fire Science Technology, A.A.S.
The Fire Science Technology program encompasses both fire fighting and emergency medical services. The Fire Science degree focuses on the theory and techniques of fire fighting, inclusive of the Emergency Medical Technician curriculum, required by most fire departments. After completion of the degree, state certifications may be awarded through the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) if the state requirements are met.
Paramedic, Certificate
After successful completion of the Paramedic certificate and all of the objectives of the Illinois Department of Public Health are passed, the student is allowed to take the State of Illinois Paramedic Licensing exam.
Public Safety Telecommunicator, Certificate
Explore an exciting career as a 9-1-1 Public Safety Telecommunicator. Students completing the certificate program will have the opportunity to obtain a nationally recognized certification. Students go beyond classroom and lab exercises to learn how to demonstrate the skills and abilities necessary to be a 9-1-1 Public Safety Communicator. This includes working under stress, multi-tasking, and quickly making life-saving decisions to serve members of their community.
Learn More About Applying for the Paramedic/EMS Degree Program
COD Stories
“The biggest help I got from COD was from the personnel that they employ..The amount of knowledge and personal experience that the staff brings to the classroom is truly rewarding for me as a student." -Kyle Butler
Kyle's COD StoryCOD Stories
“COD brought in knowledge-filled chiefs, captains, lieutenants and other firefighters to help proctor us. Every officer was more than willing to help mold and shape us into good firefighters.” -Maddy Peterson
Maddy's COD StoryGet Started Today
The first step to getting started in fire science is to apply for admission.
Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree or certificate that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.
Emergency Medical Services
Fire Science Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Program graduates will:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the body’s anatomy & physiology (Scientific Reasoning General Education Outcome)
- Assess patients for illness and/or injury. (Critical Thinking General Education Outcome)
- Formulate communication methods with patients and other professionals. (Expression and Exchange of Ideas General Education Outcome)
- Prepare oral and written patient care reports. (Expression and Exchange of Ideas General Education Outcome)
- Interpret selected medical abbreviations, acronyms, and symbols. (Information Literacy General Education Outcome)
- Explain how to properly administer medication. (Critical Thinking General Education Outcome)
- Use knowledge of cardiology to treat medical emergencies. (Critical Thinking General Education Outcome)
Fire Science
Fire Science Program graduates will:
- Analyze the components of a fire and its major phases (Scientific Reasoning General Education Outcome)
- Identify primary responsibilities of fire personnel (Information Literacy General Education Outcome)
- Justify the need for national standards (Expression and Exchange of Ideas General Education Outcome)
- Describe the principles of fire pump operations. (Scientific Reasoning General Education Outcome)
- Differentiate between fire suppression agents and strategies (Critical Thinking General Education Outcome)
- Identify indicators of potential structure failure (Critical Thinking General Education Outcome)
- Explain the importance of safety on the design of apparatus and equipment. (Scientific Reasoning General Education Outcome)
Paramedic Program
Paramedic Program graduates will:
- Prepare oral and written patient care reports.
- Assess patients for illness &/or injury.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the Human Body’s Anatomy and Physiology.
- Choose a proper treatment plan after assessing a patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation.
- Demonstrate how to safely move injured patients.
Public Safety Telecommunicator
Public Safety Telecommunicator graduates will:
- Explain challenges of radio communications including problems of interference and interoperability.
- Formulate communication methods with callers, patients, and other professionals
- Identify common police/fire/EMS call classifications and the procedures for each
- List the essential characteristics (knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes) of emergency telecommunicators
- State the purpose of the Incident Command System (ICS) and how it is used to maintain control of personnel at incidents
College of DuPage partners with several four-year institutions to help students seamlessly complete a bachelor’s degree in emergency medical services. Students can connect with Transfer Services for personalized guidance on transfer opportunities.
For more information about Transfer Pathways, visit the College of DuPage Catalog. The pathway outlines a typical two-year course plan for completing an AA or AS degree before transferring to a four-year program. Course requirements vary by institution, so consult your faculty or academic advisor for specific guidance.
Articulation Agreements
College of DuPage maintains transfer agreements with many colleges and universities to ensure a smooth transition toward a bachelor’s degree. These agreements often include a defined course sequence. Students should regularly meet with a faculty member or the Counseling and Advising office to stay on track.- Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Management
- Western Illinois University, AAS in Fire Science to BS in Fire Science Protection Services- Fire Science
- Western Illinois University, AAS in Fire Science to BS in Fire Science Protection Services- Fire Administration
Transfer Guides
Beyond articulation agreements and guaranteed admission programs, College of DuPage courses transfer to many other institutions. Transfer Guides help students select COD courses that meet prerequisites for specific majors and include details such as contact information, major requirements, general education requirements, and transfer policies.
State Certification Programs
College of DuPage offers state certification programs including the fire academy and fire officer classes.
College of DuPage Fire Science Division offers an Office of the State Fire Marshall approved Basic Operations Fire Academy. The Basic Operations Fire Academy is divided up into (3) modules and is completed over the 16 week semester during the Fall and Spring semesters only.
Eighteen hours of program electives are earned during the academy with the opportunity to earn more towards the AAS in Fire Science. All attendees of the Basic Operations Fire Academy must be a member of a Fire Department and require a permit prior to registration.
For more information about the Basic Operations Fire Academy or the Associate in Applied Science in Fire Science, contact the Fire Science Program Manager at (630) 942-2107.
Fall 2024 Basic Operations Firefighter Academy
College of DuPage offers the Company Officer and Advanced Fire Officer programs. Go to to the online Class Schedule to view the courses offered.
All Company Officer and Advanced Fire Officer courses are OSFM recognized and approved for certification upon successful completion of the program requirements. College credit is also earned towards the Associate in Applied Science in Fire Science.
All Company Officer and Advanced Fire Officer courses are restricted to active fire service personnel only and require a permit to register from the fire science program manager.
Career Information
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