The Public Safety programs offer associate's degrees and certificates related to a variety of professional roles in public safety fields. These programs allow participants to learn new skills or update the knowledge and skills needed to perform effectively on the job.
The Emergency Medical Services program offers an associate's degree with two majors:
- Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic Management (EMPT-M) - This associate's degree prepares students for supervisory and administrative roles within the field of Emergency Medical Services.
- Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic Science (EMPT-S) - This associate's degree prepares students for careers in Emergency Medical Services research or education, or employment in a hospital emergency department.
- Two certificates are offered also:
- Emergency Medical Technician - Basic Certificate (EMTC) - The certificate covers the skills needed to care for patients at the scene of an accident or illness and while transporting patients by ambulance to the hospital. Students who complete the certificate are eligible to take the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians cognitive and practical examinations.
- Paramedic Certificate (EMTPC) - Students who have already earned an EMT certificate may continue their education by entering the Paramedic certificate program. After completing the certificate, students are eligible to take the National Registry exam.
The Fire Service program offers two associate degrees:
- The Fire Service Technology (FST) associate's degree program prepares students for entry-level jobs in fire service as a firefighter/emergency medical technician.
- The Fire Service Leadership (FSTL) associate's degree provides knowledge and skills to certified firefighters who are interested in furthering their careers. Firefighters must have at least five years of experience prior to beginning the second-year curriculum of this program.
The department also offers seven certificates:
- The Fire Service Certificate (FSTC) provides specific education, training, and skills needed to obtain employment at a fire department.
- The Fire Officer Professional Certificate (FOPC) prepares the firefighter for the role of fire officer at the supervisory/managerial level, using National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1021: Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications.
- The Fire Officer 1 Certificate (FO1C) prepares students for the role of company officer, using objectives of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1021: Fire Officers Professional Qualifications Level I.
- The Fire Officer 2 Certificate (FO2C) meets the job performance requirements of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1021: Managing Fire Officer, and applies the leadership standards published by the International Association of Fire Chiefs in the Officer Development Handbook.
- The Fire Safety Inspector Certificate (FSIPC) provides instruction on fire safety inspection procedures and responsibilities, using the objectives for National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1031: Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Inspector and Plan Examiner.
- The Professional Firefighter Certificate (PFC) provides basic practical and cognitive training needed to operate safely and effectively on the fireground, as well as advanced firefighting knowledge related to incident report writing, flammable liquid fires, fire ground command, evidence preservation, pre-incident survey, and equipment maintenance.
- The Hazard Recognition Officer Certificate (HROC) provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to conduct fire and life safety inspections in Ohio.
For more information, please contact the Health and Public Safety Division at (513) 569-1670.