Fire Service Technology & Fire Service Certificates (FST, FSTC, & PFC)

Fire Service Technology (FST)

The Fire Service Technology program at Cincinnati State prepares students for entry-level jobs in fire service as a firefighter/emergency medical technician (EMT).

This program meets National Fire Protection Association standards and objectives for Firefighter 1 and Firefighter 2. Graduates of the program earn an Associate of Applied Science degree.

For hands-on fire training class eligibility, students must:

  • Successfully perform and complete the Fire Cadet Fitness Evaluation.
  • Complete the State Application for Admission to a Fire Training Course. This application screens for age, criminal convictions, and substance abuse that may disqualify students from state certification. Documentation must be provided to the Ohio Department of Public Safety on questionable cases.
  • Have the Physical Exam Form (for firefighters) completed by a qualified physician.
  • Present copies of previous certifications held pertaining to firefighting and emergency medical services.

Graduates who complete the associate's degree may continue their education at the University of Cincinnati to earn a bachelor's degree.

The Fire Service Technology program is accredited by the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Medical Services, P.O. Box 182073, 1970 West Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43218-2073. Phone: (614) 466-9447.

Fire Service Certificate (FSTC)

The Fire Service Certificate program provides specific education, training, and skills needed to obtain employment at a fire department. The Emergency Medical Technician course and the Firefighter 1 and Firefighter 2 courses that are part of the certificate prepare students for the State of Ohio's Certification exams.

Successful completion of the state exams is required before certification cards are issued by the State of Ohio.  

The Fire Service certificate program offers a fast track to employment. All credits earned while completing this certificate also can be applied to the Fire Service Technology associate's degree.

Professional Firefighter Certificate (PFC)

The Professional Firefighter Certificate 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.

Students who successfully complete the certificate are prepared to take State of Ohio exams for initial certification as a Firefighter or an Emergency Medical Technician.

For more information, please contact the Health and Public Safety Division at (513) 569-1670.

To apply for this program at Cincinnati State, visit the Admissions section of the College website.

Fire Service Technology (FST)

Semester 1LecLabCredits
FYE 1XX First Year Experience Elective (B)  101
FST 101Fire Cadet Fundamentals ( B) 122
FST 105Firefighter Physical Preparedness ( T) 122
EMS 110Emergency Medical Technician Theory and Practice ( T) 547
FST 136Emergency Vehicle Operator ( T) 021
Semester 2  
FST 131Firefighter Professional 1 ( B) 466
ENG 101English Composition 1 ( G) 303
FST 123Principles of Emergency Services ( B) 303
FST 120Fire Behavior and Combustion ( T) 202
Semester 3  
FST 129Fire Prevention ( T) 303
FST 132Firefighter Professional 2 ( T) 365
1XX Mathematics Elective (G)  223
10X English Composition Elective (G)  303
Semester 4  
FST 126Fire Protection Systems ( T) 202
FST 143Hazard Recognition Officer ( T) 223
FST 228Legal Aspects of the Emergency Services ( T) 303
XXX XXX Social Science Elective (G)  303
XXX XXX EMS / FST Elective (T)  132
Semester 5  
FST 223Principles of Fire and Emergency Services Safety and Survival ( T) 202
FST 226Building Construction for Fire Protection ( T) 303
COMM 1XX Communication Elective (B)  303
PHI 110Ethics ( G) 303
Total Credits:  532965

Electives

First Year Experience Elective
FYE 100College Success Strategies: Overview1
FYE 105College Success Strategies: Overview and Application2
FYE 110College Success Strategies: Practice and Application3
Mathematics Elective
MAT 105Quantitative Reasoning3
MAT 131Statistics 13
English Composition Elective
ENG 102English Composition 2: Contemporary Issues3
ENG 103English Composition 2: Writing about Literature3
ENG 104English Composition 2: Technical Communication3
Social Science Elective
PSY 110Introduction to Psychology3
SOC 105Introduction to Sociology3
EMS / FST Elective
EMS 120Paramedic Anatomy and Physiology3
FST 258Rapid Assistance and Self-Rescue Operations2
FST 294Internship 1: Fire Service Technology2
Communication Elective
COMM 105Interpersonal Communication3
COMM 110Public Speaking3

Some courses are offered in alternative versions identified with a letter after the course number-- for example, ENG 101 and ENG 101A.

  • This curriculum displays only course numbers without the added letter.
  • The alternative version, when available, meets the requirements of the course version without the added letter.

The letters G, B, and T (displayed after course titles or elective descriptions) identify types of courses required by the Ohio Department of Higher Education as part of an associate’s degree curriculum. 

G = General Education course in this curriculum

B = Basic Skills course in this curriculum

T = Technical course in this curriculum

Fire Service Certificate (FSTC)

Semester 1LecLabCredits
FST 105Firefighter Physical Preparedness 122
FST 101Fire Cadet Fundamentals 122
FST 136Emergency Vehicle Operator 021
EMS 110Emergency Medical Technician Theory and Practice 547
Semester 2  
FST 131Firefighter Professional 1 466
FST 123Principles of Emergency Services 303
FST 120Fire Behavior and Combustion 202
Semester 3  
FST 132Firefighter Professional 2 365
XXX XXX - FST/EMS Elective  303
Total Credits:  222231

Electives

FST/EMS Elective
FST 129Fire Prevention3
FST 143Hazard Recognition Officer3
EMS 120Paramedic Anatomy and Physiology3

Professional Firefighter Certificate (PFC)

Semester 1LecLabCredits
EMS 110Emergency Medical Technician Theory and Practice 547
FST 101Fire Cadet Fundamentals 122
FST 105Firefighter Physical Preparedness 122
FST 136Emergency Vehicle Operator 021
Semester 2  
FST 13X Firefighter Professional Elective  81211
Total Credits:  152223

Electives 

Firefighter Professional Elective
FST 135Career Firefighter11
FST 131
FST 132
Firefighter Professional 1
and Firefighter Professional 2
11

Fire Safety (FST, FSTL)

  • Perform and function as a Firefighter 2 certified by Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) and nationally accredited by National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (commonly known as the Pro Boards).
  • Perform and function as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certified as an Ohio and National EMT.
  • Demonstrate the importance and value of functioning as a team member at emergency scenes.
  • Provide additional value to the community through non-emergency assistance involving life safety education, inspections, and support at community events.
  • Promote and practice safety at all fire department and community functions.
  • Display and promote a healthy lifestyle and environment.

Courses

FST 101 Fire Cadet Fundamentals
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 2 Lab Hours.

A course that prepares students mentally and physically for the State of Ohio Firefighter 1 & 2 course. Topics include: fire ground fundamentals, self discipline, procedures, concepts, equipment, tools, and safety related information. The course location is Station 2 on Este Avenue in Cincinnati.
Prerequisites: Instructor Consent
Corequisites: FST 136 : Emergency Vehicle Operator
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Instructor Consent Required

FST 103 Evolution of the Fire Service
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on the growth of the fire service from its creation through the 21st century. Topics include: changes in suppression methods, building codes, and rescue techniques; administrative philosophies; and personnel behaviors.
Prerequisites: None
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FST 105 Firefighter Physical Preparedness
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 2 Lab Hours.

A course on physical fitness in the fire service, using American Council on Exercise (ACE) and Cooper Institute standards. Topics include: body mechanics, cardiovascular conditioning, flexibility, functional strength, and how to avoid common fire service injuries. The course location is Station 2 on Este Avenue in Cincinnati.
Prerequisites: Instructor Consent
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Instructor Consent Required

FST 120 Fire Behavior and Combustion
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on theories and fundamentals of how and why fires start and spread, and how fires are controlled. Topics include: the chemistry of fire, combustion and heat transfer, stages of fire growth, toxic gases and smoke, and extinguishing agents.
Prerequisites: Placement into ENG 101A MAT 093 or MAT 131A or appropriate Math placement
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Ohio Transfer Assurance Guide Approved

FST 123 Principles of Emergency Services
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on fire protection services, including philosophy, history, and career opportunities in related fields. Topics include: fire chemistry and physics, fire protection systems, and an introduction to fire strategy and tactics.
Prerequisites: Placement into ENG 101A
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Ohio Transfer Assurance Guide Approved

FST 126 Fire Protection Systems
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on design features and operation of fire alarm systems. Topics include water-based fire suppression systems, special hazard fire suppression systems, water supply for fire protection, and portable fire extinguishers.
Prerequisites: Placement into ENG 101A
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Ohio Transfer Assurance Guide Approved

FST 129 Fire Prevention
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on fundamental concepts of fire prevention. Topics include: history, philosophy, organization, and operation of a fire prevention bureau; use and application of codes and standards; plan review; fire inspections; fire and life safety education; and fire investigation.
Prerequisites: Placement into ENG 101A
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Ohio Transfer Assurance Guide Approved

FST 131 Firefighter Professional 1
6 Credits. 4 Lecture Hours. 6 Lab Hours.

A course covering NFPA 1001 Firefighter 1 and 2 objectives. Topics include: ladders, personal protection clothing, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), fire extinguishers, search and rescue, ropes and knots, and hoses and nozzles. Students must successfully complete FST 131 and FST 132 and earn a passing score on the state firefighter exam to obtain Ohio Firefighter II certification. The course location is Station 2 on Este Avenue in Cincinnati and other off-campus sites.
Prerequisites: FST 101 and FST 105 and FST 136, and instructor consent
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Instructor Consent Required

FST 132 Firefighter Professional 2
5 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 6 Lab Hours.

A continuation of FST 131, covering NFPA 1001 Firefighter 1 and 2 objectives. Topics include: fire streams and foam, fire control, fire protection systems, and pre-incident surveys. Students who successfully complete this course are eligible to take the Ohio Firefighter's Exam. Students who are successful on the state exam are also eligible for national (PROBOARD) certification. Some course activities are located at Station 2 on Este Avenue in Cincinnati.
Prerequisites: FST 131 and instructor consent
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Instructor Consent Required

FST 135 Career Firefighter
11 Credits. 8 Lecture Hours. 12 Lab Hours.

A course covering National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001 Firefighter I and II objectives. Topics include: ladders, personal protective equipment, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), fire extinguishers, search and rescue, ropes and knots, and hoses and nozzles. Students must successfully complete FST 135 and earn a passing score on the Ohio firefighter exam to obtain Ohio Firefighter II certification. The course meets off-campus at 5746 Este Avenue (Cincinnati) and other off-campus sites as required.
Prerequisites: FST 101 and FST 105 and FST 136
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Instructor Consent Required

FST 136 Emergency Vehicle Operator
1 Credit. 0 Lecture Hour. 2 Lab Hours.

A course on safe driving practices while responding in emergency vehicles. Topics include: techniques for safe operation, post-collision analysis, and unsafe practices during emergency response. Students must have a valid driver's license. The course location is Station 2 on Este Avenue in Cincinnati.
Prerequisites: Instructor consent and valid driver's license
Corequisites: FST 101 : Fire Cadet Fundamentals
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Instructor Consent Required

FST 143 Hazard Recognition Officer
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 2 Lab Hours.

A course that provides knowledge and skills needed to conduct fire and life safety inspections in the State of Ohio and meet standards for National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Fire Inspector I. Topics include: the fire inspector's role in code enforcement; general fire prevention practices; fire safety requirements related HAZMAT, electrical systems, and fire protection systems; and properly conducting fire safety inspections. Students who complete the course successfully are prepared to take the Ohio EMS Hazard Recognition Officer (HRO) certification.
Prerequisites: FST 132 and Instructor consent
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Instructor Consent Required

FST 161 Fire Officer 1
4 Credits. 4 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on preparing for the role of company officer, using NFPA 1021 Fire Officers Professional Qualifications Level 1 objectives. Topics include: human resource management, community and government relations, inspections, investigations, emergency service delivery, and safety.
Prerequisites: ENG 101, and instructor consent
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Instructor Consent Required

FST 162 Fire Officer 2
4 Credits. 4 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course that meets the job performance requirements of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1021 - Managing Fire Officer, and follows the leadership standards published by the International Association of Fire Chiefs in the Officer Development Handbook.
Prerequisites: FST 161, and instructor consent
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Instructor Consent Required

FST 223 Principles of Fire and Emergency Services Safety and Survival
2 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on the history and basic principles of the national firefighter life safety initiatives, focusing on the need for cultural change throughout the emergency services.
Prerequisites: ENG 101
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Ohio Transfer Assurance Guide Approved

FST 226 Building Construction for Fire Protection
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on components of building construction related to firefighter and life safety. Topics include: elements of construction and design of structures in relation to inspecting buildings, pre-planning fire operations, and operating at emergencies.
Prerequisites: ENG 101
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Ohio Transfer Assurance Guide Approved

FST 228 Legal Aspects of the Emergency Services
3 Credits. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hour.

A course on legal issues related to emergency services. Topics include: the U.S. legal system; recent court decisions, events, and statutes; the Americans with Disabilities Act; the Family Medical Leave Act; the Fair Labor Standards Act; and HIPAA.
Prerequisites: ENG 101
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FST 258 Rapid Assistance and Self-Rescue Operations
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 3 Lab Hours.

A course on saving your own life or saving lives of other firefighters. Topics include: MAYDAY, fire ground safety, communications, self awareness, rapid entry team preparedness, and survival techniques.
Prerequisites: FST 132
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FST 265 Fire Service Instructor
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

A course on techniques for teaching adult learners knowledge and skills required for the Fire Services field, using NFPA 1041 Instructor 1 and 2 objectives. Topics include: domains of learning, learning outcomes and objectives, classroom preparedness, student safety, and legal obligations. Students must have five years experience as a firefighter.
Prerequisites: At least five years of experience as an Ohio-certified firefighter and hold valid Ohio firefighter certificate in good standing and have passed the Firefighter II level Ohio instructor knowledge examination within the past year
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Instructor Consent Required

FST 268 Fire Safety Inspector
3 Credits. 2 Lecture Hours. 3 Lab Hours.

A course on fire safety inspection procedures and responsibilities, using NFPA 1031 objectives. Students who are members of an Ohio Fire Department may take the state exam for Fire Safety Inspector at the end of the course.
Prerequisites: Students must hold a current Ohio firefighter certificate and be employed by an Ohio firefighting agency
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FST 294 Internship 1: Fire Service Technology
2 Credits. 1 Lecture Hour. 40 Lab Hours.

Students seeking an associate's degree participate in an unpaid field learning experience at a fire department. Students must follow the hosting fire department's applicable policies and procedures and keep a daily journal to earn credit. Grades issued are Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
Prerequisites: FST 132
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Instructor Consent Required