Fire Science Technical Rescue
Associate of Applied Science
Overview
The fire science technical rescue program satisfies the demands of the area job market, increases students’ employability, and significantly improves technical rescue and scene/administrative management skills. This degree is open to seasoned professionals looking to enhance their career growth as well as new entrants to fire science wishing to specialize in technical rescue operations in fire and emergency services.
Technical rescue is a highly specialized “high risk/low frequency” area of fire department operations that requires an extensive amount of training and education. Types of technical rescue include:
- rope rescue
- confined space rescue
- vehicle/machinery rescue
- structural collapse rescue
- trench rescue
- water rescue
Successful completion of this program uniquely positions students for advancement in the fire department, particularly at the company officer level. Professional competencies accomplished through this degree also provide a safer work environment for firefighters and significantly increase the chances of successful victim rescue and improved patient outcomes in a high-risk environment.
COTC partners with the Ohio Fire Academy (OFA) to offer the fire science technical rescue associate degree. OFA is the only training organization accredited through the International Fire & Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) in the state of Ohio. As part of that accreditation, OFA provides a comprehensive offering of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1006 compliant, IFSAC-accredited technical rescue courses (NFPA 1006: Standard for Technical Rescue Personnel Professional Qualifications).
Future Start Dates
Admission Requirements
You must enroll at both COTC and the Ohio Fire Academy. To be admitted to COTC, submit a free application for admission and complete the standard steps to enroll. To be admitted to the fire science technical rescue program, you must complete the additional admission requirements for the Ohio Fire Academy.
Admission Requirements Checklist
Plan of Study
Associate Degree
Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science Technical Rescue
A “C” (2.00) grade or better is required in all fire science technology courses to proceed and graduate from the program.
Total Credit Hours: 65
|
Pre-Admission Course Requirements |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Fire Fighter I |
7 |
|
| FIRE-112 | Fire Fighter II. (co-req Fire 111) | 4 |
| EMS-120 | Emergency Medical Technician | 7 |
|
Total |
18 |
|
| Autumn Semester | ||
|
Occupational Safety & Health Em. Serv. |
3 |
|
|
Rope Rescue Technician |
2 |
|
|
MATH-130 or MATH-140 or |
Introduction to Statistics* College Algebra* Quantitative Reasoning* |
3 |
|
Introduction to Psychology |
3 |
|
|
Total |
11 |
|
| Spring Semester | ||
|
Composition I* |
3 |
|
|
Swift Water Rescue Technician* |
2 |
|
|
Critical Thinking* |
3 |
|
| Abnormal Psychology* |
3 |
|
|
Total |
11 |
|
|
Summer Semester |
||
|
BIO-121 or |
Human Biology (EMT-P track)* Chemistry* |
4 |
|
Confined Space Rescue Level I & II* |
1 |
|
|
Trench Rescue I & 2* |
2 |
|
| SOC-110 | Cultural Diversity | 3 |
|
Fundamentals of Communication |
3 |
|
|
Total |
13 |
|
|
Autumn Semester |
||
|
Structural Collapse Rescue Operations* |
1 |
|
| FIRE-124 | Common Passenger Vehicle Recue Technician | 2 |
|
Building Construction for Fire Protection* |
3 |
|
|
Fire & Emergency Services Administration |
3 |
|
|
Introduction to Ethics* |
3 |
|
|
Total |
12 |
|
*Course may have prerequisites. Please check the course description to view all prerequisites and requirements.
The college reserves the right to change curricula without notice.
Published: March 2024
Program Outcomes
The COTC fire science technical rescue program awards an Associate of Applied Science through an excellent curriculum designed to provide education and skills in technical rescue operations for those who are seasoned professionals and for those who are new to fire science and emergency medical services professions, wishing to specialize in technical rescue operations in fire and emergency services.
At the completion of the plan of study, students with an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science Technical Rescue will be able to:
- Apply strategies, tactics and incident command/incident management skills to technical rescue emergency incidents.
- Application of management and leadership principles to fire department operations, interagency cooperation and implementation of policies and procedures.
- Development of skills and education for employment and advancement in fire and emergency services.
- Identify, examine and apply current and emerging concepts in technical rescue operations.
- Exhibit an understanding of basic principles of safety related to firefighter life safety initiatives and focusing on the need for cultural and behavioral change in fire and emergency services.
- Identify and demonstrate the knowledge/skills required for victim rescue and improved patient outcomes in a high-risk environment.
Program Accreditation
COTC partners with the Ohio Fire Academy (OFA) to offer the fire science technical rescue associate degree. OFA is the only training organization accredited through the International Fire& Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) in the state of Ohio. As part of that accreditation, OFA provides a comprehensive offering of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1006 compliant, IFSAC-accredited technical rescue courses (NFPA 1006: Standard for Technical Rescue Personnel Professional Qualifications).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “high risk/low frequency” mean?
There is greater risk or increased danger involved in performing technical rescue, and the need for technical rescue doesn’t occur frequently or often.
How quickly can I complete the fire science technical rescue program?
Students who enroll full-time may complete the fire science technical rescue associate degree in four semesters.
Can I take classes online or face-to-face?
The fire science technical rescue associate degree offers both in-person and online courses. Students can complete the fire science technology associate degree online except for the hands-on firefighter training, which is offered in person at our partner location, the Ohio Fire Academy.
What financial assistance is available to help me pay for college?
COTC awards more than $1 million in scholarships to students each year.
Every student is encouraged to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for grants, scholarships and loans. Students who complete the FAFSA are automatically considered for some scholarships. Other scholarships require an application.
See Paying for College for more information, or connect with the Office of Student Financial Services at 740.366.9435 or email NWK-studentfinancialservices@mail.cotc.edu.