- Las Positas College
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- Courses - Fire Service Technology
Fire Service Technology
Las Positas College Fire Service Technology "core" curriculum is aligned with the National FESHE (Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education) 2018 model Fire Service curriculum, in addition several course offerings provide entry level industry certificates from the Office of State Fire Marshal, State Fire Training Division.
The Associate of Science Degree program focuses on both the technical training and the general education course work required for a degree. This program will prepare completers to enter gainful employment in the fire industry the fire technology program provides educational courses that prepare students to enter the field of fire technology as a firefighter. The program supports working partnerships with county and city fire departments forming a regional training center.
About Las Positas FIRE Academy-ARTP (Approved Regional Training Program)
Las Positas College Regional Fire Academy is an accredited Regional Training program (ARTP) as designated by the Office of the California State Fire Marshal (CSFM). As an ARTP, Las Positas College Regional Fire Academy is authorized to deliver a CSFM Accredited Fire Fighter I Academy and a full suite of CSFM courses leading advanced levels of certification. In addition, Las Positas College Regional Fire Academy is authorized by CSFM to deliver Fire Fighter I certification examinations in support of CSFM's accreditation by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) and the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board).
The Las Positas College Regional Fire Academy is an accredited California State Fire Marshal program providing certificates from State Fire Training (SFT) and the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG). This program and other similar programs statewide are intended to provide an educated recruit base for Fire Departments in the state of California. This program is designed to meet the dynamic challenges of fire department needs for pre-service recruits in the 21st century and enabling students to successfully become employed by fire departments throughout the state of California and within the Alameda County Community College District's service area. Las Positas College Fire Academy graduates are employed in every Fire Department in Alameda County and many departments in California as well as out of state.
The program goal/objective of the Fire Academy is to provide an academic, behavioral, physical, and manipulative skills base to enable a student upon graduation to successfully compete for an entry Firefighter position and to complete a departments probationary requirements. In order to maintain accreditation, the Las Positas College Fire Academy is reviewed by the California State Fire Marshal (CSFM ARTP Accredited Programs) and members of the California Fire Technology/Academy Directors Association every 3 years from the initial date of accreditation and 5 years thereafter
Degrees:
Certificates of Achievement:
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities provided through the Fire Service Technology Program include Volunteer / Reserve Firefighter, Seasonal Wildland Firefighter, Full Time Professional Firefighter, Firefighter / EMT, Firefighter / Paramedic, Fire Inspector or Code Enforcement Officer, Fire Cause and Origin Investigator and State Certified "Fire Officer" which is desired for promotion to a "Company Officer" in most Fire Service Agencies.
Fire Service Technology Courses
Fire Service Technology courses may be scheduled alternating years. Students may be required to take day and evening classes to complete the Associate Degree.
FST 1 - Fire Protection Organization
3 units
This course provides an overview to fire protection and emergency services, career opportunities in fire protection and related fields, culture and history of emergency services, fire loss analysis, organization and function of public and private fire protection services, fire departments as part of local government, laws and regulations affecting the fire service; fire service nomenclature, specific fire protection functions, basic fire chemistry and physics, introduction to fire protection systems, introduction to fire strategy and tactics, and life safety initiatives. 54 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU; C-ID# FIRE 100 X.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: GR
FST 2 - Principles of Fire and Emergency Services Safety and Survival
3 units
This course introduces the basic principles and history related to the national firefighter life safety initiatives, focusing on the need for cultural and behavior change throughout the emergency services; assessing fire dangers and handling common fire situations; risk abatement and personal preparation for unforeseen fire emergencies; roles and responsibilities in educating the public on fire safety; development of a survival attitude using problem-solving techniques for increased situational awareness and self-reliance in an emergency. 54 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU; C-ID# FIRE 150 X.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: GR
FST 3 - Fire Behavior and Combustion
3 units
Theory and fundamentals of why fires start, spread, and are controlled. An in-depth study of fire chemistry and fire physics, characteristics of materials, extinguishing agents, and fire control techniques. 54 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU; C-ID# FIRE 140 X.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: GR
FST 4 - Fire Prevention
3 units
Provides fundamental knowledge relating to the field of fire prevention. Topics include, history and philosophy of fire prevention and organization, organization and operation of a fire prevention bureau, use and applications fire codes and standards, plans review, fire inspections, identification and correction of fire hazards, fire and life safety education, and fire investigation. Strongly Recommended: FST 1 with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU; C-ID# FIRE 110 X.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: GR
FST 5 - Fire Protection Systems
3 units
This course provides information relating to the features of design, and operations of fire alarm systems, water-based suppression systems, special hazard fire suppression systems and water supply for fire protection. Smoke and thermal detection systems, installation, testing and maintenance of automatic or manual protection systems and water supply for sprinkler and standpipe systems and portable fire extinguishers. 54 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU; C-ID# FIRE 120 X.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: GR
FST 6 - Building Construction for Fire Protection
3 units
This course provides the components of building construction related to fire and life safety. The elements of construction and design of structures are shown to be key factors when inspecting buildings, preplanning fire operations, and operating at fire and collapse emergencies. Development and evolution of building and fire codes will be studied in their relationship to past fires and collapses in residential, commercial, and industrial occupancies. Strongly Recommended: FST 1 with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU; C-ID# FIRE 130 X.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: GR
FST 7 - Fire Service Conditioning & Physical Agility Development
1 unit
This course is an introduction to the components of physical fitness development and conditioning, with an emphasis in preparing students for the physical agility performance and testing standards required of “Emergency First Responder” Candidates entering into Police or Fire Academies. Students will be presented instruction on proper warm-up and stretching techniques, how to maintain and develop the components of fitness through increased muscular strength and muscular endurance, cardiovascular endurance and recovery, and increased flexibility and balance. Students will be introduced to Circuit Training and will also receive skills instruction on various testing parameters of the Nationally approved and recognized Certified Physical Agility Test (CPAT). Students will additionally receive instruction on various “Tools of the Trade” (i.e., Ladders, Fire Hose, SCBA) for developing proper skills in handling, lifting and carrying techniques as well as developing cardio-respiratory control and aerobic conditioning while wearing a “Self Contained Breadthing Apparatus” (SCBA) under conditions of physical exertion. 54 hours laboratory. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU; CSU GE: E.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: GR
FST 8 - Fire Strategy and Tactics
3 units
Fire Strategy and Tactics examines how a fire department responds to structure fires and other emergency incidents from the incident commander's viewpoint. The class examines strategies and tactics from the incident commander’s viewpoint. Students are challenged with decision-making through a variety of occupancies as they utilize basic firefighting procedures and considerations. Principles of fire control, through utilization of manpower, equipment, extinguishing agents, and fire command and control procedures will be discussed and demonstrated. Using information on building construction types in fire control, pre-fire planning and the organized approach to decision making on the fire ground will be applied. The target audience for this course is second year FST students or working fire professionals who wish to promote to a supervisory role. 54 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: GR
FST 10 - Firefighter I Academy Introduction
1 unit
This course provides an orientation to the Fire Fighter I Academy and introduces the applied operations and maintenance of basic rescue and fire suppression apparatus and equipment. Topics include radio communications, ropes, ladders, hose, personal protective equipment, tool operations, maintenance, and physical fitness training. This course is required for students preparing to apply to the Fire Fighter I Academy at Las Positas College. 9 hours lecture, 27 hours laboratory.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: P/NP
FST 11C - Standalone Firefighter I Skills Practice and Testing
1.5 units
This course prepares students to meet the State Fire Training (SFT) requirements for Fire Fighter I (FFI) including the capstone knowledge and skills necessary to pass. Upon successful completion of the IFSAC and Pro-Board Certification Exams at the end of the course, students will receive a pass letter from the SFT. Prerequisite: FST 11 with a minimum grade of B or Completion of a Fire Academy using the Firefighter 2013 curriculum as the described by California State Fire Training and a letter from a recognized fire agency attesting to the fact that the applicant has met the aforementioned requirement. 9 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: P/NP
FST 12A - LPC-Regional Fire Academy- Firefighter 1A Structure Module
14 units
This course provides the skills and knowledge needed for the entry-level fire fighter to perform structural suppression activities. Key learning concepts include: fire fighter safety; communications; cleaning, maintaining, and utilizing equipment and tools; building construction and fire behavior; water supply; ladder operations; forcing entry into a structure; conducting search and rescue operations; attacking an interior structure fire; horizontal and vertical ventilation; property conservation; fire scene overhaul; fire fighter survival; and fire suppression with Class A materials, vehicles, and ground cover. Prerequisite: EMS 30 with a minimum grade of C or a valid State of California EMT or PARAMEDIC license issued by the CA EMSA also meet this prerequisite, FST 1 with a minimum grade of C, FST 7 with a minimum grade of C or a valid CPAT (Candidate Physical Agility Test) or a BIDDLE (Firefighter Physical Agility) test also meet this prerequisite. 144 hours lecture, 324 hours laboratory.
Course Material Fees May Apply
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: OP
FST 12B - LPC-Regional Fire Academy/FF1B Hazmat/WMD Module
2 units
This course provides the awareness skills and knowledge needed for the entry-level fire fighter to recognize and identify hazardous materials and weapons of mass destruction (WMD), isolate hazards and deny entry, and initiate required notification. At the operations level, this course provides the skills and knowledge needed to identify incident scope; select, use, and inspect PPE; perform emergency decontamination; perform assigned tasks at a hazardous materials/ WMD incident including product control techniques; and evaluate and report incident progress. Prerequisite: EMS 30 with a minimum grade of C or a valid State of California EMT or PARAMEDIC license issued by the CA EMSA also meet this prerequisite, FST 1 with a minimum grade of C, FST 7 with a minimum grade of C or a valid CPAT (Candidate Physical Agility Test) or a BIDDLE (Firefighter Physical Agility) test also meet this prerequisite. 27 hours lecture, 27 hours laboratory.
Course Material Fees May Apply
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: OP
FST 12C - LPC-Regional Fire Academy/Firefighter 1C Wildland Module
3 units
This course provides the skills and knowledge needed for the entry-level fire fighter to recognize hazards and unsafe situations; don, doff, and maintain wild land personal protective equipment; deploy a fire shelter; maintain suppression hand tools and equipment; assemble and prepare for response; construct and secure a fire-line; reduce the threat of fire exposure to improved properties. Prerequisite: EMS 30 with a minimum grade of C or a valid State of California EMT or PARAMEDIC license issued by the CA EMSA also meet this prerequisite, FST 1 with a minimum grade of C, FST 7 with a minimum grade of C or a valid CPAT (Candidate Physical Agility Test) or a BIDDLE (Firefighter Physical Agility) test also meet this prerequisite. 36 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory
Course Material Fees May Apply
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: OP
FST 13 - LPC Regional Fire Academy-Firefighter 2 Module
2.5 units
This course provides the skills and knowledge needed for the fire fighter to take on increased leadership roles and responsibilities pertaining to fire department communications, rescue operations, and fire and life safety initiatives, preparedness and maintenance of power tools. Prerequisite: Completion of a state approved ALA or ARTP Firefighter 1 academy which includes IFSAC Proboard certification testing. This may be taken concurrently with the Firefighter 1 academy with instructor approval. 27 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: OP
FST 20 - CO 2A Human Resource Management for Company Officers
2.5 units
This course provides information on the use of human resources to accomplish assignments, evaluating member performance, supervising personnel, and integrating health and safety plans, policies, and procedures into daily activities as well as the emergency scene. This is a required course for any Firefighter within State Fire Training and certification track who is seeking promotion to the rank of Company Officer. This course follows all applicable mandates and content as identified by the CSFM State Fire Training description. Prerequisite: Must be a current fire fighter and meet educational requirements for Firefighter 1 and Firefighter 2 certifications. 45 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: OP
FST 21 - CO 2B General Administrative Functions for Company Officers
1.5 units
This course provides information on general administrative functions and the implementation of department policies and procedures and addresses conveying the fire department’s role, image, and mission to the public. Prerequisite: Must be a current fire fighter and meet educational requirements for Firefighter 1 and Firefighter 2 certifications. 27 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: OP
FST 22 - CO 2C Fire Inspections and Investigation for Company Officers
2.5 units
This course provides information on conducting inspections, identifying hazards and addressing violations, performing a fire investigation to determine preliminary cause and securing the incident scene and preserving evidence. This course is a requirement for aspiring Firefighters seeking promotion as a company officer. Prerequisite: Must be a current fire fighter and meet educational requirements for Firefighter 1 and Firefighter 2 certifications. 45 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: OP
FST 23 - CO 2D All - Risk Command Operations for Company Officers
2.5 units
This course provides information on conducting incident size-up; developing and implementing an initial plan of action involving single and multi-unit operations for various types of emergency incidents to mitigate the situation following agency safety procedures; conducting pre-incident planning; and develop and conduct a post incident analysis. Prerequisite: Must be a current fire fighter and meet educational requirements for Firefighter 1 and Firefighter 2 certifications. 45 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU; C-ID# FIRE 230 X.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: OP
FST 24 - CO 2E Wildland Incident Operations for Company Officer
2.5 units
This course provides information on evaluating and reporting incident conditions, analyzing incident needs, developing and implementing a plan of action to deploy incident resources completing all operations to suppress a wildland fire, establishing an incident command post, creating an incident action plan, and completing incident records and reports. Prerequisite: Must be a current fire fighter and meet educational requirements for Firefighter 1 and Firefighter 2 certifications. 45 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: OP
FST 25 - Instructor 1
2.5 units
Provides skills and knowledge needed for entry-level professional instructor to perform his or her duties safely, effectively, and competently. The curriculum is based on the 2012 edition of NFPA 1041 Standard for Fire Service Instructor Professional Qualifications. At the end of this course, candidates for Instructor I certification will be able to teach and deliver instruction from a prepared lesson plan utilizing instructional aids and evaluation instruments. The Instructor I will also be able to adapt a lesson plan and complete the reporting requirements to the local jurisdiction. Prerequisite: Must be a current fire fighter and meet educational requirements for Firefighter 1 and Firefighter 2 certifications. 45 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU; C-ID# FIRE 250X.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: OP
FST 30 - Basic Firefighter Skills and Update
2 units
This course is designed for currently employed and volunteer Firefighters and covers fire service topics in a classroom and manipulative setting that includes required skills maintenance and updated tactical techniques. All subjects relate to the duties and responsibilities of the fire services in order to maintain a state of readiness. Course may be repeated to cover legally mandated training and new techniques. Prerequisite: Must be a current volunteer or paid fire fighter who has passed an ARTP or ALA fire fighter academy with a letter from the department head indicating student's status. 18 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: OP
FST 31 - Intermediate Firefighter Skills and Update
2 units
This course is designed for currently employed and volunteer Firefighters and covers Intermediate fire service topics in a classroom and manipulative setting that includes required skills maintenance and updated tactical techniques. All Intermediate subjects relate to the duties and responsibilities of the fire services in order to maintain a state of readiness. Course may be repeated to cover legally mandated training and new techniques. Prerequisite: Must be a current volunteer or paid fire fighter who has passed an ARTP or ALA fire fighter academy with a letter from the department head indicating student's status. 18 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: OP
FST 32 - Advanced Hazmat and Wildland Training for Firefighters
2 units
This course is designed for currently employed and volunteer Firefighters and covers advanced Hazmat and Wildland topics, updates, and manipulative skills. All advanced subjects relate to the duties and responsibilities of the fire services in order to maintain a state of readiness. Course may be repeated to cover legally mandated training and new techniques. Prerequisite: Must be a current volunteer or paid fire fighter who has passed an ARTP or ALA fire fighter academy with a letter from the department head indicating student's status. 18 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory.
- Degree Applicable, Credit
- Grading Option: OP