Fire Science Technology

Ignite Your Future

Your future in the fire service begins at Southwestern College

The Southwestern College Fire Technology Program prepares students for the realities of a modern fire service career. Our State Fire Marshal Accredited program provides hands-on training and academic instruction that develops the critical thinking, technical skills, and physical readiness required to serve the community. Students gain a strong foundation in fire behavior, fire prevention, emergency medical response, and hazardous materials, while also exploring the history, laws, and science that shape the profession. Whether pursuing a career as a firefighter or advancing within the fire service, students leave our program prepared to meet the demands of this challenging and rewarding field

Degrees & Certificates Offered

Our Fire Science Technology programs are included in the Higher Education Center at Otay Mesa field of study and offer these awards:

Award	Location	Estimated Completion	Program Map
Associate of Science in Fire Technology	Otay Mesa	See Below	Learning Path
Certificate of Achievement in Fire Technology (Entry Level Firefighter)	Otay Mesa	See Below	Learning Path
Certificate of Achievement (Regional Fire Academy)	Otay Mesa	See Below	Learning Path

The Southwestern College Fire Academy takes just under one year to complete.
Our agency-sponsored academies (such as with Chula Vista Fire Department) are shorter in duration, typically about 20 weeks.
Students must complete the core courses (6 online) and 18 units of General Education. These can be taken at the student’s own pace, though we strongly encourage all Fire Academy graduates to complete them in order to earn their associate degree.
Certificates can be earned in less than a year through the SWC Academy, while the agency-sponsored academies allow students to earn a Certificate of Achievement in as little as 20 weeks.

Career Paths in the Fire Service

Whether you dream of rushing into burning buildings, leading a fire crew, or educating communities about safety, the fire service offers a wide range of exciting and meaningful careers. Many begin as firefighters, protecting lives and property while providing emergency medical care. Others choose to become fire inspectors, investigators, or prevention specialists, working to stop emergencies before they happen. With dedication and experience, opportunities grow into leadership roles such as engineer, captain, battalion chief, or even fire chief. The Southwestern College Fire Technology Program gives you the skills and confidence to pursue these paths—and prepares you to make a lasting difference in your community.

The average annual salary in this field is $68,760.

Common Career Oppurtunities include:

Firefighter – Respond to emergencies, fight fires, and provide lifesaving medical care
Fire Inspector / Prevention Specialist – Educate communities and enforce fire codes
Fire Investigator – Determine the origin and cause of fires and support public safety
Engineer – Operate and maintain firefighting apparatus and equipment
Captain / Battalion Chief / Fire Chief – Lead crews and manage fire department operations
Wildland Firefighter – Protect natural resources and communities from wildfires
Emergency Management / Federal & State Agencies – Support disaster response and national safety initiatives

No matter which path you choose, Southwestern College Fire Technology will prepare you with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience to succeed—so you’re ready to answer the call when your community needs you most.

Typical Duties of Fire Service Personnel

Fire service professionals are highly trained to protect lives, property, and the environment. Their responsibilities extend beyond fighting fires and often include:

Responding to structure, vehicle, and wildland fires
Providing emergency medical care and rescue services
Operating and maintaining firefighting apparatus and equipment
Conducting fire prevention inspections and enforcing safety codes
Investigating the causes of fires and hazardous incidents
Educating the community on fire safety and disaster preparedness
Assisting in disaster response and recovery efforts

These diverse duties require strong technical skills, teamwork, and a commitment to public service—qualities developed and strengthened through the Southwestern College Fire Technology Program.

As a firefighter, no two days are ever the same. You may be called to fight structure, vehicle, or wildland fires, provide emergency medical care, or perform rescues in life-threatening situations. Fire service personnel also play an important role in the community by conducting safety inspections, investigating the causes of fires, and teaching fire prevention and disaster preparedness.

These responsibilities require courage, teamwork, and problem-solving skills—qualities you will develop and strengthen through the Southwestern College Fire Technology Program as you prepare for a rewarding career in the fire service.

FIRE ACADEMY

Fire Academy Information

The Southwestern College Fire Academy is offered every Fall semester.

Before enrolling, students must complete the prerequisite course, FS 10 –“Professional Skills for Employment in the Fire Service”.

All firefighters in San Diego County are required to hold at least an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification. The courses for EMT at Southwestern College are:

EMT 101 - “Healthcare Provider CPR”

EMT 109 - “Healthcare Medical Provider”

EMT 113 - “Emergency Medical Technician- Basic”

EMT 113L - “Emergency Medical Technician Basic -Lab”

It is highly recommended that students complete their EMT certification prior to beginning the Fire Academy. Students who are not EMTs and have not completed EMT 101 and/or EMT 109 must register for these courses concurrently with FS 150A. All EMT courses EMT 101, EMT 109, EMT 113, EMT 113L must be successfully completed before the Academy’s conclusion to earn a Firefighter 1 Certification.

The Academy operates as a modular program, which means part time and with courses taken in a specific sequence Fire Science Associate Degree/Certificate and Academy Schedule. The program is approximately two semesters meeting on Tuesdays and Thursdays with additional days that are posted well in advance.

Fall Schedule 9:00 am-2:00 pm

Spring Schedule 9:00 am-7:00 pm

Intersession: Approximately 2 weeks of instruction

Summer: Testing/Graduation

Steps to Enroll

Apply to Southwestern College
-Complete the college application and obtain your student ID.
-How to apply and register for classes
Complete Prerequisites
-Successfully complete FS 10 “Professional Skills for Employment in the Fire Service”.
-Complete EMT 101 and EMT 109 in advance, or plan to take them concurrently with FS 150A*.
Register for Courses
-Follow the step-by-step registration instructions
-Estimated Academy Expenses
Attend the Mandatory Orientation
-Orientation is held approximately one month before the Fall semester begins.
-Attendance is required for all students planning to enter the Academy.
Enroll in Academy Courses
-Entry is granted on a first-come, first-served basis once prerequisites and orientation are complete.