Fire and Rescue

Students in this program will graduate with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Fire and Rescue. The program will provide applied entry-level career training for fire fighters and will enhance on-going training for current protective services professionals in Montana and the western states.

All coursework required in the Fire and Rescue program is offered in Helena and Missoula.

Students taking computers, math, writing, and career development on the UM-Missoula College of Technology campus will take the equivalent courses of CAPP120 Introduction to Computers (2 credits); PSYX161 Fundamentals of Organizational Psychology (3 credits) or PSYX100 Introduction to Psychology (3 credits); WRIT121 Introduction to Technical Writing (3 credits); and M111T Technical Mathematics (3 credits).

Fire and Rescue courses concentrate on training in fire behavior, extinguishing agents, apparatus, tactics, rescue, and safety. Students will experience live fire situations in training mock-ups and will be able to enter careers in community-based fire departments, industrial fire brigades, airport fire brigades, and wildland fire agencies.

Official acceptance into the Fire and Rescue program is contingent upon the student successfully completing two physical requirements. The first requirement is passing a physical exam performed by the student’s family physician or medical practitioner. The physical form is available through Admissions and Enrollment Services.

The physical agility test is the second physical requirement. Students must successfully complete the following physical agility test, within a one and one-half hours’ time frame, before being allowed to register for Fire and Rescue classes. The required physical agility test will be offered at fall orientation programs. Fire and Rescue applicants will be notified of specific testing and orientation dates.

The physical agility test includes:

• One-mile-run under 10 minutes
• Fifty sit-ups under two minutes
• Twenty-five push-ups under two minutes
• Lift and drag a 175-pound mannequin 50 feet
• Climb a 24 foot ladder

These meet minimum standards as set forth under the guidelines of the National Fire Protection Association Standards 1500, 1582, and 1901

Additional Costs:

• Student Uniform - Approximately $300
• Personal Protective Equipment - Approximately $250
• Turnout Rental - $210 per academic year; includes bunker pants, coat, and helmet
• Criminal Background Check - Approximately $50

Requirements for FIRE105 Emergency Medical Technician-Basic (EMT):

• Students are required to have their own blood pressure cuff and stethoscope.
• Students are required to have the Hepatitis B vaccine and current (within six months) test for tuberculosis.