AA/AS in Fire Protection

The Fire Science program at Merritt College trains students for firefighting, fire prevention and wider public safety work. Its coursework is meant to prepare people for roles from firefighter up to fire officer and chief. Coursework spans how fires behave, personal safety and survival, inspections, community education, preparation for a fire academy and cause investigation. Students can also join ride-alongs and follow certification routes that give a taste of the profession. The recommended pathway starts with Emergency Medical Responder and moves on to Emergency Medical Technician training. EMT students must meet health and safety conditions before the first class, including CPR certification, a tuberculosis test and hepatitis B vaccinations. A set of fire science core classes then builds on that foundation, starting with Fire Service Organization. A former student now serving as a local firefighter credits the program for hands-on experience.