Have experience as a firefighter? Climb the career ladder with this associate degree – or go on for your bachelor’s.
fire inspector
Flexible Learning Options
Online & In-Person
Live out of state? Attend online classes with no out-of-state tuition.
$48k
Annual Salary
Our recent graduates of this program reported an average starting salary of $47,652.
92%
Job Placement
92% job placement within six months of graduation.

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If you’d like to learn more about the Fire Protection Technician program, we’d love to talk with you.

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Fire Protection Technician
Program Number: 105032
Your Degree:
Associate Degree
Area of Study:
Law, Protective and Human Services
Delivery Method:
100% In Person
Some Online/Some In Person
Estimated Time to Complete:
61 Credits | Finish degree in 2 years
financial aid icon Financial Aid Available
transfer icon Program Transfers
net price calculator sketch
What You'll Pay
Use our Net Price Calculator to estimate your tuition costs.

Estimated Program Cost

$10,344.66

Financial Aid

Applying for financial aid and scholarships help you pay for your education.
  • Program Overview

    Madison College's Fire Protection Technician program is designed to meet the needs of any person currently employed in or preparing for a fire service career.

    Opportunities for graduates exist with municipal fire departments, insurance and government agencies, and in the field of industrial safety and related fields. Classes should be taken in the sequence listed.

    Program Details

    Fire Protection Technician is on a career pathway that includes this associate degree, a technical diploma and a certificate. All will prepare you for a good job. The associate degree allows you to transfer to another college to earn your bachelor’s degree. Learn at your own pace and increase your earning potential with credentials that keep you moving on your career path.

    Students in the Fire Protection Technician program can attend full or part-time. Classes should be taken in the sequence listed.

    Fire classes are offered at the Madison College Truax campus.

    Fire Service Careers

    Associate degree graduates are ready for a range of professional positions in the field including:

    • Firefighter
    • EMT
    • Fire Protection Technician
    • Fire Protection Systems Installer
    • Industrial Safety Technician
    • Property Risk Management Specialist

    With additional education and/or work experience, graduates may find employment as:

    • Fire Protection Consultant
    • Fire Protection Equipment Sales Manager
    • Industrial Safety Manager
    • Municipal Safety Manager
    • Property Loss/Risk Management Supervisor
    • Fire Investigator
    • Fire Marshal
    • Fire Inspector
    • Fire Officer

    Fire Service Jobs

    Resources for Fire Service Students

    Finish Your Fire Degree Online

    The only hands-on courses you are required to complete on campus are the Fire Academy (Firefighter I and II, Hazardous Materials Operations) and Emergency Medical Technician.  These hands-on courses can be completed through Madison College, any of the other 15 technical colleges around the state, or any other IFSAC or Pro-Board accredited program and National Registry courses.

    Contact one of our Advisors for more information.

  • Curriculum and Experience

    Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2024-2025 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.

    Current and newly admitted program students, go directly to your Degree Progress Report to view:

    • Progress toward your specific requirements
    • Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements

    If you have questions after reviewing your degree progress report (advisement report), please see Advising Services.

    First Semester
    10-503-144
    3 credits
    10-503-191
    2 credits
    10-503-100
    5 credits
    10-801-195
    3 credits
    Second Semester
    10-503-193
    3 credits
    10-531-102
    2 credits
    10-531-103
    3 credits
    10-804-134
    3 credits
    10-809-199
    3 credits
    Third Semester
    10-503-151
    4 credits
    10-503-195
    3 credits
    10-503-154
    2 credits
    10-801-196
    3 credits
    10-809-172
    3 credits
    Fourth Semester
    10-503-156
    4 credits
    10-503-157
    3 credits
    10-503-194
    3 credits
    10-801-197
    3 credits
  • Admission

    To Apply

    Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!

    International students who wish to apply for, maintain, or transfer their F-1 student visa status to Madison College are required to complete the International Admission Process.

    Note: It is recommended to only apply for a semester that has already started if you are currently enrolled in classes or you have verified that classes are still available for that semester.

    Application Dates

    Spring 2024

    • Application open
    • Application completion deadline is April 15, 2024

    Summer 2024

    • Application open
    • Application completion deadline is July 15, 2024

    Fall 2024

    • Application open
    • Application completion deadline is November 15, 2024

    Spring 2025

    • Application open
    • Application completion deadline is April 15, 2025

    Admission Requirements

    All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.

    1. Admission Application

    The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.

    2. Education Completion

    Official transcripts must be sent from the institutions you attended and indicate one of the following:

    • High school (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
    • GED/HSED transcript
    • College transcript(s) showing:
      • Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
      • At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
        • The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
        • Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum

    All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.

    Additional Notes

    • Class capacity is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis.
    • Course prerequisites differ from admission requirements; admission into a program does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses or success in the program. Refer to program curriculum for details.

    After Acceptance

    Once you are admitted into your program, review the Start of Semester Checklist to prepare for your first day of classes at Madison College. 

    Questions?

    Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.

    apply for admission

    Get Started!

    Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Fire Protection Technician career.

    It's Free to Apply

  • Transfer Opportunities

    UW System Schools

    This agreement applies only to students accepted into the Bachelor of Applied Studies degree at UW O. Students must have successfully completed their associate of applied science degree in fire protection technician with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and have graduated 1990 or later. The terms of the Human Services Leadership agreement are limited to students who have complete an associates of applied science degree and have been admitted to the Human Services Leadership degree at UW O. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

    Wisconsin Private Schools

    A student who completes an associate of arts, associate of science or associates of applied science is considered part of the ‘advanced core‘. The Advanced Core requires students to have earned at least 64 credits of transfer. If students transfer prior to completion or with less than 64 credits they will be considered part of the standard core and credits will be evaluated on a course by course basis.
    Students will be granted admission to a bachelors degree program upon completion of an approved transfer program at Madison College. Students must have earned a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater while at Madison College. Regardless of the number of credits transferred students must complete at least 25% of their baccalaureate degree credits at Herzing University University.
    Student who earn an Associate Degree from Madison College can transfer a minimum of 60 credits and a maximum of 72 credits to Lakeland College to be applied to the requirements of the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Sciences degree.
    Any Madison College student who has successfully completed an associate degree in applied science after 2015, and meets admission requirements for the Rader School of Business (RSOB) at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) can earn a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Technical Sales at MSOE by successfully completing the AAS to BBA Technical Sales Transfer Track in the Business Administration program. --- In particular, any Madison College student who successfully completes all technical courses and general education courses in their AAS program with a grade of C or better (not C-) in each course; successfully completes all other specified courses, as defined in this transfer agreement, with a grade of C or better (not C-) in each course; and meets the MSOE admission requirements for transfer students into the BBA Program at MSOE, minimum 2.75/4.0 cumulative GPA from the last regionally accredited school will be admitted into the AAS to BBA Technical Sales Transfer Track in the Bachelor of Business Administration program at MSOE.

    Out-of-State Schools

    Students who complete any associate degree at Madison Area Technical College will have no additional general education core curriculum requirements to meet but must satisfy the Kirkpatrick Signature Series requirement. This applies to students who are pursuing a bachelors of arts, bachelors of science or bachelors of fine arts at Bellevue University.
    Per the agreement, students must complete the associates of arts, associates of science or associates of applied science with an overall GPA of a 2.0 prior to transferring. Articulation agreement is for students who graduate from appropriate program and wish to pursue one of the following degrees at Capella: Bachelor of Science in Business specializations, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Bachelor of Science in Public Safety specializations, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (must hold a valid RN license) and Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
    Students graduating with an associate degree from MATC with a 2.0 GPA or higher are guaranteed admissions into CSU-Global and can transfer up to 64 semester credits from MATC to be applied toward earning a Bachelor’s Degree at CSU-Global.
    SFranklin University will guarantee acceptance of all Madison College graduates with an Associate in Arts, Associate in Science or Associate of Applied Science. Madison College graduates will have junior standing at Franklin University and may transfer additional credits (up to a maximum of 94) toward their baccalaureate degree.
  • Career Outcomes

    After completing the Fire Protection Technician program at Madison Area Technical College, you will be able to demonstrate:

    Professionalism

    • Demonstrate professional conduct by displaying personal code of ethics, positive work ethics, flexibility, teamwork skills, physical fitness, safe procedures, and sensitivity to diverse cultures and individuals.

    Technical Skills

    • Develop and employ an incident command system.
    • Develop and apply preincident plan.
    • Demonstrate awareness of basic fire code enforcement inspection process.
    • Develop and present public fire education seminars.
    • Investigate fires.
    • Perform fire service hydraulics.

    Technical Knowledge

    • Explain and apply strategic tactical priorities for safety, rescue, incident control, and loss control for situations including: fire suppression, search and rescue, hazardous materials, and disaster management.

    Communication Skills

    • Communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and through written documentation with clients, coworkers, other agencies and supervisors.

    Management Skills

    • Apply appropriate management skills to work effectively within emergency services organizations.
    • Graduate Summary

      Graduate Report Summary Overview

      202020212022
      Number of Program Graduates182212
      Number of Surveys Sent182112
      Number of Surveys Returned6189
      Percent of Surveys Returned
      Available for Employment6158
      Percent Available for Employment100.00%83.30%88.90%
      Not in Labor Market
      Percent Not in Labor Market0.00%16.70%11.10%
      Available for Employment

      202020212022
      Graduates Employed6158
      Percent of Graduates Employed100.00%100.00%100.00%
      Employed in Related Occupation6126
      Percent Employed in Related Occupation100.00%80.00%75.00%
      Employed in Unrelated Occupation032
      Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation0.00%20.00%25.00%
      Employed - No Response000
      Percent Employed - No Response0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Seeking Employment000
      Percent Seeking Employment0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Reaction To Training at Madison College

      202020212022
      Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4)3.73.43.4
      Number of Satisfaction Responses6189
      Very Satisfied (4)475
      Percent Very Satisfied66.70%38.90%55.60%
      Satisfied (3)2113
      Percent Satisfied33.30%61.10%33.30%
      Unsatisfied (2)001
      Percent Unsatisfied0.00%0.00%11.10%
      Very Unsatisfed (1)000
      Percent Very Unsatisfied0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Primary Reason for Attending Madison College

      202020212022
      Number of Primary Reason Responses6189
      Preparation for Getting a Job5115
      Percent Preparation for Getting a Job83.30%61.10%55.60%
      Career Change000
      Percent Career Change0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Improvement of Existing Skills130
      Percent Improvement of Existing Skills16.70%16.70%0.00%
      Preparation for Further Education022
      Percent Preparation for Further Education0.00%11.10%22.20%
      Personal Interest021
      Percent Personal Interest0.00%11.10%11.10%
      Other001
      Percent Other0.00%0.00%11.10%
      When Employment was Obtained

      202020212022
      Number of When Employment Obtained Responses6158
      Before Enrollment242
      Percent Before Enrollment33.30%26.70%25.00%
      While Attending the College464
      Percent While Attending the College66.70%40.00%50.00%
      After Training at the College052
      Percent After Training at the College0.00%33.30%25.00%
      Location of Employment (related and unrelated)

      202020212022
      Number of Employment Location Responses497
      In College District494
      Percent In College District100.00%100.00%57.10%
      In Wisconsin, Not in District000
      Percent of In Wisconsin0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Outside of Wisconsin003
      Percent Outside Wisconsin0.00%0.00%42.90%
      Employer Location Unknown000
      Percent Location Unknown0.00%0.00%0.00%
      Salary Trend
      Salary Trend202020212022
      Full Time Employment (Related Job)Full Time Salary Count5115
      Average Monthly Wage$2,633$2,844$3,971
      Average Hourly Wage$15.31$16.54$23.09
      Average Work Hours per Week53.258.949.5
      Part Time Employment (Related Job)Part Time Salary Count1
      Average Hourly Wage$9.50
      Average Work Hours per Week30
    • Graduate Employers

      Graduate Employers for academic year: 2022
      Employer(s)Job TitleCity*State**Positions
      Akron Fire DepartmentFirefighter/ParamedicAkronOH
      Cambridge Area EMSParamedicCambridge
      City Of Waukesha Fire DeptFirefighterWaukesha
      DeForest Area Fire & EMSFirefighter/EMTDeForest
      Memphis Fire DepartmentFirefighter/EMTMemphisTN
      Verona Fire DeptFirefighterVerona

      * - Only cities outside of Madison will display.

      ** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.

      *** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu

Ready to get started?
Your first step is to apply to Madison College. It's easy and free to apply, so get started today!
Contact the School of Human and Protective Services

Madison Truax Campus
Protective Services Building, 100

1701 Pearson Street
Madison, Wisconsin 53704

hps@madisoncollege.edu
608.243.5400

Hours

  • Monday – Thursday 8 am - 5 pm
  • Friday: 8 am - 4:30 pm