Allan Hancock College's fire technology program provides high quality educational opportunities that enhance a student's understanding of the fire service field. Students in the program learn the fundamentals of safety and efficiency in emergency and fire situations, as well as analyze the causes of fires and how to fight them. Students are provided with a challenging learning environment which includes hands-on experience in a world-class training center.
From understanding laws and codes to conditions associated with structural collapse and firefighter safety, students will master fire detection and suppression methods. Additionally, fire service history, culture, and diversity are also covered, making students well-rounded firefighters. As part of the California State Fire Marshal's accreditation, Hancock's program prepares students for crucial careers in the public and private fire services.
This program will help you to:
- increase your physical and mental fitness
- develop humility, maturity, and accountability
- understand the importance of dedication to team and self
- become a more competent public speaker
- demonstrate the skill set necessary for a successful career in fire service, environmental technology, and/or emergency medical services
- understand federal and state laws, regulations and codes pertaining to safety and efficiency in all risk emergencies and scenarios pertaining to fire, safety, and/or medical services
Fire Academy Spring 2024 Application Opens: October 2, 2023
Suggested Course Sequence
The “Suggested Course Sequence” is an example of how to complete the requirements plus any additional general education that may be needed. If you would like to create a personalized Student Education Plan (SEP), schedule a meeting with a counselor.
Fall Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Provides an introduction to fire protection; career opportunities in fire protection and related fields; philosophy and history of fire protection; fire loss analysis; organization and function of public and private fire protection services, fire departments as part of local government; laws and regulations affecting fire services, fire service nomenclature, specific protection functions, basic fire chemistry and physics; introduction to fire protection systems; introduction to fire strategy and tactics.
Advisories: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in FT 101
Provides fundamental information regarding the history and philosophy of fire prevention, organization and operation of a fire prevention bureau, use of fire codes, identification and correction of fire hazards, and the relationship of fire prevention with fire safety education and detection and suppression systems.
If you take any of the following courses, you will also satisfy the AHC graduation
requirement of area 4B: Communication and Analytical Thinking.
Recommended courses: MATH 100, 105, 123, 135, 181, 321; or select one course from
this list.
Select one course from this list.
Choose one of the following courses:
- EMS 102, First Aid and Safety
- FSN 109, Basic Nutrition for Health
- HED 100, Health and Wellness
- HUSV 126, Meditation, Mindfulness, and Stress Reduction
Select one course from this list.
Total Units:
15.5-20
Spring Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
A writing course designed primarily to meet the needs of students pursuing career and technical programs. Meets the written composition graduation requirement for an AHC associate's degree. Students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution will need to take ENGL 101 instead of this course to meet the university's first-year composition requirement. Readings will be drawn from the disciplines involved so that students master comprehension and critical reading skills in real-world texts. Writing assignments and projects will similarly be based upon the types of critical thinking and analytical writing required in the students' fields of study. Research methods and skills will be emphasized.
Prerequisite: Placement based upon Allan Hancock College's placement policy.
Designed to help students enhance their analytical reading and writing skills using a wide variety of texts. Emphasizes college-level expository essay construction, communication, and research methods leading to the preparation and writing of a research paper.
Advisories: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in FT 101
Provides information relating to the features of design and operation of fire detection and alarm systems, heat and smoke control systems, special protection and sprinkler systems, water supply for fire protection and portable fire extinguishers.
Advisories: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in FT 101
A study of the components of building construction that relates to fire safety. The elements of construction and design of structures are shown to be key factors when inspecting buildings, preplanning fire operations, and operating at fires. The development and evolution of building and fire codes will be studied in relationship to past fires in residential, commercial, and industrial occupancies.
You will need a minimum of 15 units from this list:
|
Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
|
Emergency Medical Services Academy- 1A |
6 |
|
|
Firefighter I Academy IA |
6 |
|
|
Firefighter 1 Academy IB |
7 |
|
|
Fire Hydraulics |
3 |
|
|
Cooperative Work Experience: Occupational |
1 - 8 |
Choose one course each semester it is identified on the suggested course sequence.
You will need a minimum of 15 units from this list:
|
Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
|
Emergency Medical Services Academy- 1A |
6 |
|
|
Firefighter I Academy IA |
6 |
|
|
Firefighter 1 Academy IB |
7 |
|
|
Fire Hydraulics |
3 |
|
|
Cooperative Work Experience: Occupational |
1 - 8 |
Choose one course each semester it is identified on the suggested course sequence.
You will need a minimum of 15 units from this list:
|
Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
|
Emergency Medical Services Academy- 1A |
6 |
|
|
Firefighter I Academy IA |
6 |
|
|
Firefighter 1 Academy IB |
7 |
|
|
Fire Hydraulics |
3 |
|
|
Cooperative Work Experience: Occupational |
1 - 8 |
Choose one course each semester it is identified on the suggested course sequence.
Total Units:
16
Fall Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Advisories: FT 101
This course of study presents theory and fundamentals of how and why fires start, spread, and are controlled; an in-depth study of fire chemistry and physics, fire characteristics of materials, extinguishing agents, and fire control techniques.
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.
You will need a minimum of 15 units from this list:
|
Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
|
Emergency Medical Services Academy- 1A |
6 |
|
|
Firefighter I Academy IA |
6 |
|
|
Firefighter 1 Academy IB |
7 |
|
|
Fire Hydraulics |
3 |
|
|
Cooperative Work Experience: Occupational |
1 - 8 |
Choose one course each semester it is identified on the suggested course sequence.
You will need a minimum of 15 units from this list:
|
Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
|
Emergency Medical Services Academy- 1A |
6 |
|
|
Firefighter I Academy IA |
6 |
|
|
Firefighter 1 Academy IB |
7 |
|
|
Fire Hydraulics |
3 |
|
|
Cooperative Work Experience: Occupational |
1 - 8 |
Choose one course each semester it is identified on the suggested course sequence.
If you take any of the following courses, you will also satisfy the Multicultural/Gender Studies requirement:
ANTH 102, 103, 105; BUS 141; ECON 141; ENGL 105; GBST 141; GEOG 102, 103; LGBT 101, 102; POLS 104, 105; SOC 101, 102, 120, 122; SPCH 110
Or select one course from this list.
Choose one of the following courses:
- ES 1231, African American History
- HIST 107, U S History to 1877
- HIST 108, US History from 1877 to the Present
- HIST 118, U S History to 1877
- HIST 119, History of California
- POLS 101, Introduction to Political Science
- POLS 103, American Government
Total Units:
16
Program Requirements:
"Program Requirements" specify the courses required for this program. See suggested course sequence for additional information.
A major of 33 units is required for the associate in science degree.
Required core courses (18 units):
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| FT 101 | Fire Protection Organization | 3 |
| FT 102 | Fire Prevention Technology | 3 |
| FT 103 | Fire Protection Equipment and Systems | 3 |
| FT 104 | Building Construction for Fire Protection | 3 |
| FT 105 | Fire Behavior and Combustion | 3 |
| FT 106 | Principles of Fire & Emergency Safety & Survival | 3 |
Plus a minimum of 15 units selected from the following:
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| EMS 301 | Emergency Medical Services Academy- 1A | 6 |
| FT 307 | Firefighter I Academy IA | 6 |
| FT 308 | Firefighter 1 Academy IB | 7 |
| FT 341 | Fire Hydraulics | 3 |
| FT 149 | Cooperative Work Experience: Occupational | 1 - 8 |
Spring Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
You will need a minimum of 15 units from this list:
|
Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
|
Emergency Medical Services Academy- 1A |
6 |
|
|
Firefighter I Academy IA |
6 |
|
|
Firefighter 1 Academy IB |
7 |
|
|
Fire Hydraulics |
3 |
|
|
Cooperative Work Experience: Occupational |
1 - 8 |
Choose one course each semester it is identified on the suggested course sequence.
You will need a minimum of 15 units from this list:
|
Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
|
Emergency Medical Services Academy- 1A |
6 |
|
|
Firefighter I Academy IA |
6 |
|
|
Firefighter 1 Academy IB |
7 |
|
|
Fire Hydraulics |
3 |
|
|
Cooperative Work Experience: Occupational |
1 - 8 |
Choose one course each semester it is identified on the suggested course sequence.
You will need a minimum of 15 units from this list:
|
Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
|
Emergency Medical Services Academy- 1A |
6 |
|
|
Firefighter I Academy IA |
6 |
|
|
Firefighter 1 Academy IB |
7 |
|
|
Fire Hydraulics |
3 |
|
|
Cooperative Work Experience: Occupational |
1 - 8 |
Choose one course each semester it is identified on the suggested course sequence.
Select one course from this list.
If you take any of the following courses, you will also satisfy the Multicultural/Gender Studies requirement:
ART 101, 105, 109, 170; DANC 101p; DRMA 103; ENGL 130, 131, 139, 140, 148; ECS 116; ES 105, 120; FASH 104; FILM 101, 102, 103, 108, 109; HIST 101, 102, 103, 120; HUM 101, 102, 103; MUS 104, 106; PHIL 121; SPAN 102, 103, 104, 105, 112
Select one course from this list.
Total Units:
15-16
Suggested Course Sequence
The "Suggested Course Sequence" is an example of how to complete the requirements plus any additional general education that may be needed. If you would like to create a personalized Student Education Plan (SEP), schedule a meeting with a counselor.
Fall Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Provides an introduction to fire protection; career opportunities in fire protection and related fields; philosophy and history of fire protection; fire loss analysis; organization and function of public and private fire protection services, fire departments as part of local government; laws and regulations affecting fire services, fire service nomenclature, specific protection functions, basic fire chemistry and physics; introduction to fire protection systems; introduction to fire strategy and tactics.
Advisories: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in FT 101
Provides fundamental information regarding the history and philosophy of fire prevention, organization and operation of a fire prevention bureau, use of fire codes, identification and correction of fire hazards, and the relationship of fire prevention with fire safety education and detection and suppression systems.
Advisories: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in FT 101
Provides information relating to the features of design and operation of fire detection and alarm systems, heat and smoke control systems, special protection and sprinkler systems, water supply for fire protection and portable fire extinguishers.
Total Units:
9
Spring Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Advisories: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in FT 101
A study of the components of building construction that relates to fire safety. The elements of construction and design of structures are shown to be key factors when inspecting buildings, preplanning fire operations, and operating at fires. The development and evolution of building and fire codes will be studied in relationship to past fires in residential, commercial, and industrial occupancies.
Advisories: FT 101
This course of study presents theory and fundamentals of how and why fires start, spread, and are controlled; an in-depth study of fire chemistry and physics, fire characteristics of materials, extinguishing agents, and fire control techniques.
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.
You will need a minimum of 15 units from this list:
|
Course Number |
Course Title |
Units |
|
Emergency Medical Services Academy- 1A |
6 |
|
|
Firefighter I Academy IA |
6 |
|
|
Firefighter 1 Academy IB |
7 |
|
|
Fire Hydraulics |
3 |
|
|
Cooperative Work Experience: Occupational |
1 - 8 |
Choose one course each semester it is identified on the suggested course sequence.
Total Units:
11
Fall Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Advisories: EMT Basic or Paramedic or Public Safety First Aid and CPR as defined by California Health and Safety Code, Section 1797.182, NOTE: Approval of equivalent training is not a guarantee state regulatory or licensing agencies will also grant equivalency.
Technical and manipulative training in concepts of fire department organization and operations. Includes fire behavior, ICS, building construction, safety, rescue, ropes and knots, ladders, low angle rope rescue, hose and appliances, personal protective equipment, and accountability.
Prerequisite: NOTE: Approval of equivalent training is not a guarantee state regulatory or licensing agencies will also grant equivalency. Prior to beginning this course students must already be familiar with, and be able to demonstrate all of the entrance skills listed. These will not be taught in the course; rather, they will be the starting point for advanced officer training that builds upon them. FT 307
Technical and manipulative training in concepts of fire service operations. Includes hazardous materials, wildland firefighting, fire protection systems, fire investigation, tactics, loss prevention and overhaul, vehicle extrication, ventilation, Flammable Liquids and Gas firefighting, forcible entry, structural firefighting and rescue operations.
Total Units:
13
Program Requirements:
"Program Requirements" specify the courses required for this program. See suggested course sequence for additional information.
A total of 33 units is required for the certificate. Required core courses (18 units):
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| FT 101 | Fire Protection Organization | 3 |
| FT 102 | Fire Prevention Technology | 3 |
| FT 103 | Fire Protection Equipment and Systems | 3 |
| FT 104 | Building Construction for Fire Protection | 3 |
| FT 105 | Fire Behavior and Combustion | 3 |
| FT 106 | Principles of Fire & Emergency Safety & Survival | 3 |
Plus a minimum of 15 units selected from the following:
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| EMS 301 | Emergency Medical Services Academy- 1A | 6 |
| FT 307 | Firefighter I Academy IA | 6 |
| FT 308 | Firefighter 1 Academy IB | 7 |
| FT 341 | Fire Hydraulics | 3 |
| FT 149 | Cooperative Work Experience: Occupational | 1 - 8 |
Suggested Course Sequence
The "Suggested Course Sequence" is an example of how to complete the requirements plus any additional general education that may be needed. If you would like to create a personalized Student Education Plan (SEP), schedule a meeting with a counselor.
Fall Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Advisories: EMT Basic or Paramedic or Public Safety First Aid and CPR as defined by California Health and Safety Code, Section 1797.182, NOTE: Approval of equivalent training is not a guarantee state regulatory or licensing agencies will also grant equivalency.
Technical and manipulative training in concepts of fire department organization and operations. Includes fire behavior, ICS, building construction, safety, rescue, ropes and knots, ladders, low angle rope rescue, hose and appliances, personal protective equipment, and accountability.
Prerequisite: NOTE: Approval of equivalent training is not a guarantee state regulatory or licensing agencies will also grant equivalency. Prior to beginning this course students must already be familiar with, and be able to demonstrate all of the entrance skills listed. These will not be taught in the course; rather, they will be the starting point for advanced officer training that builds upon them. FT 307
Technical and manipulative training in concepts of fire service operations. Includes hazardous materials, wildland firefighting, fire protection systems, fire investigation, tactics, loss prevention and overhaul, vehicle extrication, ventilation, Flammable Liquids and Gas firefighting, forcible entry, structural firefighting and rescue operations.
Total Units:
13
Program Requirements:
"Program Requirements" specify the courses required for this program. See suggested course sequence for additional information.
A major of 13 units is required for the certificate.
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| FT 307 | Firefighter I Academy IA | 6 |
| FT 308 | Firefighter 1 Academy IB | 7 |
Suggested Course Sequence
The "Suggested Course Sequence" is an example of how to complete the requirements plus any additional general education that may be needed. If you would like to create a personalized Student Education Plan (SEP), schedule a meeting with a counselor.
Fall Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Provides an introduction to fire protection; career opportunities in fire protection and related fields; philosophy and history of fire protection; fire loss analysis; organization and function of public and private fire protection services, fire departments as part of local government; laws and regulations affecting fire services, fire service nomenclature, specific protection functions, basic fire chemistry and physics; introduction to fire protection systems; introduction to fire strategy and tactics.
Advisories: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in FT 101
Provides fundamental information regarding the history and philosophy of fire prevention, organization and operation of a fire prevention bureau, use of fire codes, identification and correction of fire hazards, and the relationship of fire prevention with fire safety education and detection and suppression systems.
If you take any of the following courses, you will also satisfy the AHC graduation
requirement of area 4B: Communication and Analytical Thinking.
Recommended courses: MATH 100, 105, 123, 135, 181, 321; or select one course from
this list.
Select one course from this list.
Total Units:
12-14
Spring Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
A writing course designed primarily to meet the needs of students pursuing career and technical programs. Meets the written composition graduation requirement for an AHC associate's degree. Students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution will need to take ENGL 101 instead of this course to meet the university's first-year composition requirement. Readings will be drawn from the disciplines involved so that students master comprehension and critical reading skills in real-world texts. Writing assignments and projects will similarly be based upon the types of critical thinking and analytical writing required in the students' fields of study. Research methods and skills will be emphasized.
Prerequisite: Placement based upon Allan Hancock College's placement policy.
Designed to help students enhance their analytical reading and writing skills using a wide variety of texts. Emphasizes college-level expository essay construction, communication, and research methods leading to the preparation and writing of a research paper.
Advisories: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in FT 101
Provides information relating to the features of design and operation of fire detection and alarm systems, heat and smoke control systems, special protection and sprinkler systems, water supply for fire protection and portable fire extinguishers.
Advisories: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in FT 101
A study of the components of building construction that relates to fire safety. The elements of construction and design of structures are shown to be key factors when inspecting buildings, preplanning fire operations, and operating at fires. The development and evolution of building and fire codes will be studied in relationship to past fires in residential, commercial, and industrial occupancies.
Select one course from this list.
Total Units:
13
Fall Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Advisories: FT 101
This course of study presents theory and fundamentals of how and why fires start, spread, and are controlled; an in-depth study of fire chemistry and physics, fire characteristics of materials, extinguishing agents, and fire control techniques.
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.
If you take any of the following courses, you will also satisfy the Multicultural/Gender Studies requirement:
ANTH 102, 103, 105; BUS 141; ECON 141; ENGL 105; GBST 141; GEOG 102, 103; LGBT 101, 102; POLS 104, 105; SOC 101, 102, 120, 122; SPCH 110
Or select one course from this list.
Choose one of the following courses:
- ES 1231, African American History
- HIST 107, U S History to 1877
- HIST 108, US History from 1877 to the Present
- HIST 118, U S History to 1877
- HIST 119, History of California
- POLS 101, Introduction to Political Science
- POLS 103, American Government
Total Units:
12
Spring Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Select one course from this list.
If you take any of the following courses, you will also satisfy the Multicultural/Gender Studies requirement:
ART 101, 105, 109, 170; DANC 101p; DRMA 103; ENGL 130, 131, 139, 140, 148; ECS 116; ES 105, 120; FASH 104; FILM 101, 102, 103, 108, 109; HIST 101, 102, 103, 120; HUM 101, 102, 103; MUS 104, 106; PHIL 121; SPAN 102, 103, 104, 105, 112
If you take any of the following courses, you will also satisfy the AHC Math Competency requirement.
Recommended courses: MATH 100, 105, 123, 135, 181, 321
You can choose a course in any subject that has a 100-199 in its title. For example ENGL 100 or ASTR 121.
NOTE: Not all 100-level courses are UC-transferable. See the IGETC sheet for UC eligible courses.
Total Units:
12 - 13
Fall Semester (Year 3)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Advisories: EMT Basic or Paramedic or Public Safety First Aid and CPR as defined by California Health and Safety Code, Section 1797.182, NOTE: Approval of equivalent training is not a guarantee state regulatory or licensing agencies will also grant equivalency.
Technical and manipulative training in concepts of fire department organization and operations. Includes fire behavior, ICS, building construction, safety, rescue, ropes and knots, ladders, low angle rope rescue, hose and appliances, personal protective equipment, and accountability.
Prerequisite: NOTE: Approval of equivalent training is not a guarantee state regulatory or licensing agencies will also grant equivalency. Prior to beginning this course students must already be familiar with, and be able to demonstrate all of the entrance skills listed. These will not be taught in the course; rather, they will be the starting point for advanced officer training that builds upon them. FT 307
Technical and manipulative training in concepts of fire service operations. Includes hazardous materials, wildland firefighting, fire protection systems, fire investigation, tactics, loss prevention and overhaul, vehicle extrication, ventilation, Flammable Liquids and Gas firefighting, forcible entry, structural firefighting and rescue operations.
Total Units:
13
Program Requirements:
"Program Requirements" specify the courses required for this program. See suggested course sequence for additional information.
A major of 33 units is required for the associate in science degree.
Required core courses (18 units):
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| FT 101 | Fire Protection Organization | 3 |
| FT 102 | Fire Prevention Technology | 3 |
| FT 103 | Fire Protection Equipment and Systems | 3 |
| FT 104 | Building Construction for Fire Protection | 3 |
| FT 105 | Fire Behavior and Combustion | 3 |
| FT 106 | Principles of Fire & Emergency Safety & Survival | 3 |
Plus a minimum of 15 units selected from the following:
| Course Number | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| EMS 301 | Emergency Medical Services Academy- 1A | 6 |
| FT 307 | Firefighter I Academy IA | 6 |
| FT 308 | Firefighter 1 Academy IB | 7 |
| FT 341 | Fire Hydraulics | 3 |
| FT 149 | Cooperative Work Experience: Occupational | 1 - 8 |
Programs you may also be interested in exploring...
- Basic Law Enforcement
- Emergency Medical Services
- Environmental Health and Safety
- Firefighter Internship Program
- Wildland Fire Technology
Contact Information
Leonard Champion
Fire Academy Faculty/Coordinator
lchampion@hancockcollege.edu
805-735-3366 ext. 3807
John Ceceña
Fire Technology Faculty
john.ceceña@hancockcollege.edu
805-735-3366 ext. 5246
Justice Miller
Program Technicican
justice.miller@hancockollege.edu 805-735-3366 ext. 3282
Accreditation Information
Allan Hancock College is an Accredited Regional Training Program (ARTP) and the Fire Academy is part of the California State Fire Marshal’s accreditation. Since 1972 we have taught Firefighter-1 classes through our 609-hour certified Fire Academy program.
The Firefighter 1 Academy is a California State Fire Marshal certified academy that meets all the requirements in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001 for entry level firefighters. Our academy is the foundation for a career in the fire service. The Certification Training Standards for Firefighter 1 are followed and signed off as you complete each block of instruction. Certification exams require a passing score of at least 80 percent and manipulative exams require a score of 100 percent.
