Online Fire Fighter Schools: How to Choose

Professional online fire fighting programs are designed to offer students the necessary training to pursue a career in fire fighting service, administration, management and education. Students have the option to choose from programs offered in a combination of online and classroom settings.

How to Select an Online Fire Fighting Program

Award Levels

Fire fighters can train on the job; however, most employers prefer to hire fire fighters who have received some professional training or a certificate from a program approved by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC). An associate's or a bachelor's degree offers students the opportunity to advance to a fire service position in administration, management, prevention or education.

Program Type

Due to the high level of hands-on training required for fire fighters during emergency response procedures, students interested in online training can enroll in low-residency online (hybrid) programs. The hybrid program combines online instruction with hands-on medical and emergency response training that requires on-campus attendance.
Online programs that don't require students to attend on-location focus on advanced fire science education, prevention and administration. The fully online programs incorporate a virtual learning experience that includes video lectures, discussions and demonstrations through online platforms such as Blackboard.

Technical Requirements

Since full-time students can spend anywhere between 15-20 hours a week studying and viewing online school materials, students need regular access to a computer. In order to accommodate the transmission of instructional media files such as video, motion graphics or live streaming, students require a fast Internet connection such as DSL or broadband.

List of Popular Online Fire Fighting Programs

Online Certificate in Fire Fighting

This online hybrid program is offered by particular training institutes. It provides students with basic training through a 2-part training process; the first part of the program is delivered fully online, while the second part involves a residency on campus. Each session takes a few weeks and begins by introducing students to proper emergency response protocol. Students learn to use appropriate equipment, maintain and operate the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), identify different types of fires and use the most effective extinguishing method for each fire type.
The later part of the curriculum focuses on more advanced skills such as implementing an incident management system or fire control method and providing leadership during an emergency. Online interactive exercises and animations, 3-D drawings, charts, detailed guides and video lectures help prepare students for hands-on training in the residency portion. After each part of the training session, students may need to pass written and practical examinations to receive a certificate of graduation from the online program.

Online Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science

The 2-year associate's degree introduces students to basic concepts in fire protection, prevention and management while also providing them with a core in liberal arts. Students complete humanities, natural science and history requirements while pursuing an applied science program that includes courses on building construction, fire management, principles of fire behavior and fire protection. Electives in business, management, administration or fire protection allow students to develop a program appropriate to their career plans in the fire service field.

Online Bachelor of Arts in Fire Service Administration

The online bachelor's degree program is an administrative program available to students who have prior service experience or who hold an associate's degree in fire service administration, management or a related field. Students pursue general training in management, finance, human resource management and leadership development. They also have the benefit of taking specialized courses related to fire service administrative issues, such as the legal aspects of emergency medical response and community fire protection.
Most programs are taught online and don't require on-campus attendance. Instructors track progress by having students complete assignments, participate in virtual discussions, take tests and sit for a final exam.