Become a emergency first responder with Delta's versatile fire science technology programs.
In the world of fire and emergency operations, conditions change quickly, requiring perceptive action and in-depth knowledge to lead the response. You’ll learn fire safety, investigation and inspection, fire command and administration, hazardous material counteraction and the use of fire hydraulics. At Delta we emphasize safety and train students to respond to a variety of situations.
With the associate degree you can choose from three program tracks designed to provide vocational and technical skills which will supply the educational credentials for employment or promotion opportunities.
Delta also offers several advanced certificate options.
Program details
Our certificate and degree programs prepare you for a career as a emergency first
responder.
Degree info
Fire Science Technology
- Time & credits
- 5 semesters
62 credits - Course information
- In-person/online
- Blended
- Estimated tuition & fees
- $10,524 (in-district)
$16,476 (out-of-district)
$17,180 (out-of-state)
Fire Science Technology
- Time & credits
- 2 semesters
28 credits - Course information
- In-person/online
- Blended
- Estimated tuition & fees
- $4,588 (in-district)
$7,192 (out-of-district)
$7,500 (out-of-state)
Basic Fire Academy
- Time & credits
- 1 semesters
12 credits - Course information
- In-person/online
- Blended
- Estimated tuition & fees
- $1,972 (in-district)
$3,088 (out-of-district)
$3,220 (out-of-state)
Emergency Medical Technician
- Time & credits
- 1 semesters
12 credits - Course information
- In-person/online
- Blended
- Estimated tuition & fees
- $1,972 (in-district)
$3,088 (out-of-district)
$3,220 (out-of-state)
Become a firefighter. Respond to emergency calls, control and extinguish fires, protect life and property. Train to use firefighting equipment and be a first responder. As a student in the Delta College firefighter technician track, you will learn a wide range of knowledge leading to the control or prevention of fire and the handling of hazardous materials.
You will gain skills and knowledge in many areas of fire science technology including:
- Firefighting strategies and tactics
- Building construction
- Hazardous materials
- Emergency responder
- Fire protection systems
- Fire protection hydraulics and water supply
Become an emergency medical technician. Get the skills to provide basic emergency pre-hospital care to patients involved in accidents, injuries or sudden illness. Places of employment include fire and police departments, rescue operations, ambulance services, hospitals and industrial sites.
Delta's program is designed for the entering college student, the professional firefighter and persons employed in a broad range of occupations related to fire science and safety.
You will gain skills and knowledge in areas of emergency medical response that include:
- Four basic emergency medical technician courses
- Emergency responder
- Firefighting strategies and tactics
- Building construction
- Fire protection systems
Clinical requirements
As a clinical student, it is your responsibility to maintain current health records while in the EMT program. For admission to the clinical agencies, you must concurrently register in all four courses in the program (EMS 110 , EMS 111, EMS 112 and EMS 113). You will need to submit the required forms below to the clinical agency to receive permission to register.
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS) field experience application for participation (PDF)
- Hepatitis B acknowledgment and release (PDF)
- Health & Wellness waiver and release (PDF)
- Current criminal history release (PDF)
- Documentation of negative TB skin test
- Documentation of MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) immunization (unless you were born before 1957)
- Documentation of Td (Tetanus) immunization, current within 10 years
- Valid driver's license (submit photo copy)
- Valid Delta College ID card
The Delta College Exposure Control Manual (PDF) should be reviewed prior to completing the Hepatitis B acknowledgment and release form.
The leadership and training track can provide the vocational and technical skills with educational credentials for employment or promotion opportunities. Provide the command and educational functions for public or private entities. Responsibilities include all major leadership at emergency scenes, training of personnel, safety and overall management of resources.
You will gain the skills and knowledge in many areas of fire science technology including:
- Firefighting strategies and tactics
- Building construction, fire protection systems, hydraulics and water supply
- Fireground tactics, fireground management
- Emergency responder
- Arson awareness
- Fire safety education
Train to provide emergency response and security for sites including: medical, hazardous materials, fire, atmospheric sampling and others. Conduct audits on lockout tag-out operations, safe work permits, fire inspections, confined space entry set ups, and tie off points for fall protection and more.
This advanced certificate program prepares you for managerial and leadership positions in municipal, industrial or business entities.
Become a firefighter. Respond to emergency calls, control and extinguish fires, protect life and property. Train to use firefighting equipment and be a first responder. As a student in this program, you will learn a wide range of knowledge leading to the control or prevention of fires and the handling of hazardous materials.
With this certificate of achievement, you will gain skills and knowledge in many areas of fire science technology including:
- Firefighting strategies and tactics
- Building construction
- Hazardous materials
- Emergency responder
- Fire protection systems
- Fire protection hydraulics and water supply
Become an emergency medical technician. Get the skills to provide basic emergency pre-hospital care to patients involved in accidents, injuries or sudden illness. Places of employment include fire and police departments, rescue operations, ambulance services, hospitals and industrial sites.
With this certificate of achievement, you will gain skills and knowledge in areas of emergency response that include:
- Four basic emergency medical technician courses
- Emergency responder
- Firefighting strategies and tactics
- Building construction
- Fire protection systems
Clinical requirements
As a clinical student, it is your responsibility to maintain current health records while in the EMT program. For admission to the clinical agencies, you must concurrently register in all four courses in the program (EMS 110, EMS 111, EMS 112 and EMS 113). You will need to submit the required forms below to the clinical agency to receive permission to register.
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS) field experience application for participation (PDF)
- Hepatitis B acknowledgment and release (PDF)
- Health & Wellness waiver and release (PDF)
- Current criminal history release (PDF)
- Documentation of negative TB skin test
- Documentation of MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) immunization (unless you were born before 1957)
- Documentation of Td (Tetanus) immunization, current within 10 years
- Valid driver's license (submit photo copy)
- Valid Delta College ID card
The Delta College Exposure Control Manual (PDF) should be reviewed prior to completing the Hepatitis B acknowledgment and release form.
Professional licensure
Program completers are eligible to be licensed Michigan firefighters. Each state has unique requirements to be a licensed fire fighter. Please contact the program coordinator for further information. If a student completes the EMS track they are eligible to take a national certification exam recognized in all states.
Transfer
One of the best things about Delta College is the opportunity to start here and go anywhere. And, in the process, save thousands of dollars. It's a smart choice to get your associate's and then transfer on.
Delta works with many colleges and universities to provide associate-to-bachelor’s degree transfer pathways. Check out what's available in this career field.
Job outlook
Interested in a career in fire science technology? Learn more about our region’s employment outlook and career opportunities you can
pursue in this field of study by reviewing the sampling below. Visit Career Coach to search all careers.
"Fire service is more than a career—it’s a calling. At Delta, we combine hands-on
experience with classroom instruction to prepare students for real-world emergencies
and leadership roles. Whether you’re just entering the fire service or preparing for
promotion, our program builds the confidence and competence needed to lead in today’s
fire and emergency services." Terry Blackmer
Fire science program coordinator
Get started at Delta
Contact us
Program Coordinator
Terry Blackmer
Main Campus, office P171
terrenceblackmer@delta.edu
989-686-9020
Office Hours
Tuesday, 7am – 5pm, (Office P171)
Thursday, 4–9pm (Online)
Saturday, 8am – 1pm (Office P171)
Prior to making an on-campus visit, please email Terry Blackmer to schedule an appointment and confirm meeting location.