Fire Science
Advanced Training | Entry-Level Firefighters
From Firefighter to Leader: Training and Degrees That Move You Forward
Advance your career in fire and emergency services with Palm Beach State College’s Fire Science programs. PBSC offers advanced training, certificates, and degree options designed for current and aspiring fire service professionals who want to expand their skills, earn credentials, and move into leadership roles.
Whether you’re entering the field or seeking career advancement, our Fire Science programs provide hands-on training, expert instruction, and industry-aligned coursework. With flexible pathways and strong partnerships with local fire agencies, you’ll gain the knowledge and experience needed to succeed in today’s high-demand fire and emergency services professions.
Training for Current/Returning Fire Service Professionals
A variety of topics of interest to fire service professionals are available. In addition to on-campus offerings, classes may also be held off-campus at local emergency services agency facilities. Customized training programs can also be developed for agencies interested in providing training on a specific fire or EMS topic for their personnel.
Certificates
Overview
Make a difference when your community needs you most. Palm Beach State College’s Firefighter Career Certificate Program (CCP), also known as PBSC’s Fire Academy, prepares you with the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to become a certified firefighter.
Through classroom instruction and real-world training at local emergency services facilities, you’ll learn how firefighters respond to emergencies, use equipment safely, prevent fires and more.
The program includes two parts:
- Firefighter I: Build a strong foundation in firefighting, including safety procedures, equipment use, victim removal, fire prevention and hazardous materials.
- Firefighter II: Take your skills to the next level with training in rescue and extrication, hose operations and incident management systems. After completing the program, you’ll be prepared to pursue firefighter certification.
Overview
This program academically prepares the firefighter to assume the responsibility as a first line fire officer, and to challenge the state certification exam.
This program is geared for the sitting and prospective company officer. It trains the firefighter to lead in-service company fire safety inspections, use proper strategies and tactics to fight fire, be an effective incident commander, and serve as a trainer, mentor and middle manager.
Degrees
Overview
The Fire Science Technology AS degree program offered at Palm Beach State College meets the national model curriculum of the Fire and Emergency Service Higher Education (FESHE) initiative and the industry certification requirements of the Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training.
The program prepares students to face the many and varied challenges encountered in the fire and emergency services.
Two Concentrations
- Fire Prevention Concentration: The Fire Prevention Concentration is appropriate for students seeking to become fire prevention professionals or for those already in the fire prevention workforce who wish to advance their careers. | Pathway Map
- Fire Supervision Concentration: The Fire Supervision Concentration is appropriate for students seeking to enter or already in the fire and emergency services workforce who wish to promote up the ranks or otherwise advance their careers. | Pathway Map
