Whether you are interested in earning an Associate in Applied Science degree in EMS or Fire Science Technology or an EMT, firefighter or paramedic certificate, COD offers:

• Dedicated instructors with years of EMS and Fire Service experience, certifications and licensing
• Instruction in top-notch facilities and on cutting-edge equipment
• Practical, hands-on experience as well as classroom-based studies
• Clinical and field partners that provide vital hands-on experience with actual patients
• A pathway to prepare students for the rigor of paramedic training following completion of EMT
• An excellent reputation among EMS and Fire Service agencies, with professional networking and career opportunities

Emergency Medical Services, A.A.S.

The Emergency Medical Services degree includes theory and techniques of firefighting, inclusive of the Emergency Medical Technician curriculum, required by most fire departments. The program focuses on emergency medical services and the administration of those services in any setting. After completion of the degree and all of the objectives of the Illinois Department of Public Health are passed, the student is allowed to take the State of Illinois Paramedic Licensing exam.

Emergency Medical Technician, Certificate

The Emergency Medical Technician certificate is designed for students and professionals who have an interest or are currently employed in the field of fire science or the emergency medical field. Introduction to the study of pre- hospital care as it relates to patient assessment, treatments and transportation to the hospital. After successful completion of the certificate and all of the objectives of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) are passed, the student is allowed to take the State of Illinois IDPH State Licensing exam or the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician Certification exam. This certificate requires a grade of B or better and 10 credits in FIRE 2271 Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

Fire Fighter, Certificate

The Fire Fighter Certificate is designed for students in the fire service and professionals in similar fields who have an interest or are currently employed in the field of fire science. Basic operations firefighter, building construction, and extinguishing and alarm systems are essential in today's fire service. After completion of the certificate, state certifications will be awarded through the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM), if state requirements are met and state Certification Exams are passed. This certificate requires 24 credits in the courses listed below.

Fire Science Technology, A.A.S.

The Fire Science Technology program encompasses both fire fighting and emergency medical services. The Fire Science degree focuses on the theory and techniques of fire fighting, inclusive of the Emergency Medical Technician curriculum, required by most fire departments. After completion of the degree, state certifications may be awarded through the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) if the state requirements are met.

Paramedic, Certificate

After successful completion of the Paramedic certificate and all of the objectives of the Illinois Department of Public Health are passed, the student is allowed to take the State of Illinois Paramedic Licensing exam.

Public Safety Telecommunicator, Certificate

Explore an exciting career as a 9-1-1 Public Safety Telecommunicator. Students completing the certificate program will have the opportunity to obtain a nationally recognized certification. Students go beyond classroom and lab exercises to learn how to demonstrate the skills and abilities necessary to be a 9-1-1 Public Safety Communicator. This includes working under stress, multi-tasking, and quickly making life-saving decisions to serve members of their community.

 

Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree or certificate that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.

• Emergency Medical Services, Associate in Applied Science
• Emergency Medical Technician, Certificate
• Fire Fighter, Certificate
• Fire Science Technology, Associate in Applied Science
• Paramedic, Certificate

Emergency Medical Services

Fire Science Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Program graduates will:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the body’s anatomy & physiology (Scientific Reasoning General Education Outcome)
• Assess patients for illness and/or injury. (Critical Thinking General Education Outcome)
• Formulate communication methods with patients and other professionals. (Expression and Exchange of Ideas General Education Outcome)
• Prepare oral and written patient care reports. (Expression and Exchange of Ideas General Education Outcome)
• Interpret selected medical abbreviations, acronyms, and symbols. (Information Literacy General Education Outcome)
• Explain how to properly administer medication. (Critical Thinking General Education Outcome)
• Use knowledge of cardiology to treat medical emergencies. (Critical Thinking General Education Outcome)

Fire Science

Fire Science Program graduates will:

• Analyze the components of a fire and its major phases (Scientific Reasoning General Education Outcome)
• Identify primary responsibilities of fire personnel (Information Literacy General Education Outcome)
• Justify the need for national standards (Expression and Exchange of Ideas General Education Outcome)
• Describe the principles of fire pump operations. (Scientific Reasoning General Education Outcome)
• Differentiate between fire suppression agents and strategies (Critical Thinking General Education Outcome)
• Identify indicators of potential structure failure (Critical Thinking General Education Outcome)
• Explain the importance of safety on the design of apparatus and equipment. (Scientific Reasoning General Education Outcome)

Paramedic Program

Paramedic Program graduates will:

• Prepare oral and written patient care reports.
• Assess patients for illness &/or injury.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the Human Body’s Anatomy and Physiology.
• Choose a proper treatment plan after assessing a patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation.
• Demonstrate how to safely move injured patients. 

Public Safety Telecommunicator

Public Safety Telecommunicator graduates will:

• Explain challenges of radio communications including problems of interference and interoperability.
• Formulate communication methods with callers, patients, and other professionals
• Identify common police/fire/EMS call classifications and the procedures for each
• List the essential characteristics (knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes) of emergency telecommunicators
• State the purpose of the Incident Command System (ICS) and how it is used to maintain control of personnel at incidents 

College of DuPage partners with several four-year institutions to help students seamlessly complete a bachelor’s degree in emergency medical services. Students can connect with Transfer Services for personalized guidance on transfer opportunities.

For more information about Transfer Pathways, visit the College of DuPage Catalog. The pathway outlines a typical two-year course plan for completing an AA or AS degree before transferring to a four-year program. Course requirements vary by institution, so consult your faculty or academic advisor for specific guidance.

Articulation Agreements

College of DuPage maintains transfer agreements with many colleges and universities to ensure a smooth transition toward a bachelor’s degree. These agreements often include a defined course sequence. Students should regularly meet with a faculty member or Advising Services to stay on track.

• Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Management
• Western Illinois University, AAS in Fire Science to BS in Fire Science Protection Services- Fire Science
• Western Illinois University, AAS in Fire Science to BS in Fire Science Protection Services- Fire Administration

Transfer Guides

Beyond articulation agreements and guaranteed admission programs, College of DuPage courses transfer to many other institutions. Transfer Guides help students select COD courses that meet prerequisites for specific majors and include details such as contact information, major requirements, general education requirements, and transfer policies.

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale, AAS Fire Science Technology to BS in Public Safety Management

College of DuPage Fire Science Division offers an Office of the State Fire Marshall approved Basic Operations Fire Academy. The Basic Operations Fire Academy is divided up into (3) modules and is completed over the 16 week semester during the Fall and Spring semesters only.

Eighteen hours of program electives are earned during the academy with the opportunity to earn more towards the AAS in Fire Science. All attendees of the Basic Operations Fire Academy must be a member of a Fire Department and require a permit prior to registration.

For more information about the Basic Operations Fire Academy or the Associate in Applied Science in Fire Science, contact the Fire Science Program Manager at (630) 942-2107.

College of DuPage offers the Company Officer and Advanced Fire Officer programs. Go to to the online Class Schedule to view the courses offered.

All Company Officer and Advanced Fire Officer courses are OSFM recognized and approved for certification upon successful completion of the program requirements.  College credit is also earned towards the Associate in Applied Science in Fire Science.

All Company Officer and Advanced Fire Officer courses are restricted to active fire service personnel only and require a permit to register from the fire science program manager.