CWI is providing clear pathways to employment for students like Tucker Graham, recently graduate from the Fire Service Technology program.
Read more about Lighting the Way: How CWI and Metallica Are Forging Clear Pathways to EmploymentFire Service Technology
Training to Master the Essentials of Firefighting and Fire Safety
Program Overview
Aspiring to join the ranks of firefighters or seeking knowledge in fire service technology? College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Fire Service Technology program, accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC), offers comprehensive training based on National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) model. Designed with input from local fire department trainers and command staff, this program immerses you in real-world firefighting scenarios and problem-solving.
Offering various certificate levels and an Associate of Arts degree, the program is tailored to different career interests, from aspiring full-time or volunteer firefighters to those seeking an academic foundation in fire service technology. The Basic Technical Certificate 1 is a fire academy-style program that includes classroom instruction, hands-on demonstrations, live burns, and a physical fitness course specifically designed for firefighters. All of the Fire Service Technology offerings open doors to a rewarding firefighting career.
Degree or Certificate Type
Associate of Arts
Intermediate Technical Certificate
Basic Technical Certificate
Cost
Additional cost may apply.
Time to Complete
0.5 – 2 years
Primary Location
CWI Fire Service Technology
Learning Opportunities
- Hands-On Training: Engage in real-life scenarios including vehicle extrications and live fire drills, leading to IFSAC accredited certifications.
- Professional Development: The ability to earn an IFSAC accredited Associate of Arts degree, enhancing your qualifications and promotional opportunities.
- Nationally Recognized Curriculum: Follow the FESHE Associate of Arts degree model with industry-standard textbooks, preparing for further education.
- Learning from Current Firefighters and Chiefs: Network with local departments, learn local techniques, and build lasting professional relationships.
- Academic Credit for Certifications: Convert industry-based certifications into academic credits, aiding in professional development and career advancement.
Areas of Study
Degrees & Certificates
Fire Service Technology – Associate of Arts Degree
Degree Requirements
Cost: $12,815
Fire Service Technology – Intermediate Technical Certificate
Certificate Requirements
Cost: $8,161
Fire Service Technology – Basic Technical Certificate 1
Certificate Requirements
Cost: $5,766
Fire Service Technology – Basic Technical Certificate 2
Certificate Requirements
Cost: $2,918
Student Outcomes
Below are passing and retention rates for the Fire Service Technology program at College of Western Idaho.
FIRE 101 Certificate Passing Rates
Year Idaho Firefighter I Idaho Hazmat Awareness Idaho Hazmat Operations 2019 87% 87% 87% 2020 100% 100% 100% 2021 100% 100% 100% 2022 100% 100% 100% 2023 100% 100% 100% Associate of Arts Degree
Year Started Graduation Rate 2019 33% 2020 71% 2021 25% 2022 40% Year Retention Rate 2019 19% 2020 50% 2021 70% 2022 63% 2023 71%
Career Opportunities
Firefighters
Control and extinguish fires or respond to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk. Duties may include fire prevention, emergency medical service, hazardous material response, search and rescue, and disaster assistance.
81
Annual Openings*
$22.71
Hourly Median Wage*
$47,237
Annual Median Salary
6.76%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in firefighting and fire prevention and control.
14
Annual Openings*
$34.18
Hourly Median Wage*
$71,094
Annual Median Salary
6.96%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
Fire Inspectors and Investigators
Inspect buildings to detect fire hazards and enforce local ordinances and state laws, or investigate and gather facts to determine cause of fires and explosions.
3
Annual Openings*
$30.64
Hourly Median Wage*
$63,731
Annual Median Salary
12.48%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
*Data sourced from Lightcast™, a labor market analytics tool, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data. Career pathways may require further education beyond CWI.
Testimonial Carousel
“My gratitude to CWI’s Fire Service program, to the firefighters who teach us, and to my fellow classmates is hard to express in words. The instructors are all incredibly hard-working professionals who are passionate about firefighting and dedicated to teaching us and sharing their experiences. I owe a lot of where I am today to them. I gained a lot of great mentors from the program and a lot of great friends, and I feel extremely fortunate to have found a job with my dream department so soon.” Read more > about Fire Service Students One Step Closer to Fulfilling Careers
Admissions
Admission into the Fire Service Technology program is competitive and requires a supplemental application process.
STEP 1
- Request more information to be contacted by a representative.
STEP 2
- Meet with the Program Director to discuss qualifications, pathways, and steps to apply.
Program Accreditation
College of Western Idaho’s Fire Service Technology degree and certificates are accredited through the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC).
Cost & Aid
As a student in this program, you may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships.
Enrichment Opportunities
Enhance your academic experience, expand your knowledge, reach your goals, and celebrate your achievements.
Advising
Already a student? We are here to help you navigate your educational journey, connect you to academic and support resources, and achieve your academic or career goals.
Transfer Information
Plan ahead for a smooth transition to a four-year college or university.
News
Seventeen Fire Service Technology students participated in a graduation ceremony at the Nampa Civic Center on Dec. 11.
Read more about Fall 2024 Fire Service Technology Graduation Ceremony
The Fire Service Technology students will benefit from a $75k grant, awarded to College of Western Idaho by Metallica’s foundation, All Within My Hands.
Read more about Rock On! Metallica Scholars Initiative Awards $75k Grant to CWI
Early on Sept. 11, students from CWI and members of the Nampa Fire and Police Depts. honored those who have fallen.
Read more about Remembering 9/11: CWI Fire and Law Enforcement Students Honor the Fallen
Seventeen students graduate from Class 5.
Read more about Fall 2023 Fire Service Technology Graduation Ceremony
Fire Service Technology Class 5 showcased their skills and 13 weeks of hands-on training intense Burn Day simulation.
Read more about Fire Service Technology’s ’Burn Day’ Ignites Success
College of Western Idaho Fire Service Technology and Law Enforcement students paid tribute and honored the lives affected by the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, at a Memorial Ceremony.
Read more about CWI Fire and Law Enforcement Students Honor Heroes and Victims of 9/11
Seventeen Fire Service Technology students participated in a graduation ceremony at the Nampa Civic Center on Dec. 14.
Read more about Fall 2022 Fire Service Technology Graduation Ceremony
CWI’s Fire Service Technology Program is one step closer to being one of 30 institutions in the nation to have earned an accreditation seal by the International Fire Service Accreditation...
Read more about Fire Service Technology Earns High Marks by International Fire Service Accreditation Congress
College of Western Idaho’s Fire Service Technology and Practical Nursing programs will honor their Fall 2022 graduates with ceremonies.
Read more about Upcoming Program Ceremonies to Celebrate Fall 2022 Graduates
Fire Service Technology students are learning wildland firefighting skills through professional training and hands-on experience in the field.
Read more about BLM Provides Hands-On Training for Fire Service Students
Thank you to the Caldwell Fire Department for their support and dedication to the CWI Fire Service Technology program and its students.
Read more about CWI Partners with Local Fire Department to Elevate Opportunities for StudentsRequest More Information
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