Fire Science

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Emergency Medical Services and Fire Science professionals are among the first people on the scene when someone's life is on the line. CCC offers hands-on, accredited programs that prepare you to enter these fields with the knowledge, skills, and certifications needed to make a difference from day one. Whether you are starting your career, adding credentials to an existing role, or preparing to enter the fire service, there is a pathway here for you.

Program Options

CCC offers two distinct but connected areas of study within emergency services. Many students begin with EMT and build toward Paramedic or Fire Science credentials over time.

Emergency Medical Services

Basic EMS Certificate (EMT) – 8 credits
Advanced EMS Certificate (Paramedic) – 45 credits
Associate of Applied Science in Paramedic Studies

Fire Science

Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science
Fire Science Certificates (Basic and Advanced)

Looking for the High Country Training Academy? Head over to the HCTA page for everything you need.

What can I do with this?

EMS and Fire Science careers offer stable employment, strong community need, and the chance to make a real difference in people's lives.

EMT career options include:

Emergency Medical Technician (ambulance and emergency response)
Emergency Department Technician
Fire Department (entry level)
Ski Patrol
River Guide or Wilderness Responder
Event Medical Coverage
Park Service

Paramedic career options add:

Flight Paramedic
Critical Care Paramedic
Advanced emergency and trauma response roles

Fire Science career options include:

Firefighter I and II
Hazardous Materials Responder
Wildland Firefighter
Emergency Scene Management
Fire Prevention and Investigation

Career options vary based on certification, hiring agency requirements, and additional experience.

What Will I Learn?

EMS and Fire Science programs at CCC combine classroom instruction with hands-on training that reflects the real demands of emergency services work. Depending on your program, you will develop skills in:

Emergency patient assessment and care
Airway management and life-saving interventions
Trauma, medical, and cardiac emergency response
Firefighting techniques, tactics, and safety
Hazardous materials awareness and operations
Wildland and structural firefighting
Emergency scene management and incident command
Documentation, communication, and professional practice

For a full breakdown of what each program covers, visit the EMT, Paramedic, or Fire Science program pages.

Program at a Glance

Length of Program: 2 Years (full time)
Location: Fourth Street Campus
Course Delivery: In-Person and Online Classes
Transferrability: Limited Transfer Options

Financial Aid Eligible
Military/Veteran Benefits Available
Connect with job and internship opportunities
Stackable Certificates

Transfer Options

EMS and Fire Science certificates and degrees are designed to move you directly into the field, not toward a four-year university. Transfer options are extremely limited. If you have questions about how these programs fit your long-term goals, speak with an academic advisor before enrolling.

Please meet with an Advisor to discuss options.

Career Outlook

Program Standards & Recognition

CCC’s EMS programs are approved by the Arizona Department of Health Services and validated by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).

The Paramedic program is accredited through the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).

The Fire Science program is accredited through the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC).

Upon successful completion of your program and required exams, certification is issued through the Arizona Department of Health Services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an EMT and a Paramedic?

Both EMTs and Paramedics provide emergency medical care, but the level of training and scope of practice are very different. The EMT program is approximately 150 hours and covers foundational emergency care skills. The Paramedic program is approximately 1,500 hours and includes advanced clinical training through didactic coursework, emergency department and ICU rotations, pediatric clinical hours, and field internships. Paramedic certification requires current EMT certification as a prerequisite.
Do I need to be certified as an EMT before I can become a Paramedic?
Yes. Active EMT certification is required before you can apply to or enroll in the Paramedic program.
Is EMT training required for the Fire Science degree?

Yes. EMS 131, the Emergency Medical Technician course, is a required core component of the Fire Science AAS degree and Intermediate Certificate. Most fire departments expect entry-level firefighters to hold EMT certification, so completing both programs together is the recommended pathway into the fire service.
Do I need to be a firefighter to enroll in Fire Science courses?
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No. Fire Science courses are open to anyone interested in pursuing a career in structural or wildland firefighting, emergency services, or fire prevention. Some students take individual courses to build skills or complete recertification, while others pursue a full certificate or degree.

Train at CCC’s Fourth Street Campus and local fire department facilities using state‑of‑the‑art equipment and real‑world simulators, taught by professionals actively serving in the fire industry.

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