For the City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Mid-State Technical College is making it easier to start preparing for a career in fire with a new Firefighter Technician technical diploma program.

Applications are being accepted now for the 28-credit program starting this fall, which can be completed in one year with in-person classes on the Wisconsin Rapids Campus.

The new program was developed in partnership with local fire departments to help meet the growing demand for skilled firefighters, ensuring a competitive edge for graduates when starting their career. Students will experience realistic simulations, inside and outside the classroom, and train on a state-of-the-art burn tower, fire engines, car prop for fire training and other high-tech equipment.

Students will have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials as a Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Fire Inspector I, Driver/Operator – Pumper and Emergency Medical Technician. The program is embedded within the Fire Protection Technician associate degree, so graduates can get started in their fire career while taking manageable steps toward higher credentials, if desired.

“Today’s increasingly technical fire and EMS profession is allowing us to serve the public in more ways than ever before, even as the increase in training requirements has led to students being unavailable to enter the work force as quickly as they are needed,” said J.B. Moody, assistant chief of fire operations at the Stevens Point Fire Department.

“The Stevens Point Fire Department recognizes the value of traditional technical education and believes that this new one-year Firefighter Technician program is a win-win for both student and employer, allowing candidates to enter the career field earlier and providing the job-specific training needed to relieve shortages encountered by local fire departments so they can continue to serve the community effectively.”

“The fire-services field is evolving rapidly due to the constant changes and growing complexities of modern life and the environment, which is increasing demand for college-trained people in the fire-service field,” said Rick Anderson, Mid-State’s associate dean of protective & human services. “Those looking for a career that requires quick thinking and skilled action will find satisfying work in fire protection, and this one-year program is the perfect first step.”

For more information, visit mstc.edu/programs, or contact Anderson directly at 715-422-5473 or rick.anderson@mstc.edu.