Program Summary

A career in fire protection technology prepares individuals who are interested in a career as a firefighter. With hands-on training, classroom experience, and physical and practical training, students gain the skills necessary to enter the field as entry-level firefighters.

Firefighters don’t just fight fires; they provide medical services and are often the first responders in emergencies. A career in fire protection provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to help keep communities safe.

This program meets all the requirements of the Texas Commission on Fire Protection basic structure fire suppression curriculum, preparing students for state certification exams.

The Hill College Fire Academy is licensed by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.


Contact

Robert Matthews

Robert Matthews
Program Coordinator
rmatthews@hillcollege.edu
254.659.7981


Fire Protection Program Nationally Ranked

The Hill College Fire Protection Technology program was recently named a nationally ranked fire science program by FS Online (firescience.org). Hill College ranked 38th(eighth in the state) out of  the top 90 programs across the nation.

While the education itself is the most important part of obtaining a degree in fire science, the increase in pay or career prospects is a close second. Students want to enroll in programs that will make them high-caliber firemen and women, but they also want schools that lead to careers that pay well. In order to accommodate those desires, FS Online assembled the list.

Each school on the list met the following criteria: Annual tuition less than $10,000, average annual salary greater than $50,000, must have at least 35 active students enrolled and fully-accredited schools only.

“We strive to put on the best academy in the state,” Fire Protection Technology Instructor Robert Matthews said. “We also work very hard on helping the recruits be successful in not only completing the program, but having a successful career in a fire department.”



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Program Requirements

  • Class day uniform:  
    • Dark navy Dickies Men's Short Sleeve Work Shirt.
    • Dickies Original 874 Work Pants.
  • Bunker Gear will be discussed on the first day of class. 
    • Cost:  $550.00 Rental
  • Students must have either a high school diploma or Certificate of High School Equivalency.
  • Students must be eligible to be a firefighter in Texas.
    • Criminal Conviction and Eligibility for Certification
      403.1 Purpose
      403.3 Scope
      403.5 Access to Criminal History Record Information
      403.7 Criminal Convictions Guidelines
      403.9 Mitigating Factors
      403.11 Procedure for Suspension, Revocation, or Denial of a Certificate to Persons with Criminal History
      403.15 Report of Convictions by an individual or a Department
  • Students must have a medical release form your physician prior to the first day of class.
    Physical Examination form
  • Students must have completed a drug screen.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must have a valid driver’s license
  • Must be able to perform physical fitness exercises
  • Preference will be given to students sponsored by a paid fire department

 We enter a new class every Fall and Spring.
If you have further questions, please complete our information request form.

  • Hillsboro Location
    Transitional, Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Cleburne Location
    Hybrid class with Online and classroom, Saturday,  8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

EDUCATION PLAN(S)
DEGREE/CERTIFICATE OPTION(S)

Fire Protection Education Plan

Fire Protection Technology
Certificate of Completion
24 Credit Hours

Fire Protection and Safety Technology
Certificate of Completion
30 Credit Hours

Fire Protection
Associate of Applied Science
60 Credit Hours


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