Riverland Community College has received approval from the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) system to offer a Fire Science Technology Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree program. This two-year, 60-credit program begins Fall Semester 2014. Students can begin registering.

“Riverland now has the only credit-based fire science technology degree in southern Minnesota,” said Academic Dean of Workforce Education Matthew Bissonette. “The college has trained firefighters for many years with hour- and credit-based courses. However, this new degree program provides credentials students need to move into leadership positions within fire departments.”

Upon successful completion of the degree program students will be able to perform professional firefighting skills, operate and maintain fire apparatus and fire equipment, execute hazardous materials response skills safely and perform rescue operation skills, all according to National Fire Protection Association standards. Students will also learn emergency management skills, as well as basic emergency medical technician skills, as identified by the Department of Transportation.

“The credit-degree option provides many advantages for students including greater access to financial aid,” said Wanda Staska, Riverland’s fire science technology degree program manager. “In addition, firefighters with previous certifications may have the ability to test-out of some courses, reducing the amount of time needed to complete the program.”

“Students will also benefit from our instructors who are subject-matter experts with have vast real-life and training experience,” said Staska.

For more information about the Riverland Fire Science Technology AAS Degree visit www.riverland.edu, or contact Wanda Staska, 507-433-0615 or wanda.staska@riverland.edu.