Volunteer firefighters and public safety officers can now use their fire academy training toward a degree from Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College.
New for fall 2016, OCtech is offering an Associate Degree in Applied Science in General Technology with a primary specialty in Fire Science/Emergency Medical Technician and secondary specialty in Criminal Justice.
“This degree combines three vital public service areas into one,” said Donna Elmore, vice president for academic affairs. “It is the perfect opportunity for individuals who have trained with the South Carolina Fire Academy – especially those serving in area volunteer departments – or the National Fire Academy to expand their knowledge and earn a degree.”
OCtech will award exemption credit for training sponsored and conducted by the S.C. Fire Academy, which may be completed at its facility in Columbia or any other S.C. Fire Academy designated site.
In addition to their fire training, students will take such courses as anatomy and physiology, emergency medical care, general psychology, police community relations, criminal investigations, public speaking and more.
“This curriculum really prepares people for a career as a first responder,” said Chief Mike Adams, director of the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety. “It exposes students to criminal justice, fire service and emergency medicine. If an individual goes through this course of study and comes to our agency, we feel they’re pretty prepared for a career as a first responder, and we can help them build upon that knowledge and those skills. Training is key, and the more training you have as a first responder, the better first responder you’ll be.”
Scholarships are available. Fall classes start Monday, Aug. 22. To learn more, call OCtech’s Admissions Office at 803-535-1234.
