NOTE: Valencia College will continue to offer Firefighter Minimum Standards and Advanced Training programs after the closure of the OTC facility on December 31, 2025.
Fire Rescue
Valencia College, in collaboration with Central Florida fire agencies, has established the premier Fire Rescue program that provides career pathways to meet the needs of the fire service community in Central Florida, nationally and globally. Our programs offer high quality and diverse learning and training opportunities to advance all professionals in the industry. The institute prepares all levels of fire service professionals, including the firefighter, fire officer, fire inspector, fire investigator and fire instructor. The Fire Science Technology Associate in Science degree program also provides opportunities for students to continue on to a bachelor's degree.
A.S. Fire Science Academy Track
(Limited Access)
The Fire Science Academy Track is a unique degree-granting program that provides students with three components of career development in just two years.
Upon completion, students will receive:
- A.S. degree in Fire Science Technology (60 credits)
- Emergency Medical Technology (EMT) Technical Certificate MUST PASS STATE EXAM
- Minimum Standards Training – Firefighter I and Firefighter II MUST PASS STATE EXAM
Information Sessions
(Open Access)
The A.S. in Fire Science Technology offers a scientific understanding of fire and emergency hazards with emphasis on effective prevention, control, and management. It is an open access degree program, which students can declare as a major as long as they meet all the college admission requirements. If you are a certified Firefighter or Fire Safety Inspector and have valid State of Florida Fire Service Certifications, you may be eligible for an award of credit. To learn more about the program, please visit the Fire Science Technology webpage.
Program Overview: A.S. in Fire Science Technology
Related Certificate: Fire Officer Supervisor
In addition to offering Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification as part of the Fire Science Technology program, Valencia College offers an A.S. degree in Emergency Medical Services Technology.
Firefighter Minimum Standards Class
This program fulfills the requirements of the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training, preparing for students to take the state certification exam to become a certified firefighter in the State of Florida.
Fire Apparatus Operator
This course covers the laws, rules and driving techniques for emergency vehicles, as well as the fire service hydraulics. This course will include 40 hours of classroom and 40 hours of practical training on the training grounds. The practical training will include fire ground hose evolutions and a driving course.
- Phone Number407-582-8223
Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training Certifications
Valencia College offers sets of courses which fulfill certification requirements for the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training in the State of Florida. Students must complete the Valencia College courses and meet other requirements set forth by the Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training. Students should check with the bureau for the most current requirements.
Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training Certifications:
- Fire Officer I
- Fire Officer II
- Fire Safety Inspector I
- Fire Safety Inspector II
- Fire Safety Investigator I
- Fire Service Instructor
Pathways to Advanced Degrees
Bachelor's Opportunities
The Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Safety Administration (BASPSA) at Valencia College is designed to develop essential skills and knowledge to manage and lead public safety organizations. This program focuses on discipline-specific workforce skills related to public safety personnel, policy and law, communications, and emergency planning. This program provides students with essential management skills and real-world knowledge needed for leadership in public safety organizations at the local, state or federal government levels as well as the private sector.
Graduates from select associate degrees have an academic pathway for admissions into the University of Central Florida through DirectConnect to UCF® (consistent with university policy). Students who wish to transfer to a university should contact their school of choice about transfer requirements and meet with a Valencia College Student Success Coach for assistance with education planning.
Advanced Specialized Training
Professional training courses cover the most recent updates, topics and equipment for fire service professionals of all levels. This training helps these professionals to refresh skills and build on experience in order to stay safe and create opportunities for career advancement. Topic areas include training in firefighter survival, rescue and vehicle operations, fire apparatus operations, leadership development and more.
Public Safety Leadership Development Certification Program
This four-week program focuses on developing public safety professionals into innovative leaders. It is offered in partnership between Valencia College Continuing Education, Valencia College Criminal Justice and Fire Rescue program, and the University of Central Florida's Criminal Justice program.
Fire Courses for Certification
For students not wishing to pursue an A.S. degree, we offer all of the Fire Science courses at a reduced rate of $150 plus the required textbook. These courses will not transfer for college credit. However, they meet the Florida Bureau of Fire Standards and Training requirements for certification as a Fire Inspector, Fire Officer, etc.