News Summary
Augusta Technical College teams up with the Augusta Fire Department to launch a Fire and Emergency Services Degree Program. This new curriculum will equip students with essential skills for careers in public safety and emergency response, enhancing employment prospects in these vital sectors. The program, which spans five terms and includes fire academy training, aims to meet local and regional emergency services needs while supporting workforce development in the Augusta area.
Augusta, Georgia – Augusta Technical College (Augusta Tech) has introduced a new Fire and Emergency Services Degree Program in collaboration with the Augusta Fire Department as the new academic year commences. This program offers a unique path for students who are contemplating career options, especially in the area of public safety and emergency response.
Beginning this semester, participants from the Augusta Fire Department will have the opportunity to enroll in a comprehensive five-term, 64-credit program that includes fire academy training. This curriculum is aimed at equipping students with the essential skills and knowledge necessary to pursue higher positions within the fire department. Successful completion of the program will enable graduates to gain vital certifications in critical roles, enhancing their prospects for immediate employment in the fire and emergency medical services (EMS) sectors.
Augusta Technical College has a diverse selection of over 130 academic programs, with a focus on more than 100 options available this year alone. The college currently serves nearly 5,000 enrolled students, with the greatest enrollment figures recorded in the health sciences programs, particularly in nursing and allied health fields.
The interim President of Augusta Tech, Dr. Melissa Frank-Alston, has noted the importance of this partnership in supporting workforce development in the region. The Augusta Tech Foundation board is also taking steps to expand scholarship offerings to assist students in funding their education, which is particularly beneficial for new graduates seeking financial assistance.
The Fire and Emergency Services program is designed not just for Augusta, but also to address local, state, and regional emergency service needs. Graduates can expect to earn credentials for essential roles, including Firefighter I and II, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and Advanced EMT. A combination of classroom learning, hands-on training, and practical clinical experience is integral to the curriculum, ensuring that future first responders are well-prepared to serve the community effectively.
This educational initiative represents a significant advancement in improving the skill set of public safety employees. Fire Chief Antonio Burden has emphasized the crucial role that the program plays in fostering a safer and more resilient Augusta community. This collaboration not only enhances the education provided to students but also supports the ongoing need for qualified professionals in emergency services.
Graduates from this program will be poised to take on immediate entry-level positions, which is an essential factor given the increasing demand for qualified personnel in firefighting and emergency medical response. The partnership with Columbia County Fire Rescue further strengthens the college’s commitment to developing skilled responders ready to tackle the challenges faced by local and surrounding communities.
Founded as longstanding institutions positioned directly across from each other on Deans Bridge Road, both Augusta Technical College and the Augusta Fire Department have played vital roles in the community. This initiative marks a progressive step towards expanding the educational resources available for aspiring emergency responders and meeting the growing workforce demands in this critical sector.
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Additional Resources
- WJBF: Augusta Tech Begins Classes
- Wikipedia: Public Safety
- WRDW: New Emergency Degree
- Google Search: Fire and Emergency Services Degree
- Augusta Chronicle: New Augusta Tech Degree
- Google Scholar: Emergency Response Education
- WJBF: Fire Emergency Services Degree Program
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Firefighting
- WRDW: Augusta Tech Degree Program
- Google News: Fire Department Education
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
