Ohio's Fire Science pathway prepares students for careers as firefighters and fire service professionals. Fire science offers rewarding careers serving communities while working with sophisticated equipment and supporting teams in critical situations.
Students study fire behavior, firefighting techniques, fire safety codes, emergency response procedures, hazmat awareness, and leadership. They participate in practical fire training exercises, learning techniques and safety practices used by professional firefighters.
Graduates work as firefighters with fire departments throughout Ohio, pursuing Firefighter I and II certifications. Career advancement leads to fire officer, captain, or fire chief roles. Many combine firefighting with paramedic certification (Firefighter/Paramedic) for broader emergency response capability.
Fire Science at a Glance
2
Courses
6
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Ohio's fire science standards align with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and Ohio fire code requirements. Curriculum emphasizes fire behavior, firefighting techniques, and emergency response procedures.
Competency assessments include practical firefighting skills, fire safety code knowledge, emergency procedures, and leadership capability. Students pursue Firefighter I and II certifications required for professional employment.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Fire Science Foundations |
| Fire Operations and Safety |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
- ✓NOCTI Criminal Justice
- ✓National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)
- ✓First Aid/CPR/AED
- ✓STOP THE BLEED
- ✓First Aid for Severe Trauma (FAST)
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Firefighter
Entry LevelSalary range: $43,850 - $74,180
Adjusted for cost of living: $47,762
Senior Firefighter
Entry LevelSalary range: $43,850 - $74,180
Adjusted for cost of living: $47,762
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students train with local fire departments, participate in drills, and learn firefighting operations through ride-along programs.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Ohio CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Ohio Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Ohio's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Ohio standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Ohio
Ready to Build Fire Science Programs at Scale?
See how Sage can help you create standards-aligned curriculum for Fire Science in Ohio.