Madison College is making life easier for rural firefighters.
Volunteer, part-time or full-time firefighters for the first time this fall may complete the school’s 62-credit Fire Protection Technician degree program online.
The school expects the move will help firefighters continue their education regardless of where they live or when they work. The online program for firefighters is the first of its kind in Wisconsin and could over time boost its total enrollment, said Madison College spokeswoman Susan Pohorski.
Firefighters must first complete firefighting training and EMT certification in Madison, at five credits each, before taking the remaining courses via recorded lectures, discussion boards and computer-based assignments and assessments.
About 30 students graduated from the associate degree program last year. The program had one graduate from Pardeeville.