AUSTIN — Riverland Community College is fired up to build its latest program.

The college received approval from the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system to offer a fire science technology associate degree in applied science.

The college will expand its 16-credit fire degree into a 60-credit program. The program is expanding on Austin’s west campus in the old machine shop.

Crews are building a full-scale model of a home for search and rescue drills, and trainees will learn how to operate a ladder, how to protect themselves and how to do auto-extrications.

“For new firefighters, it’s important to have that hands on experience,” said Wanda Staska, EMS and fire training program manager.

Along with learning the science behind fires, there will also be a gear area to learn about equipment.

“You have to know how to wear the equipment,” Staska said.

Firefighting programs aren’t common in Minnesota. Staska said the closest such program is in Hennepin County, and Academic Dean of Workforce Education Matthew Bissonette agreed.

“Riverland now has the only credit-based fire science technology degree in southern Minnesota,” Bissonette said in a press release. “The college has trained firefighters for many years with hour- and credit-based courses. However, this new degree program provides credentials students need to move into leadership positions within fire departments.”

Upon completion of the degree program students will be able to perform professional firefighting skills, operate and maintain fire apparatus and fire equipment, execute hazardous materials response skills safely and perform rescue operation skills, all according to National Fire Protection Association standards.

Students will also learn emergency management skills, as well as basic emergency medical technician skills, as identified by the Department of Transportation.

Students returning to further their education will be able to test out of introductory courses. Students can take hour-based classes, along with classes for credit.

“The credit-degree option provides many advantages for students including greater access to financial aid,” said Wanda Staska, Riverland’s fire science technology degree program manager. “In addition, firefighters with previous certifications may have the ability to test-out of some courses, reducing the amount of time needed to complete the program.”

“Students will also benefit from our instructors who are subject-matter experts with have vast real-life and training experience,” Staska said.

For more information about the Riverland Fire Science Technology AAS Degree visit www.riverland.edu. The 60-credit program begins Aug. 25. Students are encouraged to register soon.