You've already worked to earn your certifications. Now, you can make them count toward your degree!
If you're a firefighter, EMT, paramedic, or other emergency services professional, Louisiana State University Eunice (LSUE) may be able to award college credit for qualifying certifications. Instead of repeating training you've already completed, you can build on your professional experience while working toward your degree.
Whether you plan to study online or on campus, this can help you save time, reduce tuition costs, and move one step closer to graduation.
Turn Your Professional Training into College Credit
Fire and emergency services professionals spend years developing their knowledge through certification programs and hands-on experience. LSUE recognizes that learning by allowing eligible students to earn college credit for qualifying certifications.
Depending on your credentials, you may receive credit for certificates including:
- Firefighter I & II
- Hazardous Materials Awareness, Operations, and Technician
- Fire Officer I & II
- Emergency Medical Responder
- EMT or Paramedic
- Fire Inspector
- Fire Service Instructor
- Telecommunicator
- Fire Investigation
- Industrial Fire Protection
- Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator – Pumper
Students qualifying under the Firefighter Articulation Agreement may receive up to 24 credit hours, while eligible paramedic students may receive up to 15 credit hours. The two articulation pathways cannot be combined.
How the Credit for Prior Learning Process Works
To start, students can discuss any previous fire service or EMS training with their advisor. In order to receive credit, students submit an application along with copies of their qualifying certifications. Credit is awarded after students complete 18 credit hours at LSUE.
Beginning the conversation early can help advisors build a degree plan that maximizes your previous training and experience.
Why Prior Learning Matters
Many emergency services students return to college after years of serving their communities. Through the articulation agreement, these professionals can:
- Receive course credit for professional certifications
- Avoid repeating coursework on topics you've already mastered
- Reduce the overall cost of earning your degree
- Potentially graduate sooner
- Continue advancing your career without putting your life on hold
Recognizing education already earned is just one of many ways LSUE supports working professionals.
Build on Your Experience with the Online Associate of Applied Science in Fire & Emergency Services from LSUE
The online Associate of Applied Science in Fire & Emergency Services from LSUE is designed for both current and aspiring emergency services professionals who want to strengthen their technical knowledge, prepare for leadership opportunities, and continue serving their communities while earning a college degree. The program offers flexible seven-week courses and can be completed around a busy work schedule.
Students can also choose between two concentrations:
- Fire Service Technology, which focuses on fire service operations, leadership, tactics, and investigation.
- Emergency Services Technology, which emphasizes emergency management, technology, occupational safety, and contingency planning.
The curriculum is recognized by the National Fire Academy through the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) model and is one of only a handful of associate-level programs in the country to earn this distinction.
Ready to take the next step? Review the Fire & Emergency Services Articulation Agreement to see which certifications may qualify for college credit, and reach out to an academic advisor to discuss your options. Then, explore the fire and emergency services degree, and apply today!
Learn More About the AAS in Fire & Emergency Services
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