- Berks Career and Technology Center
- SERVICES CLUSTER
Protective Services Homeland Security
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Instructor Tom Carl | East Campus | CID Code 43.9999
The Protective Services – Homeland Security program provides students with a comprehensive public safety education. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for careers in firefighting and emergency medical response, fire protection, emergency health services, and emergency management. More specifically, students will study: fire science, including prevention, firefighting, rescue techniques, and hazardous materials; emergency medical services including first responder techniques EMT and dispatch; and emergency management.
Students will apply and refine their communication and computer skills through report writing, research, and information retrieval. The curriculum will include discussions and case studies on professionalism, ethics, cultural diversity, and conflict resolution. The program combines lecture, practical application, and clinical experiences. Fire certification courses will be taught in partnership with Bucks County Community College. BCTC will provide both EMR and EMT certification coursework in conjunction with the Eastern PA EMS Council. These certification courses will be tuition free. Supervised field trips and clinical experiences will include fire and emergency services departments. This program provides an excellent foundation from which to pursue college and ultimately a career in public safety.
Career Pathways:
Emergency Medical Responder
Emergency Medical Technician
Firefighter & Prevention Worker
Police & Sheriff Patrol Officer
Dispatcher: Police, Fire & Ambulance

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Industry Certifications:
EMR (Emergency First Responder)
EMT (Emergency Medical Technician)
Exterior Evolutions Firefighting
Interior Evolutions Firefighting
Firefighting I
Hazardous Materials Awareness
Hazardous Materials Operations
Core
PPE
Product Control
NIMS IS 100, 200, 700, 800,
CareerSafe – OSHA – HealthCollege Advanced Credits:
Berks Technical Institute - Up to 53 quarter credits
Central Pennsylvania College - Up to 12 credits
Harrisburg Area Community College - Harrisburg - Up to 9 credits
Pennsylvania College of Technology - Up to 3 credits
Pittsburgh Technical Institute - Up to 4 credits
Reading Area Community College - Up to 9 creditsProgram Requirements/Costs
There are specific costs for textbooks, tools, supplies, uniforms, certifications; and for some programs, medical and criminal clearances that students are obligated to pay upon acceptance. These costs change annually.
Program Entrance Recommendations:
ο Reading proficiency is critical
o Algebra I or Geometry
o Must demonstrate high level of emotional maturity
o Disciplinary record must be outstanding
o Must demonstrate a pattern of respect and self control at all times
o Integrity & honesty
o Problem-solving/critical thinking skills
o Ability to work independently and in a team
o Effective written/verbal communication skills
o Physical & mental fitness – self discipline
o Hand-eye coordination