Academic Divisions

Public Safety

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The Public Safety Education and Training Division offers both degree and non-degree programs in public safety training. The three degree programs – Criminal Justice/Forensic Science Technologies, Emergency Medical Science and Public Safety Administration – prepare students to successfully transfer into a similar program of study at a four-year university. The non-degree programs – Basic Law Enforcement Training, EMS Training, Fire Services, Law Enforcement, Correction & Detention and General Instructor Training – are designed to prepare students to pass North Carolina public safety certification credential exams. They also offer intermediate and advanced training to enhance essential knowledge and skills for public safety personnel.

The Public Safety Training Academy is accredited by CALEA®, the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education & Training Standards Commission and the North Carolina Sheriffs' Education and Training Standards Commission. CALEA®, the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, recognizes best practices and professional excellence in policy and practice. Wake Tech was the first community college in North Carolina – and the second in the nation – to earn CALEA® accreditation for its Public Safety Training Academy.

The Emergency Medical Science program is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation for the Emergency Medical Services Professions. Fire & Rescue Training and Certification courses are certified by the North Carolina Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Students can find curriculum outlines, certification descriptions and career training opportunities in the various programs below. They also can email a specific department or visit Wake Tech to discuss their goals with an advisor.

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Train for degrees and industry-recognized certifications leading to careers in fire, corrections, detention, Emergency Medical Science, forensics and law enforcement.

Basic Law Enforcement Training
Prepare for entry-level employment as law enforcement officers with state, county or municipal governments or with private enterprise. Instruction includes practical exercises, with an ethics component woven throughout the training.
Corrections & Detention Training
Training provided for North Carolina Department of Public Safety and county detention facility employees emphasizes officer safety and inmate security.
Criminal Justice & Forensic Science Technologies
The Criminal Justice/Forensic Science Technologies curriculum is designed to provide knowledge of criminal justice systems and operations. Study will focus on local, state, and federal law enforcement, judicial processes, corrections, and security services
Emergency Medical Science
The Emergency Medical Science curriculum provides individuals with the knowledge, skills and attributes to provide advanced emergency medical care as a paramedic for critical and emergent patients
EMS Training
Wake Tech runs a standard rotating series of non-degree Emergency Medical Science classes and refresher courses for EMS professionals and those wishing to become an emergency medical technician.
Fire Services Training
Fire Services courses cover modern firefighting, rescue, officer development and fire department management. The program provides full-time and volunteer fire departments an opportunity to gain knowledge, practical skills and certification.
General Instructor Training
Law enforcement officers receive a fundamental background in how to teach other law enforcement personnel. Courses prepare them to apply for certification as a law enforcement instructor.
Law Enforcement Training
Wake Tech offers a variety of law enforcement training opportunities in the classroom and through practical application, emphasizing legal and technological advancements in law enforcement.
Public Safety Administration
The Public Safety Administration curriculum provides technical, managerial and administrative knowledge and skills needed in various public safety and government organizations.. The program is for both students seeking entry and practitioners looking to advance.

Professional licensure

Wake Tech academic programs (credit and non-credit) that are designed to lead to professional licenses are tied to North Carolina or national certifications.

If you intend to pursue professional licenses outside North Carolina once you have completed your academic program at Wake Tech, please refer to the Professional Licensure section on the college's distance education authorization page for additional information.