Course Catalog

This course is designed to establish the foundation for and promote consistent training of all responders to achieve the three objectives of the Traffic Incident Management (TIM) National Unified Goal: responder safety; safety, quick clearance from incidents; and prompt, reliable, interoperable communications. This course will familiarize fire and rescue personnel with the purpose of the Strategic Highway Research Program 2 (SHRP2) and National TIM Responder Training Program and how it relates specifically to North Carolina. Participants will learn to recognize and identify the dangers encountered by emergency responders working in or near traffic. This course is not a state fire & rescue certification course; however, it is a requirement related to one or more state certifications and will transfer electronically to the Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) for inclusion on OSFM transcripts. Please contact OSFM for details.

This INTERMEDIATE level content-based course will focus on developing LISTENING and SPEAKING English skills necessary to succeed in academic settings. Assignments will emphasize critical thinking and integrative skill development through listening and speaking activities using high-interest content materials. Listening and speaking strategies and practice activities will be centered on authentic recordings from "person on the street" interviews, social conversations, radio programs and university lectures. Students will listen to audio and view video recordings, acquire information about an academic content topic, take notes, participate and lead small group discussions and learn how to organize ideas and deliver presentations. The course will address common pronunciation challenges in American English but does not focus on pronunciation. The course utilizes a content-based language teaching approach, which means students will use English to communicate knowledge and ideas about a variety of academic content topics like anthropology, art, biology, business, ecology, economics, history, literature, psychology and sociology. Students are expected to complete all homework assignments on time. Required Textbook: Pathways 3 Listening, Speaking,, and Critical Thinking by Becky Tarver Chase and Christien Lee, National Geographic Learning, 2ndEdition, ISBN 978-1-337-40773-1

This ADVANCED level content-based course will focus on developing LISTENING and SPEAKING English skills necessary to succeed in academic settings. Assignments will emphasize critical thinking and integrative skill development through listening and speaking activities using high-interest content materials. Listening and speaking strategies and practice activities will be centered on authentic recordings from "person on the street" interviews, social conversations, radio programs and university lectures. Students will listen to audio and view video recordings acquire information about an academic content topic, take notes, participate and lead small group discussions and learn how to organize ideas and deliver presentations. The course will address common pronunciation challenges in American English but does not focus on pronunciation. The course utilizes a content-based language teaching approach, which means students will use English to communicate knowledge and ideas about a variety of academic content topics like anthropology, art, biology, business, ecology, economics, history, literature, psychology and sociology. Students are expected to complete all homework assignments on time. Required Textbook: Pathways 4 Listening, Speaking,, and Critical Thinking by Paul Macintyre, National Geographic Learning, 2ndEdition, ISBN 978-1337407748

English in Action: Social, Academic, and Professional Communication. This course is designed for non-native speakers of English who want to improve their English language skills for successful social, academic, and professional communication. This course incorporates all four language skills for effective transactions in these settings. The course content is focused on developing interpersonal skills, teamwork, reflective skills, critical thinking, and professionalism in spoken and written interactions. This student-centered and content-based class fosters a learning environment where students not only improve their language abilities, but also develop a growth mindset and increase their cultural awareness and understanding of higher education and workplace expectations.

This course is designed for students with little or no prior knowledge of Ukrainian, focusing on developing basic communication skills. Topics include language for everyday conversations, greetings, talking about family, and an introduction to key aspects of Ukrainian culture, history, geography, and daily life. Suitable for both beginners and those seeking to deepen their understanding, the course covers essential grammar, vocabulary, and conversational skills, allowing students to engage in simple conversations on common topics. Throughout the course, participants will build a personalized reference that can be used for travel, academic pursuits, or personal enrichment, making this a valuable gateway to learning and communicating in the fascinating Ukrainian language.

Ukrainian II builds on the skills acquired in Ukrainian I, reviewing foundational concepts while expanding students' ability to communicate effectively in a broader range of situations. This course is designed for learners who have some prior exposure to the language and are ready to advance their proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students will develop the ability to narrate events and express themselves using more complex sentence structures in both the present and past tenses. The course emphasizes practical language use, enabling students to handle everyday conversations, discuss routines, share experiences, and navigate common social and travel scenarios with increased confidence. Alongside language development, students will engage with cultural content that deepens their understanding of Ukrainian history, geography, daily life, and contemporary society. Authentic materials and interactive activities support meaningful communication and cultural exploration. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to participate in simple yet increasingly nuanced conversations, and will continue to build a personalized language reference useful for travel, academic pursuits, or personal enrichment. Ukrainian II is a valuable step forward in gaining fluency and cultural insight into the Ukrainian-speaking world.

This beginning Russian course teaches the essential basics for everyday conversations and lays the foundation for the development of the four language skills (speaking, writing, listening, and reading) indispensable for communication on everyday topics in a variety of contexts. The course introduces the structure of contemporary standard Russian through culturally relevant materials while emphasizing communicative and conversational strategies. Students will develop their understanding of Russian-speaking peoples and cultures from around the world.

This INTENSIVE integrated skills course is designed for non-native speakers of English who want to improve their English language skills for personal, professional and academic purposes. The course aims to develop the reading, writing, listening and speaking skills that students need to communicate confidently in English. Our student-centered and content-based classes foster an effective language-learning environment where students can improve, not only their language abilities, but also their cultural awareness and understanding of the US.

This beginning French course is for students with little to no background in the language. Students will learn basic French language skills to communicate about themselves, their families, likes and dislikes, and daily activities in the present tense using simple, formulaic sentences and asking and answering simple questions. Students begin to be more creative with language and rely less on memorized phrases. The course will teach skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, while developing students' cultural understanding of the French-speaking world.

This course builds on skills learned in French I by reviewing basic concepts of the language and applying them to a broader range of topics. Students at this level develop skills to narrate and express themselves using more complex sentences on a wider variety of topics in both present and past tenses. Students continue to develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills as well as deeper cultural understanding of the French-speaking world.

This course is designed to provide educators with little or no knowledge of Spanish the language skills for communication with Spanish-speaking families in common school settings. Topics include language used in basic conversations, talking about family, managing the classroom, giving directions, and parent-teacher interactions. Students will also discuss relevant cultural themes. Throughout the course, participants will develop a personalized reference for future use with students and families.

This course is designed to provide frontline medical professionals with little or no knowledge of Spanish with basic language skills for communication with Spanish-speaking patients and families in common medical settings. Topics include language used to gather general patient information, manage registration and intake, navigate the medical facility, and describe basic anatomy and symptoms. Students will also discuss cultural perspectives that affect communication with patients from Spanish-speaking areas. Students will learn to use language aids to serve patient needs and understand how to effectively work with professional interpreters.

This beginning Spanish course is for students with little to no background in the language and is the first in the series. Students will learn basic Spanish language skills to communicate about themselves, their families, likes and dislikes, and daily activities in the present tense using simple, formulaic sentences and questions. The course will teach skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, while developing students' cultural understanding of the Spanish-speaking world.

This second course in the Spanish language series builds on knowledge from Level 1A to further develop students' abilities to communicate in the present tense. Students will be able to discuss topics of daily life in more detail, discuss daily routines in the present tense, and ask and answer simple questions. Students at this level begin to be more creative with language and rely less on memorized phrases. The course will teach skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, while further developing students' cultural understanding of the Spanish-speaking world.

This third course in the Spanish language series builds on Level 1B by reviewing basic concepts of the language and applying them to a broader range of topics. Students will learn to discuss topics of daily life and routines in the past tense. Students at this level continue to increase their ability to create with language and rely less on memorized phrases. The course will teach skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, while further developing students' cultural understanding of the Spanish-speaking world.

This fourth course in the Spanish language series builds on Level 2A to further develop students' ability to discuss familiar topics of daily life in the present and past tenses. Students at this level develop skills to narrate and express themselves using more complex sentences on a wider variety of topics. Students continue to develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills as well as deeper cultural understanding of the Spanish-speaking world.

This fifth course in the Spanish language series builds on Level 2B to further develop students' ability to discuss topics of daily life in the present and past tenses with increased detail and accuracy. Students at this level develop skills to narrate and express themselves using more complex sentences on a wider variety of topics. Students continue to develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills as well as deeper cultural understanding of the Spanish-speaking world.

This introduction course will present the Technical Rescuer (TR) with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to satisfactory complete the requirements of various chapters within NFPA 1006-2021 edition: Standard for Technical Rescue Professional Qualifications. Individual topics included in this course are rescue operations, rescue equipment, PPE, rope basics, and helicopter operations. This course should be offered consistent with the most current NC Fire and Rescue Commission guidelines. Contact the Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) for details.

This Technical Rescuer (TR) Rope Rescue Series will present the Technical Rescuer with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to satisfy the requirements of Chapter 5 (Rope Rescue) of NFPA 1006-2021 edition: Standard for Technical Rescue Professional Qualifications. Individual courses included in this series are TR Rope Rescue Awareness, Operations, and Technician. This course transfers as one series, in its entirety, to the Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM). This course should be offered consistent with the most cur-rent NC Fire and Rescue Commission guidelines. Contact the Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) for details.

This certification-related course in rope rescue (awareness level) will present the Technical Rescuer (TR) with an introduction to rope rescue, size-up, hazards associated with rope rescue, supporting the operations, initiating a response, and technician level rescue incident. This course should be offered consistent with the most current NC Fire and Rescue Commission guidelines. Contact the Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) for details.

This certification-related course in rope rescue (operations level) will present the Technical Rescuer (TR) with the development of incident action plans, hazard specific PPE, rescue equipment, ropes and knots, principles of rigging, anchors, fall protection and belay operations, patient evacuation, lowering systems, mechanical advantage systems, and working in suspension. This course should be offered consistent with the most current NC Fire and Rescue Commission guidelines. Contact the Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) for details.

This certification-related course in rope rescue (technician level) will present the Technical Rescuer (TR) to horizontal systems, personal vertical skills, pickoff and litter management, and special rescue disciplines. This course should be offered consistent with the most current NC Fire and Rescue Commission guidelines. Contact the Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) for details.

This Technical Rescuer (TR) Confined Space Rescue series will present the Technical Rescuer with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to satisfy the requirements of Chapter 7 (Confined Space Rescue) of NFPA 1006-2021 edition: Standard for Technical Rescue Professional Qualifications. This course should be offered consistent with the most current NC Fire and Rescue Commission guidelines. Contact the Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) for details.

This certification-related course in Common Passenger Vehicle Rescue will present the Technical Rescuer (TR) with the knowledge, skills, and ability to satisfy the requirements of Chapter 8 (Common Passenger Vehicle Rescue) of NFPA 1006-2021 edition: Standard for Technical Rescue Professional Qualifications. Individual courses included in this series are Common Passenger Vehicle Rescue Awareness, Operations, and Technician. This course transfers as one series, in its entirety, to the Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM). This course should be offered consistent with the most current NC Fire and Rescue Commission guidelines. Contact the Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) for details.

This certification-related course in common passenger vehicles (awareness level) will present the Technical Rescuer (TR) with an introduction to vehicle rescue and extrication, vehicle rescue incident awareness, and rescue tools and equipment. This course should be offered consistent with the most current NC Fire and Rescue Commission guidelines. Contact the Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) for details.

This certification-related course in common passenger vehicles (operations and technician level) will present the Technical Rescuer (TR) with information on vehicle anatomy and will introduce new technologies in vehicle devices which present hazards for rescue personnel. Topics included in this course are site operations, mechanical energy and vehicle anatomy, supplemental restraint systems, and advanced vehicle technology: alternative fuel vehicles. This course should be offered consistent with the most current NC Fire and Rescue Commission guidelines. Contact the Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) for details.

This certification-related course in common passenger vehicles (operations and technician level) will present the Technical Rescuer (TR) the steps to stabilize a vehicle on four wheels, a side-resting vehicle, and a roof-resting vehicle. Topics included in this course are vehicle stabilization, victim access and management, alternative extrication and techniques, and terminating the incident. This course should be offered consistent with the most current NC Fire and Rescue Commission guidelines. Contact the Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) for details.

This Technical Rescuer (TR) Heavy Vehicle Rescue series will present the Technical Rescuer with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to satisfy the requirements of Chapter 9 (Heavy Vehicle Rescue) of NFPA 1006-2021 edition: Standard for Technical Rescue Professional Qualifications. This course should be offered consistent with the most current NC Fire and Rescue Commission guidelines. Contact the Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) for details.

This Technical Rescuer (TR) Trench series will present the Technical Rescuer with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to satisfy the requirements of Chapter 12 (Trench Rescue) of NFPA 1006-2021 edition: Standard for Technical Rescue Professional Qualifications. This course should be offered consistent with the most current NC Fire and Rescue Commission guidelines. Contact the Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) for details.

This Technical Rescuer (TR) Surface Water Rescue series will present the Technical Rescuer with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to satisfy the requirements of Chapter 17 (Surface Water Rescue) of NFPA 1006-2021 edition: Standard for Technical Rescue Professional Qualifications. This course should be offered consistent with the most current NC Fire and Rescue Commission guidelines. Contact the Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) for details.