IFSI

IFSI/Parkland FAQ’s

How can I enroll in the AAS program at Parkland to earn a degree?

To pursue a degree or certificate through Parkland, click here. Follow the steps to apply to the College and speak with an Advisor about your program completion details and scholarship opportunities.

Can I receive college credit for my IFSI training?

Through a partnership with Parkland College in Champaign, IL, most classes will receive college credit. Some courses can help complete a College degree or Certificate program, and others help provide continuing education units (CEU’s).

How can I get credit at my local community college and not through Parkland College?

College credit will be given through Parkland College, however this credit may apply to your current degree or certificate program at your local College or University. Go to the Parkland web site and request a copy of your transcript. Providing this to your local College or University can allow for a transcript audit and the inclusion of courses towards your degree.

How will this affect my current financial aid?

Vocational skills credit classes will not affect any Financial Aid concerns for individuals seeking a Degree or Certificate program at Parkland or their local College or University.

For those individuals taking classes that would receive academic credit through Parkland, educational Financial Aid could be affected because there is a limit to how much assistance an individual may receive:

For those attending Parkland College and pursuing a Fire Science A.A.S or Certificate during the same term as the IFSI course, then the classes taken at IFSI could go towards a degree and reduce the amount of Financial Aid available.
For those attending Parkland College and pursing a non-Fire Science degree or Certificate during the same term as the IFSI course, then the classes taken at IFSI could reduce the amount of Financial Aid available.
For those attending a College other than Parkland or University and pursuing any degree or Certificate during the same term as the IFSI course, then the student should consult with that school to determine if the classes are eligible to be applied towards those programs. Financial aid will only be affected if a transcript review is conducted while pursuing your degree. It is suggested that a transcript review to determine if IFSI/Parkland College courses will be accepted by your local College or University occur during a period when you are not currently receiving Financial Aid.

How many classes can I take per semester or year?

There is no limit to the amount of classes that you can take through IFSI or Parkland College. Consult your local College or University if you have concerns regarding their policies. Some classes may not count towards additional college credit if taken multiple times. If you have questions regarding classes that you have taken multiple times, please contact businesstraining@parkland.edu.

Do I have to provide a Social Security Number?

Providing a SSN is not mandatory, however it is highly encouraged. This unique number ensures that your courses are applied to your current transcript. Without it, a separate account may be created, resulting in future complications when consolidating transcripts.

Can I receive credit for classes that I have taken in the past through IFSI?

Parkland College is able to do a review of transcripts and offer Academic Proficiency Credit for Fire Officer I and Fire Officer II courses through IFSI. A Proficiency exam will be necessary.
All classes offered by Parkland College at the time of delivery of the same course at IFSI will be eligible for conversion; however, most classes (almost all of the classes) will not be eligible for “grandfathering”. Please contact Parkland College at businesstraining@parkland.edu if you have specific questions.

Can I get a degree by taking classes through IFSI?

IFSI courses can fulfill the bulk of the requirements toward an Associate’s in Applied Science Degree in Fire Service Technology or a Fire Office 1 Certificate in Fire Service Technology program through Parkland College. Some additional General Education Core Courses will be required to complete either program, and these may be available online. If you are going to pursue a degree through your local College or University, check their requirements as they may be different.

How can I get a transcript of my training?

All IFSI training after July 1, 2010 will be available for transcript review through Parkland College. Go to the Parkland website and you can view an unofficial copy of your transcript or you can request an official copy to be mailed to the school of your choosing.

When will my training be posted to my transcript?

Please allow for 90 days to pass after the completion of the training to have your course added to your Parkland College transcript. If after 90 days your record is not correct, contact businesstraining@parkland.edu.

Will this training affect my GPA at Parkland or my local community college?

Classes through IFSI that are eligible for academic credit can affect your GPA if you are seeking a degree through Parkland College.
If you are seeking a degree through a different College, then your GPA could be affected only if you conduct a transcript audit/review and apply your Parkland College courses for to your degreed program.
Vocational skills credit courses will not affect your Academic GPA.

Parkland College