Delivery
Online
Fire and EMS Administrative Leadership Certificate
Program Overview
Fire and EMS professionals enter the field to protect and serve their communities. As you advance in your career, administrative responsibilities such as budgeting, personnel management, and planning become a significant part of leadership roles.
Many small and mid sized agencies do not have dedicated HR or finance departments, requiring officers and supervisors to navigate these systems on their own. The Fire and EMS Administrative Leadership Certificate provides the practical administrative training needed to support agency operations, make informed decisions, and lead with confidence.
Program Contact
Enrollment Team
School of Professional Studies
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Ready to register?
Information Session: March 25, 2026
Join us for a free online information session and learn more about the certificate. Program director Krystle Kunnathur will walk you through the program details.
Who Should Enroll
This certificate is designed for Fire and EMS professionals preparing for administrative responsibilities or promotion, including:
- Company Officers
- Battalion Chiefs
- Division Leaders
- EMS Supervisors
- Administrative Captains
- Personnel involved in budgeting, HR processes, or administrative planning
- Individuals preparing for chief officer or senior leadership roles
This certificate is open to all Fire and EMS professionals.
Program Format
- The program consists of 42 total hours of instruction delivered in a flexible online format.
- You will participate in live Zoom sessions on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM, with two short breaks built into each class.
- Each live class is accompanied by one hour of asynchronous learning, allowing you to apply course concepts on your own schedule.
Courses
FEL101 – Budgeting and Financial Management for Fire and EMS
14 hours total; 4 live sessions plus asynchronous assignments
FEL102 – Human Resources for Fire and EMS Leaders
28 hours total; 8 live sessions plus asynchronous assignments
Courses may be taken individually. Both courses are required to earn the certificate.
What Participants Will Learn
Through real world examples and applied administrative training, you will learn how to:
- Understand and manage Fire and EMS budgeting processes
- Read, interpret, and communicate financial information
- Build and justify budget requests
- Navigate personnel systems, HR procedures, and employment policies
- Handle staffing, scheduling, and leave management with confidence
- Support personnel investigations and documentation requirements
- Develop policies and procedures that strengthen agency operations
- Apply administrative decision making in your daily leadership role
- Improve communication and collaboration with city, county, or agency partners
These skills help you transition from operational leadership to administrative effectiveness, preparing you for expanded responsibility at the division, battalion, or agency level.
2026 Course Schedule
FEL101 (Budgeting and Financial Management for Fire and EMS) – 4 live online sessions
Week 1
- Wed May 6 — 8:30–11:30 AM
- Thu May 7 — 8:30–11:30 AM
Week 2
- Wed May 20 — 8:30–11:30 AM
- Thu May 21 — 8:30–11:30 AM
FEL102 (Human Resources for Fire and EMS Leaders) – 8 live online sessions
Week 3
- Wed June 3 — 8:30–11:30 AM
- Thu June 4 — 8:30–11:30 AM
Week 4
- Wed June 10 — 8:30–11:30 AM
- Thu June 11 — 8:30–11:30 AM
Week 5
- Wed June 17 — 8:30–11:30 AM
- Thu June 18 — 8:30–11:30 AM
Week 6
- Wed June 24 — 8:30–11:30 AM
- Thu June 25 — 8:30–11:30 AM
What Can You Do With Your Certificate?
Earning the Fire and EMS Administrative Leadership Certificate equips you for roles that require strong administrative competency, including:
- Manage personnel and HR functions within your division
- Oversee budgets, purchasing, and financial planning
- Lead policy development and administrative operations
- Support compliance, documentation, and reporting
- Prepare for promotion to captain, battalion chief, division chief, EMS supervisor, or administrative leadership roles
- Build credibility with department leadership and city or county partners
- Strengthen your readiness for future chief officer responsibilities
Whether you are new to administrative duties or preparing for the next step in your career, this certificate helps you advance with confidence.
Why Earn Your Certificate From UNC Charlotte?
UNC Charlotte’s School of Professional Studies is a trusted training partner for Fire and EMS agencies across the region. When you earn your certificate through UNC Charlotte, you benefit from:
- Programs built with and for the field
Curriculum shaped by input from Fire and EMS leaders ensures every hour is relevant and practical. - Experienced instructors
Courses are taught by professionals who have extensive experience managing HR, budgeting, and administrative operations. - A strong track record in public safety leadership
Our Fire and Rescue Management Institute and EMS Management Institute have served thousands of professionals preparing for leadership roles. - Flexible, online learning
Live online sessions allow you to balance training with shift work and agency responsibilities. - A recognized university credential
You earn a certificate from a respected institution known for high quality, applied professional development.
UNC Charlotte is committed to supporting the next generation of Fire and EMS leaders as they take on the administrative and managerial responsibilities of the job.
Program Cost
Individual Courses
- FEL101 – Budgeting and Financial Management for Fire and EMS: $345
- FEL102 – Human Resources for Fire and EMS Leaders: $685
Bundle Price: $875 – Save when you enroll in both courses.
Both courses are required to earn the certificate, and each may be taken individually.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the attendance expectation?
This is a live, interactive program, and attendance at all scheduled sessions is expected.
Can I miss a class if something comes up?
Absences are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. In most instances, we are only able to accommodate up to one missed live session in the full program due to extenuating circumstances. Email Program Director, Krystle Kunnathur (krystle.kunnathur@charlotte.edu) to discuss specific situations or ask any questions.
Does being on shift or responding to a call count as an exception?
No. Being on shift or responding to an emergency call is not considered an extenuating circumstance. Participants are expected to arrange shift coverage during scheduled class times.
Can I complete the program on my own time or watch recordings instead?
No. The program is not designed to be completed asynchronously or on a flexible schedule, and missed class time cannot be fully replicated.
What if I work for a smaller or volunteer department?
We recognize that arranging coverage may not always be feasible, and we understand this may limit participation for some departments. In the future, we hope to explore more flexible program options, but the current format does not allow for that.