The only requirements the fire departments in my area have are that you are 21 and have a high school diploma. I'm currently attending college and am wondering if I start taking courses gearing towards a fire science degree if it would put me ahead of other prospective applicates. I've been told courses in first response and EMT would help with getting a job but I'm wondering if these are things the department might send you to after you get hired.
2006-08-22 18:38:54 · 3 answers · asked by lithiumcore 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
They will send you to training when you are hired, but if you already have some prior training, it shows that you are serious about becoming a firefighter, and you will be more likely to be hired in the first place. An associates or bachelors in fire science will help tremendously, along with EMT-B certification.
Be sure to do a lot of physical conditioning. The area that most prospective firefighters fail is the practical test (where you have to haul hose, and carry 150+ pounds 30 feet, and other physical tests). If you talk to the fire department that you are interested in working for, they will be able to tell you how to prepare for the various stations in the physical test.
Hope this helps!
2006-08-23 11:16:35 · answer #1 · answered by rita_alabama 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Certification as an EMT will help you get hired, after your graduate firefighting school.
Firefighting is dangerous, exhaustive, repetitive work. Think very long before you committ yourself to the training. You must graduate BEFORE you will get hired, and getting hired is not as easy as you might think.
Most city gov'ts don't spend alot on fire depts so many of them hire in rotations or only as an opening comes up.
Take the time to visit a local fire dept and talk to the hiring person there. He's the best resource to know if your degree will be an asset.
Stay in school and good luck...
2006-08-23 00:49:17 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The more you have to offer the better your chances and getting hired. Alot of the classes for a fire science degree will help you work on promotions after you get hired with a department.
2006-08-24 12:31:08 · answer #3 · answered by dewey2412 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋