do you need college to become a firefighter?

Question

so do you need college?

Answer 1

If you just want to be a volunteer, the answer is NO... except... most all states require that you take a basic firefighting class that, state to state, could be as little as 38 hours and as much as 120 that I have seen. However, if you are looking to go full time, the hours usually jump up to 240 hours of firefighting along with 120 hours of basic EMS training at minimum. Now, if you are full time, and you have completed these classes, then you should absolutely consider taking college courses as they may be required as you move up in the ranks. I have been in the service for almost 25 years and I love it !! .. My last position was Assistant Chief and resigned due to family problems. And I'm starting to get the itch to run again...lol... GL on your quest. If you are young.. and want to look at it more serious, check out the Air Force... they have an awesome firefighting program.. if I had to do over.. I would have went in. (navy has it too... personally, I'd stay away from that !!)

Answer 2

I used to work as a paramedic and i knew a ton of firefighters that had 4 year degrees in everything from education to marketing. Most had wanted to be FF's all their lives but most went to college for personal gratification or family pressure. I looks good to have a college education under your belt when applying for a FF job, sometimes it will even increase your starting pay. To move up in the fire chain they might want you to take some fire science classes at some point, but that varies from one department to the next. So if you want to be a firefighter then go for it! At least now if the FF thing does not work you have a great college education to fall back on :)

Answer 3

Hi. I am a firefighter based in the UK, Manchester Area and have just finished training school and been stationed, so my experience with getting into the fire service is fairly fresh in my mind.

To answer your question, do you need to go to college to be a fire fighter? no you don't. However, based on my experiences in the UK, you need to be 18 before you can even apply to be a firefighter and then the fire service here looks very kindly on people who are a little older and have experiences in other areas of life- particularly community-based or volunteer work.

People from all backgrounds were recruited when I was- mechanics, former royal marines, uni students (like myself), roofers, fibre optics engineers- people from all walks of life. So my advice to you would be to gain experience in other aspects of life first before you apply to be a firefighter, possibly get some experience doing volunteer work or go travelling, whatever you can see yourself doing. Maybe even training for a trade which you feel would benefit you in applying for the fire service.

Hope this helps!! and all the best in applying in the future!!

Answer 4

Full time, I do not think so, but I think special training is required.

I have a friend who has been a volunteer firefighter since he was 15 so I doubt that they require it for volunteering.

Answer 5

Community colleges usually have courses in "fire science." I've seen them at my Community College. They teach very important classes on how the air flows, effects on smoke inhalation, etc. Worth looking into.

Answer 6

dont think so, but make sure with your local firefighters. Just dont call 911 to find out. If you live in ny you can call 311

Answer 7

not usually, but college will help if you want to advance within the department.

Answer 8

nope. Look at website for details

Answer 9

Yes...try this website. www.firecareers.com

Answer 10

no but it helps. you can get a higher pay scale