What does it take to become a Firefighter

Hi Ricardo,

Fire fighters are generally only required to have a high school education; however, employers increasingly are preferring candidates with some college education. Schools offer associate's or bachelor's degrees in fire science and fire protection engineering. Students in these programs may take such courses as hazardous materials, fire fighting strategies and fire protection.

Following hire, new recruits must undergo a weeks-long training program at a fire academy. They learn practical skills, such as fire fighting techniques, use of rescue equipment and first aid training, through a combination of instruction in the classroom and in practice. While most fire departments require their fire fighters to be certified as EMTs, they may not always provide this training but nevertheless expect their recruits to earn this certification within a reasonable amount of time.

Some fire departments combine their training programs with practice in the field through apprenticeship programs that may last several years. Certain states also have mandatory training or certification programs for fire fighters.

Here are some steps to help you:

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  Sign up for FireRecruit.com

  
  


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  Start testing with any fire department that you qualify for. Every test better prepares you for the next one. Figure out your weaknesses and work on them. For example, if you find the math portion of the written exam difficult, work to improve your math skills, or if you left a puddle of sweat under your chair when you walked out of the interview, seek help.

  
  


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  Enroll in and get your EMT certificate in the state you live in and get your National Registry certificate as well. This alone will make you eligible to apply for many departments in the U.S. (In most States, EMT courses can be taken at select community colleges. Keep in mind that these classes often fill up fast and priority will be given to current students, so you may need to sign up for other classes before getting in)

  
  


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  Take general education courses and work towards your AS degree in fire science as well as anatomy and physiology, which are often prerequisites for paramedic school.

  
  


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  Once certified, apply for EMT jobs with private ambulance companies, hospitals, etc., to get some hands on experience.

  
  


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  Enroll in a Firefighter 1 Academy.

  
  


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  Get involved in a volunteer, reserve or cadet program. If such a program is available in your area prior to obtaining your certifications get involved now.

  
  


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  If considering paramedic school, find a good one, get enrolled and get your paramedic license.

  
  


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  Continue working towards your AS degree in fire science and once achieved consider a Bachelors degree in a related field, such as public administration or emergency management.

  
  


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  Take as many specialized courses as possible: Driver operator/EVOC, wildland firefighter, haz-mat tech and specialist, rescue systems, high rise tactics, confined space rescue, swift water rescue, truck company operations, engine company operations, etc.

  
  

In: http://study.com/articles/Fire_Fighter_How_Do_I_Start_a_Career_in_Fire_Fighting.html
https://www.firerecruit.com/articles/1389043-The-10-steps-to-becoming-a-firefighter

Best!