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What classes should I take to become a firefighter
Planning on becoming a firefighter but I don't know what classes I should take in college. Should I major in something else as a backup? Or do I just focus on firefighting? #college #firefighting
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Karli’s Answer
A good class to take if you want to become a firefighter is Fire Science. It would also help if you were a qualified EMT. I included a link that is a good step-by-step guide on the journey to become a firefighter. Good Luck!
https://www.firerescue1.com/firefighter-training/articles/11-requirements-to-become-a-firefighter-FO0ZZpNdggP1GAmq/
https://www.firerescue1.com/firefighter-training/articles/11-requirements-to-become-a-firefighter-FO0ZZpNdggP1GAmq/
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Hello Alex. I'm glad to hear you're interested in both firefighting and furthering your education. Just so you know, very few fire departments require you to have a degree to become a firefighter. Those that do aren't usually too picky, they just want to see that you had the drive and commitment to follow through and earn a degree regardless of what it was in. That said, I obtained both a Bachelors and Masters degree before becoming a full-time firefighter, and I don't regret it!
My best advice is to get a degree in what you find interesting, not what you think someone else wants you to have. When you're writing a term paper at 2am, it better be something you care about or you're going to fall asleep! If you're not sure what you're interested in, that's fine. A degree in Fire Science is a great place to start. You usually get credit for things you have to do anyway, like a firefighter academy and EMT class. Plus, you know 100% of it will be applicable to firefighting.
Downsides to a fire science degree are 1) it's only really applicable to a career in firefighting, so if you change your mind your degree might not be worth much to other employers and 2) it's a little bland - if you want to stand-out compared to other applicants for firefighting jobs and promotions, you might want something more unique. I also like Gloria's response...there are many specialties within firefighting, and if you know for sure you're interested in one of those, you can certainly start studying it now.
General Firefighting: Fire Science, Emergency Management, Homeland Security, etc.
Wildland Firefighting: Forestry, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, etc.
Fire Management: Business*, Government, Politics, Leadership (*if I go back to school, its for a degree in Business / Public Administration!)
Emergency Medicine: Pre-Med, Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Sports Medicine, Counseling, etc.
Hazardous Materials: Chemistry, Industrial Hygiene, Occupational Safety and Health, etc.
Fire Investigations: Chemistry, Criminal justice, Sociology, Pre-Law, Paralegal, Technical Writing, etc.
Also, don't forget about the trades. Firefighters respond to a lot of house fires, gas leaks, and car wrecks. If you're the guy on your engine company that knows the most about building construction, plumbing, EVAC, electrical, automotive technology, etc. you'll be a big asset and your supervisor will love you!
My best advice is to get a degree in what you find interesting, not what you think someone else wants you to have. When you're writing a term paper at 2am, it better be something you care about or you're going to fall asleep! If you're not sure what you're interested in, that's fine. A degree in Fire Science is a great place to start. You usually get credit for things you have to do anyway, like a firefighter academy and EMT class. Plus, you know 100% of it will be applicable to firefighting.
Downsides to a fire science degree are 1) it's only really applicable to a career in firefighting, so if you change your mind your degree might not be worth much to other employers and 2) it's a little bland - if you want to stand-out compared to other applicants for firefighting jobs and promotions, you might want something more unique. I also like Gloria's response...there are many specialties within firefighting, and if you know for sure you're interested in one of those, you can certainly start studying it now.
General Firefighting: Fire Science, Emergency Management, Homeland Security, etc.
Wildland Firefighting: Forestry, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, etc.
Fire Management: Business*, Government, Politics, Leadership (*if I go back to school, its for a degree in Business / Public Administration!)
Emergency Medicine: Pre-Med, Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Sports Medicine, Counseling, etc.
Hazardous Materials: Chemistry, Industrial Hygiene, Occupational Safety and Health, etc.
Fire Investigations: Chemistry, Criminal justice, Sociology, Pre-Law, Paralegal, Technical Writing, etc.
Also, don't forget about the trades. Firefighters respond to a lot of house fires, gas leaks, and car wrecks. If you're the guy on your engine company that knows the most about building construction, plumbing, EVAC, electrical, automotive technology, etc. you'll be a big asset and your supervisor will love you!
Updated
Kay’s Answer
Hello Alex, what a great career to explore. The plus with firefighting is most schools offer a program which allows for you to gain certification within a few months at an academy level. To complete a degree in college I recommend Fire Science or Emergency Management. These are great programs that can be leveraged in your firefighting career.
Here is a local academy in San Francisco where you can get more info: https://www.ccsf.edu/academics/schools/allied-health-physical-education-social-services/administration-justice-fire-science-department/ccsf-fire-academy
Here is a local university which offers an emergency management degree: https://www.usfca.edu/public-safety/disaster-preparedness
I recommend leaning on advisors for more info but this is a good start.
Hope this helps, best of luck and keep us updated on your progression.
Here is a local academy in San Francisco where you can get more info: https://www.ccsf.edu/academics/schools/allied-health-physical-education-social-services/administration-justice-fire-science-department/ccsf-fire-academy
Here is a local university which offers an emergency management degree: https://www.usfca.edu/public-safety/disaster-preparedness
I recommend leaning on advisors for more info but this is a good start.
Hope this helps, best of luck and keep us updated on your progression.
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