3 answers
Sammie
Student
5
Questions
Asked
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What are some helpful high school courses to take if I want to become a firefighter?
Also, if I want to go to college to become a firefighter, what classes should I take or what should I major in?
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3 answers
Ryan Pfeiffer, MA
Firefighter Lieutenant / EMT
94
Answers
Fort Collins, Colorado
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Hello again Sammie,
The classes you take in high school will have little, if any, effect on your ability to become a firefighter. As long as you graduate and stay out of trouble, that's what matters most. As far as classes you can take to make you a better firefighter, there are relatively few.
The best classes you could take are "shop classes" (if your school still offers them). As much as you can learn about different hand tools, power tools, small engines, basic electrical work, basic construction, automotive technology, etc. will be hugely beneficial. Next best would probably be physical education classes and/or sports. Firefighting is very physically demanding, so it's good to have a strong foundation with strength trainings, endurance, and flexibility. Bonus points for team sports, as everything you do as a firefighter will always be as a member of team. Depending where you live/plan to work, Spanish Language classes may be of benefit. Other than that, it's hit or miss. It doesn't hurt to do well in speech class, health, civics, chemistry, etc. but its definitely not a dealbreaker. CPR/First Aid/Lifeguard classes are all good for building a resume and confirming your interest in the field, but they have little overlap to firefighting skills.
In terms of college, you have many more options - including not going right away! A college degree is rarely required to become an entry level firefighter, though they are becoming more and more necessary for future promotions, and they can help set you aside from other applicants in a competitive application process. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to discourage you from going to college! I had my Bachelors and Masters before becoming a full-time firefighter and I don't regret it, but it definitely wasn't necessary.
A degree in Fire Science or Emergency Medical Services is certainly a popular option. There are some major benefits, including the fact that your firefighter academy and EMT classes (which are often required for you to become a firefighter at all), will knock out about 1/2 to 2/3 of the classes you need for your associates degree (that's the case at the college where I teach).
My concerns with getting a fire science degree are that, 1) it is a popular option, so while you may stand out from other applIcants with no degree you won't stand out from all the other fire science degree holders. 2) It leaves you no back-up plan. You throw out your back in your 2nd year as a firefighter, and your degree is in fire science, now what do you do? It may pay off for you to diversify a little with your education. The most important thing is that it interests you and you want to study it, beyond that it's icing on the cake if you can find something similar to firefighting enough that it's relevant but not identical, and/or that it is something you can do on the side during your days off from firefighting. Examples might be a degree in exercise physiology, nutrition, construction management, business, sports medicine, counseling, education, chemistry, meteorology, forestry, etc.
If I could do it all again, I'd probably knock out EMT and Firefighter I Academy first, then take the last few general education classes I'd need to complete an Associates in Fire Science. Then I'd get a firefighting job, and use the department's tuition assistance program to help pay to complete my bachelors in something similar but different enough - like Emergency Management or Homeland Security. If you choose to get more schooling after that, after 5-10 years on the job I'd look into a Master of Business Administration or Public Administration (MBA/MPA). Fire departments may not be motivated by profit, but there are millions of dollars going in and out annually - so if you're going to be a leader/supervisor, its smart to have good business sense!
I hope that helps! Let me know if you have any follow up questions!
The classes you take in high school will have little, if any, effect on your ability to become a firefighter. As long as you graduate and stay out of trouble, that's what matters most. As far as classes you can take to make you a better firefighter, there are relatively few.
The best classes you could take are "shop classes" (if your school still offers them). As much as you can learn about different hand tools, power tools, small engines, basic electrical work, basic construction, automotive technology, etc. will be hugely beneficial. Next best would probably be physical education classes and/or sports. Firefighting is very physically demanding, so it's good to have a strong foundation with strength trainings, endurance, and flexibility. Bonus points for team sports, as everything you do as a firefighter will always be as a member of team. Depending where you live/plan to work, Spanish Language classes may be of benefit. Other than that, it's hit or miss. It doesn't hurt to do well in speech class, health, civics, chemistry, etc. but its definitely not a dealbreaker. CPR/First Aid/Lifeguard classes are all good for building a resume and confirming your interest in the field, but they have little overlap to firefighting skills.
In terms of college, you have many more options - including not going right away! A college degree is rarely required to become an entry level firefighter, though they are becoming more and more necessary for future promotions, and they can help set you aside from other applicants in a competitive application process. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to discourage you from going to college! I had my Bachelors and Masters before becoming a full-time firefighter and I don't regret it, but it definitely wasn't necessary.
A degree in Fire Science or Emergency Medical Services is certainly a popular option. There are some major benefits, including the fact that your firefighter academy and EMT classes (which are often required for you to become a firefighter at all), will knock out about 1/2 to 2/3 of the classes you need for your associates degree (that's the case at the college where I teach).
My concerns with getting a fire science degree are that, 1) it is a popular option, so while you may stand out from other applIcants with no degree you won't stand out from all the other fire science degree holders. 2) It leaves you no back-up plan. You throw out your back in your 2nd year as a firefighter, and your degree is in fire science, now what do you do? It may pay off for you to diversify a little with your education. The most important thing is that it interests you and you want to study it, beyond that it's icing on the cake if you can find something similar to firefighting enough that it's relevant but not identical, and/or that it is something you can do on the side during your days off from firefighting. Examples might be a degree in exercise physiology, nutrition, construction management, business, sports medicine, counseling, education, chemistry, meteorology, forestry, etc.
If I could do it all again, I'd probably knock out EMT and Firefighter I Academy first, then take the last few general education classes I'd need to complete an Associates in Fire Science. Then I'd get a firefighting job, and use the department's tuition assistance program to help pay to complete my bachelors in something similar but different enough - like Emergency Management or Homeland Security. If you choose to get more schooling after that, after 5-10 years on the job I'd look into a Master of Business Administration or Public Administration (MBA/MPA). Fire departments may not be motivated by profit, but there are millions of dollars going in and out annually - so if you're going to be a leader/supervisor, its smart to have good business sense!
I hope that helps! Let me know if you have any follow up questions!
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
454
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Essential High School Courses for Aspiring Firefighters
1. Construction Studies
2. Driving Education
3. Physical Fitness Education
4. Safety and First Aid Training
1. Construction Studies
2. Driving Education
3. Physical Fitness Education
4. Safety and First Aid Training
Kayla Schindle
Project Manager
3
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Kayla’s Answer
Hello!
This may depend on where you intend to work as a lot of departments are moving to you being dual certified so you must also be a Paramedic.
I would suggest a Associate’s in Applied Science degree in Fire Science or Bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration so you can then take the certification test.
I highly recommend reaching out to a department in your area and asking to do a ride along/shadow a few times. That type of experience can be invaluable.
High school courses would be pretty general such as math and communications. If you go find the above degrees online usually it will tell you what the courses you would be required to take and that can guide you and it is never to early to find a program and be talking to their program director so they can help get you on the right path.
Hope this helps!
Good luck.
This may depend on where you intend to work as a lot of departments are moving to you being dual certified so you must also be a Paramedic.
I would suggest a Associate’s in Applied Science degree in Fire Science or Bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration so you can then take the certification test.
I highly recommend reaching out to a department in your area and asking to do a ride along/shadow a few times. That type of experience can be invaluable.
High school courses would be pretty general such as math and communications. If you go find the above degrees online usually it will tell you what the courses you would be required to take and that can guide you and it is never to early to find a program and be talking to their program director so they can help get you on the right path.
Hope this helps!
Good luck.