{"id":2642,"date":"2019-11-10T19:39:53","date_gmt":"2019-11-10T19:39:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/firefighternow.com\/?p=2642"},"modified":"2019-11-16T22:14:25","modified_gmt":"2019-11-16T22:14:25","slug":"do-i-need-a-degree-to-become-a-firefighter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/firefighternow.com\/do-i-need-a-degree-to-become-a-firefighter\/","title":{"rendered":"Do I Need A Degree To Become A Firefighter?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Do I need a degree to become a firefighter<\/em>, is a question I get a lot.  The role of a firefighter is one that requires a lot of training, specialty skills in specific areas and a good level of intelligence. We don\u2019t always think of firefighters as being college-educated, although there is no reason why they couldn\u2019t be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We often see the job as purely vocational, something we can sign up for at a fairly early age with minimal academic qualifications. If that is the case, why are there so many colleges and fire academies<\/a> across the country that offer a degree course in fire subjects? Do you actually need a college after all? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, Do I need a\ndegree to become a firefighter? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The short answer is no. You don\u2019t need to have a degree to be a firefighter as many departments will train you to their standards and help you with certifications. You may need a Firefighter I and II certification in order to work as a qualified firefighter. EMT certification and some paramedic training certificates are also encouraged. <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instead, you work through your basic training as a recruit, enter into the screening process that includes tests and interviews<\/a> and then gain your qualifications based on those new-found skills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is all purely vocational and can often center around\nprofessional training divisions and academies within your local area. If you\nhave no aspirations to progress much further than a senior firefighter or\nofficer, a college degree really isn\u2019t that essential for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this guide, I want to clear up any confusion by\naddressing some of the main points regarding firefighter education and\nessential training. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I will look at what it is like for firefighters that don\u2019t attend\ncollege to earn a degree. Then I will look at the potential benefits of getting\na degree depending on your current situation and aspirations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On The Job Training vs. Classroom Training<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On-the-job learning and training provide firefighters with\nthe chance to learn new skills and gain additional certifications as they work.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In other words, you can evolve as you serve your community\nand learn the skills that are most important to your department and the local\narea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, if you are part of a rural department near areas prone to wildfires, you can take wildland management training courses to help you handle this role. If you work near water or in colder areas, marine fire suppression skills, water rescue and ice rescue could be useful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is all about building knowledge as you work. It is easy\nto build a career in this way without any formal college education or degree if\nyou are willing to put the effort into your studies and enhance your skillset. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A college degree may not be essential, but it can be useful.\nThat being said, there are advantages to having a college education. College\ncourses in fire science subjects help by <\/p>\n\n\n\n