How to Become a Fire Fighter
If you’re interested in becoming a fire fighter, the first step is to learn as much as you can about the training required to become a firefighter. This may involve attending a fire fighter training school or taking postsecondary courses. Training can last four to six months, but certificate programs may be shorter. This career has many entry points, and learning about the various requirements can help you make the best decision for your future.
Community colleges
Community colleges may be the perfect fit if you’ve always wanted to be a firefighter. They offer associate’s degree programs focusing on fire safety and emergency medical services. These programs teach students how to provide life-saving care to people suffering from trauma or medical emergencies. The program is typically about 60 credits long and covers all basic educational requirements to become a firefighter.
OCC offers a nationally accredited Fire Protection Technology degree. The program prepares students for careers as firefighters throughout the United States. During the program, students will study all aspects of fire prevention, science, and math. Additionally, they’ll learn how to apply these skills in practice. Graduates of the program will be qualified to take the state certification exam, divided into written and practical skills tests.
Postsecondary education for Fire Fighter
There are several ways to pursue postsecondary education to become a firefighter. Depending on the department, you can attend an academy or complete a four-year apprenticeship program. Some departments also offer a fire academy that is open to the public. Again, depending on the department, training may take just a few weeks or last for several months. The training can take anywhere from 10 to 24 weeks and may be offered full-time or part-time, with some departments having evening and weekend classes.
Before applying for a firefighter academy, it’s essential to check the requirements. Many programs include basic science, fire theory, and safety classes. Taking these classes will give you a foundation for firefighting and fire administration. However, it’s essential to consider whether you want to take additional classes in fire science, fire behavior, or fire theory.
EMS certification for Fire Fighter
Obtaining EMS certification can be a good idea if you’re considering a career in the fire service. Many fire departments require firefighters to be certified EMTs. This type of training allows firefighters to help other people in emergency situations and increases their chances of saving lives at the scene of an accident.
Firefighter EMTs typically work in fire stations, respond to medical emergencies, and provide transportation to hospitals. They also perform routine maintenance around the fire station, such as cleaning and maintaining equipment and engines. In addition, firefighters are expected to complete paperwork and participate in household chores. Therefore, they must be flexible and prepared to drop whatever they do when duty calls.
Medical exam
Before you apply to become a firefighter, you must undergo a medical exam to ensure you are healthy enough to perform your job duties safely. The exam combines blood tests, vision testing, and a chest X-ray. It will check for heart conditions and other conditions that could impair your abilities. Your doctors may also ask you about your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Fire departments are required by law to have regular medical screenings for their firefighters to determine if they are physically fit. This can help prevent a person from contracting a disease associated with their profession. In addition to a general physical exam, a firefighter should undergo chest x-rays and a cancer screening. The fire department will also require you to take vital signs during the medical exam. This will demonstrate your current physical state to potential employers and reveal any health problems later.
Background check
The first step in getting a firefighter’s job is to undergo a background check. This may involve a police background check or an investigation by the fire department’s Human Resources department. Sometimes, the firefighter department will hire a private investigator to perform the background check. The outcome of this investigation will determine whether or not the applicant can join the department.
The process for a background check to become a firefighter varies depending on the state. Some departments conduct their background checks by online searches or contacting local police departments. Others send requests to several agencies, including schools and previous employers, to check the background of a prospective firefighter. The process can take several weeks.