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Brayden
Student
Oak Harbor, Ohio
10
Questions
Asked
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What if I didn't attend college? Can I still become a firefighter?
I am a Sophomore in high school.
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Joshua Chung
Sales
2
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
Joshua’s Answer
You can definitely become a firefighter without a college degree. Most firefighting programs require you to have a high school diploma or GED.
You would also have to pass a written exam and a physical ability test.
I've known a few firefighters. During the day-to-day most of them get to hang out with other firefighters, work out, and maintain the facility.
However, there are trade-offs with the profession. If you hope to have a family in the future, your family will have to accept that your life will be in danger, and they may lose you. You will also need to work irregular hours, accounting for night shifts and more, since firefighting is a 24/7 operation.
Since you are a sophomore still, you have time to think about college. College DOES open up more opportunities for your career, but if you are dead-set on being a firefighter, college won't be necessary. Still, understand the trade-offs of firefighting and other professions that do not require a college degree. Many of them may not be ideal for your future life.
If you think firefighting is right for you, definitely talk to local firefighters in your area or volunteer at the fire station.
You would also have to pass a written exam and a physical ability test.
I've known a few firefighters. During the day-to-day most of them get to hang out with other firefighters, work out, and maintain the facility.
However, there are trade-offs with the profession. If you hope to have a family in the future, your family will have to accept that your life will be in danger, and they may lose you. You will also need to work irregular hours, accounting for night shifts and more, since firefighting is a 24/7 operation.
Since you are a sophomore still, you have time to think about college. College DOES open up more opportunities for your career, but if you are dead-set on being a firefighter, college won't be necessary. Still, understand the trade-offs of firefighting and other professions that do not require a college degree. Many of them may not be ideal for your future life.
If you think firefighting is right for you, definitely talk to local firefighters in your area or volunteer at the fire station.