2 answers
Aiden
Student
Exeter, PA
3
Questions
Asked
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How much training do you need to be a firefighter?
#I am in the 8th grade and I am interested in being a firefighter. Do I need to go to college and is there a special school you can go to to be a firefighter?
#firefighter
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2 answers
Ryan Pfeiffer, MA
Firefighter Training Officer / EMT
83
Answers
Fort Collins, Colorado
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Hello Aiden. Thanks for your interest in firefighting! It's a great career.
The minimum training requirements vary from state to state, and even fire department to fire department. Some will hire you with nothing but a high school diploma, and then teach you everything you need to know!
Most often however, firefighters are required to be certified as a "Firefighter I" and "Emergency Medical Technician - Basic." These certifications can typically be obtained at your local community college. Each one takes one semester usually, so about one school year total. Most fire departments don't require any more college than that, but an Associates or Bachelors degree will help get hired, and help you get promoted later on.
While a community college and those two entry level certificates are usually enough to get you hired, know that firefighting takes a lot of training and education even after being hired. Once you're a firefighter you may go to specialized schools to learn how to cut people out of wrecked cars, rescue people underwater in SCUBA gear, hang from ropes off of cliffs or skyscrapers, put out airplane/jet fuel fires, etc. etc.
I hope that helped. Let me know if you have any more questions!
The minimum training requirements vary from state to state, and even fire department to fire department. Some will hire you with nothing but a high school diploma, and then teach you everything you need to know!
Most often however, firefighters are required to be certified as a "Firefighter I" and "Emergency Medical Technician - Basic." These certifications can typically be obtained at your local community college. Each one takes one semester usually, so about one school year total. Most fire departments don't require any more college than that, but an Associates or Bachelors degree will help get hired, and help you get promoted later on.
While a community college and those two entry level certificates are usually enough to get you hired, know that firefighting takes a lot of training and education even after being hired. Once you're a firefighter you may go to specialized schools to learn how to cut people out of wrecked cars, rescue people underwater in SCUBA gear, hang from ropes off of cliffs or skyscrapers, put out airplane/jet fuel fires, etc. etc.
I hope that helped. Let me know if you have any more questions!
Eric Swanson
2
Answers
Updated
Eric’s Answer
Most firefighters have to attend a Firefighter's Academy, usually offered at a local community college. Bigger cities will put you thru their own academy, regardless of what other training you have already had. The firefighters academy is usually around 240 hours of instruction and drills (Varies by state). You can go on to college and get Associates Degrees in Fire Science related fields as well.
Stop at your local fire department and talk to the firefighters. They are a great source of information and you can do some networking as well.
Eric recommends the following next steps: