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Firefighter Training



Firefighter Training | How to Become a Firefighter | Firefighting School


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The firefighting occupation is expected to grow faster than the average for all other occupations. Keen competition is expected for the available positions, as this occupation is a highly sought after career. Nine of ten fire fighting workers are employed through their local governments.

  • Nature of Firefighter's Work - Every year billions of dollars of property is destroyed, and thousands of lives are lost, because of fire. Firefighters respond to these fires and a number of other emergency situations. Often, the fire department is the first emergency personnel to arrive at a medical emergency or traffic accident, and may be called upon to perform a variety of vital functions to treat injuries.
  • Firefighter Training - Community colleges now offer an associate degree in fire science. Although most firefighters have a high school diploma, those who have earned a degree may receive improved opportunity for positions within this highly sought after career. Some universities and colleges offer a two or four year degree in fire science or fire engineering. An increasing number of new firefighters have education beyond their high school diploma.
  • Other Qualifications for Firefighter Training - In addition to passing a written examination, there are tests involving agility, strength, coordination and physical stamina; and a drug screening medical examination. After accepting employment, random drug testing may be required. Examinations are available to those who are a minimum age of 18, plus have a high school diploma or equivalent. The best opportunities are available to those who score highest in all phases of testing.

Firefighter Training | How to Become a Firefighter | Firefighting School

Large fire departments often train their entry level firefighters at the department's academy or training center. Through practical training and classroom instruction, the recruits will study cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), firefighting techniques, first aid, fire prevention, emergency medical procedures, local building codes and hazardous materials control. In addition, the recruits learn how to use fire extinguishers, chain saws, axes, ladders, and other rescue and firefighting equipment. Following the successful completion of this training, the new recruits are assigned to a specific fire company for a probation period.

A number of fire departments have apprenticeship programs, that are accredited, lasting up to four years. These programs have a combination of on-the-job training and formal instruction carried out under the supervision of experienced firefighters.

In addition to attendance of those training courses provided through the local fire departments, some attend U.S. National Fire Academy sponsored training sessions. Included in this sponsored training are sessions on public fire education and safety, anti-arson techniques, hazardous materials controls, executive development and disaster preparedness. Some States have mandatory or voluntary firefighter certification and training programs. A number of departments offer incentives such as higher wages and/or tuition reimbursement for those completing advanced fire fighting training.

Firefighter Training - Schools - Graduate - Job Outlook


Approximately 360,000 paid firefighters were employed in the year 2006. The breakdown is firefighters at 290,000 jobs, first line managers/supervisors of firefighting and fire prevention workers at 52,000, with investigators and fire inspectors holding 14,000 positions. These figures reflect only those firefighters who are paid career firefighters and do not include the thousands of volunteer firefighters. As reported in 2005, by the U.S. Fire Administration, approximately 71 percent of fire companies were wholly staffed by volunteer firefighters.

Available job openings within the firefighting profession will receive keen competition. Firefighting attracts many people because of the opportunity and challenge to perform essential public service; and a full pension is most often guaranteed after 25 years. The best opportunity will be available to those applicants who score the highest on mechanical aptitude examinations and physical conditioning. An additional advantage will go to those who have completed an EMT or paramedic certification at a community college.

Firefighter Training - Careers - Earnings Statistics

In 2006, the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) reported average annual earnings of firefighters were $41,000, with the middle 50 percent earning between $29,500 and $54,000, the lowest 10 percent earning less than $20,500 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $66,000. The average annual earnings were $41,500 within the local government, $41,000 within the federal government, and $37,000 within State governments.

Average annual earnings of first-line managers/supervisors of firefighting and fire prevention workers were $62,500, with the middle 50 percent earning between $50,000 and $79,000, the lowest 10 percent earning less than $36,500, and the highest percent earning more than $97,500. First line managers/supervisors of firefighting and fire prevention workers employed within the local government, earned an average of $64,000 a year.

Average annual earnings of fire investigators and inspectors was $48,000, with the middle 50 percent earning between $37,000 and $61,000 a year, the lowest 10 percent earning less than $29,500, and he highest 10 percent earning more than $79,500. Fire investigators and inspectors employed through the local government earned an average of $49,500 a year.

Related Occupations: Like firefighters, paramedics and emergency medical technicians, detectives and police, also response to emergency situations.

Firefighter Training | Firefighting School - Colleges - Universities



There are an excellent number of choices for firefighter training. Online colleges and universities now provide the same curriculum as the traditional education. Learning online provides you with so much more flexibility to suit your lifestyle and current employment. We include our top recommendations for firefighter training.


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