What Degree Do I Need to Become a Firefighter?
Firefighters perform a variety of job duties related to the prevention of fires. In addition to meeting the obvious physical demands of being a firefighter, job candidates are often required to have a solid educational background to include coursework in fire science.
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Firefighter Degrees
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A fire science degree may be preferred by fire departments seeking to hire firefighters. Fire science helps prepare students for a career as a firefighter by training them in how to control and extinguish different types of fires. Fire science coursework also teaches fire investigation techniques.
Other Qualifications
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The basic qualifications needed to become a firefighter vary among precincts. According to the Seattle Fire Department, you must be at least a high school graduate or possess a GED before you are eligible for employment as a firefighter in its department. Additional qualifications may include: 18 years of age, valid driver's license and EMT certification.
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Considerations
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, newly hired firefighters must undergo several weeks of job training at an academy or apprenticeship program before they are assigned to a fire department.
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References
- Photo Credit firefighters image by Earl Robbins from Fotolia.com
