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Degrees and Schools
Some colleges and universities offer two-year and four-year degrees in fire science or fire engineering. Fire science programs train students in fire prevention, fire safety and fire suppression.
Many fire departments offer accredited apprenticeship programs which last up to four years, including programs in fighting forest fires. The apprenticeship programs include on-the-job training and formal instruction.
Classes
Students typically study the following subjects:
- Fire prevention
- Fire fighting tactics and strategy
- Fire suppression
- Hazardous materials
- Fire protection
- Fire fighting safety
- Basic Chemistry
- Fire hydraulics
Online Classes and Programs
Some school offer online fire science degree programs. Due to the nature of the subject, the programs typically include a hands-on component. Fire engineering degrees are also available online.
Employment Requirements
Candidates for fire fighter jobs are usually required to have a high school diploma. An associate degree in fire science or some secondary education may improve an applicants chances for getting a job. Entry-level firefighters in large fire departments are usually provided training for several weeks at the department's academy or training center. Also, most departments require fire fighters to be certified as emergency medical technicians.
Usually, candidates for municipal firefighter jobs are required to pass a written exam and tests of physical stamina, strength, coordination and agility. Also, they're typically required to take a medical examination that includes drug screening. Those who achieve the highest scores in all areas of testing have the best chances for obtaining a job. Also, The primary employers of fire fighters are local governments.
How to Evaluate Schools and Programs
The answers to the following questions can help students select the appropriate school:
- Training - Does the program include a substantial amount of hands-on training?
- School's Reputation - Does the school have a good reputation with fire departments?
- Curriculum - Is it a comprehensive curriculum? What types of electives are offered?
- Financial Aid - What types of financial aid are available? Is the school eligible to provide federal financial aid?
- Accreditation - Has the school been accredited by an agency which has been approved by the the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education?
Fire Fighters Job Description
Fire fighters have the challenge of protecting the public and property from the dangers of fire. A lot of fire fighters deal with other types of emergencies more often than fires. Firefighters are often the first emergency personnel at the scene of a medical emergency or traffic accident. They treat injuries and perform other important tasks. Fire fighters work in various environments including metropolitan areas, rural areas, chemical plants, airports and industrial sites. Some fire fighters specialize in forest fires.
When firefighters are not involved with emergency situations they participate in physical fitness activities and perform practice drills. Fire fighters also clean and maintain their equipment and they sometimes learn additional job related skills.
Shown below are some of their responsibilities:
- Provide emergency medical attention
- Find and rescue occupants of buildings and homes
- Ventilate smoke filled areas
- Connect hose lines to hydrants and operate a pump to transport water to high-pressure hoses
- Use tools to get through doors, walls and debris
- Create written reports on fire incidents
- Read fire science literature to stay up-to-date with technological developments and changes in administrative policies and practices
Resources
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