How many years do you need to go to school to be a firefighter?

Answer 1

Most departments require a high-school diploma, or equivalent. However, to be competitive, you may need to be a certified EMT or paramedic before you apply to become a firefighter and having a college degree in fire science wouldn't hurt.

Answer 2

Many city fire departments require a high-school diploma and will give preference to college graduates in relevant studies (e.g., fire science, criminal justice, public administration, pre-medicine). However, the vast majority of firefighters in the USA are volunteers and the only major requirement is the ability to serve. To become a certified firefighter, you may be required to attend hundreds of hours of classroom and practical training. For example, in New Hampshire, the basic certification is 6 weeks of academy (8 hours per day), or the equivalent hours in an approved course, with a passing score on the written and practical examinations.

Answer 3

In most US States, you need to go through a 5 month to 1 year Academy and pass an exam administered by the State. That will get you certified in that particular State as a Basic Firefighter 1, 2, or both. To actually work for a dept., though, you might need to be trained, certified, or licensed in some or all of the following:

Medical First Responder: 3 months on average and a test

EMT-Basic- 4 months on average and a test

Paramedic- 13 more months after EMT-Basic and a test

ACLS- 3 days in addition to paramedic and a test

PACLS or PALS- 3 more days and a test

HAZMAT Operations- 1 week

Emergency Vehicle Driver- 1 week

And a myriad of other certifications the local FD wants you to have (water ice rescue, high angle rescue, etc.)

Answer 4

Depending on the fire school in your area, it can be as little as 9 months or as long a 2 years. That time frame is for being Fire 2 certified and EMT, which is typically required for employment.

Answer 5

Most Departments in the U.S. do not require a college degree although it is becoming more common to require some college credits. It is common for departments to require credits and college degrees to be eligible for promotion.

Answer 6

The following is written by and according to the U.S. Department of Labor and particular to the education and training required for firefighters.

Most fire fighters have a high school diploma; however, the completion of community college courses or, in some cases, an associate's degree, in fire science may improve an applicant's chances for a job. A number of colleges and universities offer courses leading to 2-year or 4-year degrees in fire engineering or fire science. In recent years, an increasing proportion of new fire fighters have had some education after high school.

As a rule, entry-level workers in large fire departments are trained for several weeks at the department's training center or academy. Through classroom instruction and practical training, the recruits study fire fighting techniques, fire prevention, hazardous materials control, local building codes, and emergency medical procedures, including first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). They also learn how to use axes, chain saws, fire extinguishers, ladders, and other fire fighting and rescue equipment. After successfully completing training, the recruits are assigned to a fire company, where they undergo a period of probation.

Many fire departments have accredited apprenticeship programs lasting up to 4 years, including programs in fighting forest fires. These programs combine formal instruction with on-the-job training under the supervision of experienced fire fighters.

For the source and more detailed information concerning your request, click on the related links section (U.S. Department of Labor) indicated directly below this answer section.

Answer 7

Depends on the department. Most departments do not require college to become a firefighter. However most departments do require degrees to achieve promotions.

Answer 8

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