There are several aspects of firefighter training that might take quite some time. Here is what you may expect as a timeline. After you graduate from high school, you will have to get your degree in the fire sciences. The timeline for this may depend on the place that you are applying from. You must also supply character and job references as part of the application process for admission.
The average fire academy program takes about 12 to 14 weeks to complete a total of hours of training. While most programs want all students to enter at the same time, some have staggered entrance options.
There are also programs that are geared toward working people. These offer night and weekend training that can be completed in a longer period of time. Many local colleges have fire training programs that offer two and four-year degrees in fire science and other related fields that prepare you for various levels of employment as a firefighter.
During the classroom portion of fire academy training, students learn the mechanics and technical aspects of firefighting. Because the only way to learn how to fight fires is through actual experience with burning buildings, live-fire training is part of fire academy education.
This means that fire academies set fire to buildings to conduct training drills with their students. Once equipped, the students enter the burning building in a line, flanked by their instructors, one on each end of the line.
Another group of fire academy trainees move the hose line forward as the initial team moves deeper into the burning building. As they approach the fire location, they assume a crawling position and one person operates the hose nozzle, with the other team members supporting the hose. Rachel Engel is the senior associate editor of FireRescue1. Or indeed up to 7 years if you elect to become a full paramedic and acquire a four-year fire-sciences degree.
How long it will take in your individual case will depend on several things. Foremost amont them are these:. Your email address will not be published. Duties Become Training Ranks Blog. Career How long does it take to become a firefighter? April 25, Volunteer fire-fighting experience.
How long does it take to actually apply for fire-fighting jobs? How long does it take to become certified as an EMT? CPR certification at the least is common to virtually all fire-fighting personnel, but most fire departments require emergency medical technician EMT certification. EMT certification will give an advantage to applicants regardless.
EMT certification generally entails several hundred hours of training, depending on the state. It requires hard work, long hours of training, dedication and a sincere desire to help others.
The firefighting career field is very competitive, too. You'll be up against hundreds, possibly thousands of applicants depending on the department. How will you stand out and where do you start?
Download our how to become a firefighter infographic. Here's a quick breakdown of what you should and should not do as you prepare to join the fire service. In order to become a firefighter, you will need a valid driver's license and meet the age requirement of 18 years old.
For those younger than 18, you can look into limited involvement as a junior firefighter. At the very minimum, you'll need to obtain a high school diploma or GED. Many firefighters earn a degree in fire science to advance their career. It's also wise to become an EMT. Having both a fire and EMS background will improve your odds of being hired. Becoming a firefighter requires passing a physical ability test.
The CPAT events are stair climb, hose drag, equipment carry, ladder raise and extension, forcible entry, search, rescue, ceiling breach and pull.
Prepare yourself for the physical nature of the job as well as the demands of the test. At one point in your life, you've probably done something you're not proud of.
How you've acted to rectify your mistakes will be important when applying to become a firefighter. FireRescue1 columnist Mike Pertz, who founded a website aimed at helping others become firefighters, recently wrote an article on this very subject.
If you are asked about your past record during an interview, do not lie. Instead, take ownership for your mistakes.
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