|
|
| *Ostroff, Fair and Company>>>Health Care |
What Is Required Of Fire Fighters? (Specifically)? |
I am interested in becoming a fire fighter, but I want details. I will be getting my AA in Health and Sciences next summer, and I know that will help, but what other schooling is required of Firefighters to enter their school? Also, what are the physical requirements? Do you need to be able to bench a certain amount or run two miles in a certain amount of time? What will give me an edge over other applicants? If possible cite references and websites where you got your info please, if not thats cool too. Thanks Education & Training To become a firefighter, applicants must pass rigorous written, oral, physical, and medical tests (including vision, hearing, and fitness assessments). These tests measure the applicants鈥?agility, strength, manual dexterity, and in some cases, fear of heights and enclosed spaces. Completion of high school, or equivalent, is usually required. Although not always a requirement, completion of college courses in fire fighting or fire science can make give you a competitive advantage when applying for jobs and help you obtain a higher score on the written examination and in the interview. Firefighting programs are offered at colleges and vocational and technical institutes across the country. Most programs require 2 years to complete and lead to an associate degree, while others take less time to complete and result in a certificate of completion. A few schools offer 4 year bachelor鈥檚 degrees in firefighting. These programs may be especially useful for those hoping to end up in senior administrative positions. Some fire departments have formal apprenticeship programs. These programs combine on-the-job training and experience with in-class technical instruction. Apprenticeships typically take about 4 years to complete, but the advantage of these programs is that students get to earn a wage while they learn. Applicants for firefighter positions must also have a valid driver鈥檚 license and a spotless driving record. However, the class of license required varies from area to area. CPR and basic first aid certification are also required, but they may be taken after you're hired. Applicants must also have a high school diploma and can't have a criminal record. Once they have been hired, it is common for new firefighters to have to complete a training and probationary period. The initial training period usually lasts for several weeks, while the probationary period can last up to a year. During this time they are thoroughly trained, tested, and drilled to ensure they can cope with the demands of the job. Experience as a volunteer firefighter is also helpful. It is highly recommended that you participate in a fitness and strength-training program prior to applying for a firefighting position. Strength and stamina are needed to withstand the extreme temperatures that firefighters must work in, and when carrying fire hoses or injured people. Contact your local fire station to find out more about firefighting, the exact requirements in your area, and to learn where to apply. Source(s): www.careercruising.com |
| Tags |
| Other - Careers & Employment Technology Marketing & Sales Law & Legal Health Care Government & Non-Profit Food Service Financial Services Administrative and Office Support |
Finance Categories--Copyright/IP Policy--Contact Webmaster |