Because careers in firefighting are increasingly popular, there are fire academies and fire sciences programs all over the U.S. But where to find the right fire training center for you depends on your ultimate goal. Do you want a career as a paid firefighter, or are you interested in working with your local volunteer fire department? Are you an employed firefighter looking to move up the ladder to a command position within your fire department? Fire fighting centers can help you fulfill those different needs.
There are many different levels of training and education, with certification programs, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees in firefighting and fire sciences. There are also many different requirements for getting a job as a firefighter, depending on where you want to work, so it’s important that you know more or less what you’re looking for when you try to find a fire training center.
If you want to become a firefighter with your local fire department, the first step in finding a fire training center is to find out the requirements of the fire department you’re applying to. Training centers offer a variety of classes including courses, seminars and customized training. Some offer degrees in fire sciences and others help you to fulfill your requirements for becoming a member of your local fire department. You can also enhance your skills as a fireman at a fire training center with classes that help you learn new things to advance your career and keep up to date with the latest firefighting techniques and equipment.
Some fire training centers also offer emergency medical technician and paramedic training, which can be part of your firefighting career. In fact, if you have EMT or paramedic training, your chances of getting a job with a fire department are increased significantly, because these medical accreditations are an important part of any fire department rescue team.
If you look on the internet, you’ll find dozens, if not hundreds of fire fighting centers offering training in firefighting careers. There are even fire training centers that offer courses online.
Some of the courses that are offered at fire training centers are:
• Fire protection technology
• Aircraft fuel spill firefighting
• Specialized aircraft firefighting
• Fire investigation: cause and origin
• Hazardous materials firefighting
• Fire prevention and inspection
• Low angle rope rescue
• Emergency trench rescue
• Confined spaces rescue
• Fighting wildfires
Associates degrees and applied sciences degrees in fire protection sciences and other fire related careers can also be earned at fire training centers.
When choosing a fire training center, always check the credentials of the organization to make sure it’s accredited. Find out what the rate of hire for graduates is, so you know what your chances are of getting a job once you graduate from their program. Careers in firefighting are challenging and rewarding, offering job security and a chance to make a significant contribution to your community. Find the right fire training center is a great move toward reaching that goal.
