Advance Your Firefighting Career Through Higher Education and Apply Real-Life Skills to Schoolwork
3 Min Read
If you are a firefighter looking to progress in your career, you probably already know that advanced training is essential. Not only can it help you improve your job performance, but it also prepares you for examinations required for promotion.
While a high school education used to suffice, candidates with college degrees are increasingly preferred for open positions. Having a bachelor’s in Fire Science can improve your chances of getting the job you want.
It may seem intimidating to pursue a degree while continuing to work as a firefighter. But it can actually be to your benefit. Your work experience and on-the-job training will enrich your time in the classroom. In turn, you will be able to apply what you learn in the classroom to your work on a day-by-day basis.
The Value of On-the-Job Training
If you decide to enroll in a bachelor’s in fire science completer program, you may find yourself taking classes with students of all ages who have different work experience than you.
As an experienced firefighter, you have already had the opportunity to put the rigorous training you received as an entry-level firefighter to use. This includes:
- Firefighting and fire prevention techniques
- Emergency medical procedures, including first aid and CPR
- Local building codes
- Hazardous materials control
- Using equipment and tools such as ladders, axes, chainsaws and fire extinguishers
It’s easy to underestimate the value of on-the-job training. But there is no substitute for having the proven ability to be a firefighter, which is consistently ranked one of the toughest and most stressful jobs in the U.S., according to Forbes.1 Training experts Allan Rice and Matt Russell say a successful firefighter must exhibit a positive attitude, excellent work ethic and discipline.2 The same skills will also help you succeed in the classroom.
Acquiring expertise on a firefighting-related subject is valuable not only to you but also to your supervisor and colleagues.
Additionally, many fire departments offer tuition reimbursement or higher pay to firefighters who complete advanced training in the following: “advanced firefighting equipment and techniques, building construction, emergency medical technology, writing, public speaking, management and budgeting procedures, and public relations,” according to Monster.3
It is in your best interest to explore your options, including getting a BS in Fire Science. The Online Bachelor of Science in Fire Science at Anna Maria College offers fire science courses such as:
- Emergency Services, Leadership and Administration
- Emergency Services Budgeting and Finance
- Fire Investigation and Analysis
- Disaster Planning and Control
- Emergency Services Management
In addition to a BS in Fire Science degree, Anna Maria College offers an Accelerated Master’s Degree option to give you the educational training needed to assume a leadership position.
For more information about Anna Maria’s Online Bachelor of Science in Fire Science, contact us today at 877-265-3201.
Sources
- Dill, K. “The 10 most stressful jobs in 2016.” Forbes.com. https://www.forbes.com/sites/kathryndill/2016/01/11/the-10-most-stressful-jobs-in-2016/?sh=213bc9851f57 (accessed July 28, 2016).
- Rice, A. and Russell, M. “Building a recruit training program.” Firehouse.com. https://www.firehouse.com/home/article/12213201/building-a-recruit-training-program (accessed July 27, 2016).
- “Firefighter’s guide to education and training.” Firelink.monster.com. https://www.monster.com/ (accessed July 27, 2016).