Applying for a Firefighter Academy
6 February 2012
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The preliminary and most relevant step that you will take towards becoming a firefighter is to apply to a firefighter academy. Firefighter academy is where all new recruits are trained in the discipline of firefighting, they are subjected to a gauntlet of tests that seek to test and ultimately both develop and enhance any and all abilities that one will need in relation to firefighting. However, one will admission to a firefighter academy is easier said than done! Today firefighting being as popular as it is in terms of career choice, means that a prospective recruit faces tough competition even in the preliminary levels of admission, as such it becomes important that an applicant have an outstanding academic record along with physical prowess and preferably some experience or prior knowledge relating to the field.
Applying to a firefighter academy is a very simple process, simply approach your local fire department and inquire as to the minimum requirements to apply, if you are eligible then the process is straight forward from that point; Following are some of the more common requirements imposed on a potential firefighter recruit, note that these are subject to change depending on the state/province:
A. Minimum Age 18, some states require that you be above 21
B. High School Diploma or a GED (General Equivalency Diploma)
C. Physical Fitness, this is not really a requirement as much as it is a need, unless you are someone who can be considered physically fit with good agility and stamina, you will have a very hard time trying to get through selections.
In addition to the above qualifications, following are some recommendations that an applicant may choose to consider to further increase their own success in the field of firefighting:
1. Educational Qualification: The minimum educational qualification required in most states/provinces is a High School Diploma or a GED (General Equivalency Diploma), however as previously stated one will find it very difficult to get selected into a firefighter academy if this is all the qualification that one holds. An individual who is serious about firefighting as a career should invest their time in obtaining at the very least an Associate/Degree preferably in Science, it is unlikely otherwise that one maybe considered for selection unless other factors play into the final result.
2. Specializations: Firefighting today has evolved beyond simple fire and rescue services, almost 80% of all calls directed to a fire station do not relate to a fire related emergency, as such it becomes important that all firefighters are trained in a variety of emergency services so as to enable the firefighter to effectively carry out their duties, this is especially true in case of Medical services. Due to this fact, an individual who is certified in a fire related certification such as EMT or Paramedic will find their chances drastically increased in getting selected. It is also worthy to note that holding a specialization maybe the best thing for an applicant whose academic record may not be all that impressive to begin with.
3. Experience: One of the most effective and practical ways to get into a firefighter academy is to show that you are experienced in the field of firefighting, this can be achieved by serving as a volunteer firefighter at your local department before the time comes that you apply to the academy. This shows an amount of dedication and sincerity to the field that is sure to be a huge advantage when it comes time for considering your selection into the academy. In closing, if an individual finds that her/his resume is lacking in a particular area then it is best to compensate for that by taking up one of the above mentioned options, always remember that only the best and brightest are chosen to be firefighters and that you should take every conceivable effort in making sure that you fit that bill when the time comes.
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Besides medical training, is there any other kind of course that can be an added plus before applying to the Academy?
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