Online Career Colleges » Criminal Justice and Law » Fire Protection
Looking for online accredited career colleges and universities offering Fire Protection degrees. Each program from a Online Career College, a post-secondary for-profit institution, offers an education with an in-demand career field. As total higher education enrollment decreases, student enrollment in courses and degree programs at online colleges continues to rise. Today, millions of college students choose to take some or all of their courses online. Although firefighters are trained by their employing agencies, a college degree in fire protection, emergency management or public safety may be required or desirable for hiring.
Firefighters work in community, urban and wilderness settings preventing and fighting fires. Although firefighters are trained by their employing agencies, a college degree in fire protection, emergency management or public safety may be required or desirable for hiring.
Firefighters are typically required to be certified as emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Having this certification in advance of hiring may provide an advantage. Taking fire protection courses assists with preparing for written examinations used for hiring. Firefighter candidates who wish to work in wilderness areas can add courses in environmental management and forestry. Firefighters can expect to attend ongoing fire protection courses throughout their careers; those who want to advance to management may be interested in an emergency management graduate degree.
Emergency management careers, such as fire protection, require working in a variety of environments. Firefighters may be assigned to wild land fire crews, or work in communities. Handling hazardous materials, managing emergencies, providing first aid and determining the cause of fires are all in a day's work. Most paid firefighters are hired through state and local government agencies, and many firefighters work as volunteers.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that job prospects for firefighters are expected to grow by 19 percent between 2008 and 2018. Competition for these jobs is keen due to their desirability, which often includes long periods of waiting and time off from work. College degrees in fire science and emergency management are offered through community colleges and career schools; you can also earn a bachelor's degree from a four-year college and university degree programs. The BLS reports that as of May 2010, the national mean salary for firefighters was $47,730. Firefighters may advance to supervisory and management positions within their agencies, or transfer to emergency management jobs within the private sector and government agencies.