This Job Is On Fire: How To Become A Firefighter

Would you like to have a career that really makes a difference and saves people's lives?

You'd be hard-pressed to find a better fit than becoming a firefighter. Undisputed local heroes, firefighters put their lives on the line to help those in life-threatening circumstances. If this exciting and courageous job interests you, find out how to become a firefighter here.

How To Become a Firefighter In Ohio

If you're wondering how to become a firefighter in Ohio, then we can give you all the details. Firefighters in the state of Ohio must meet the following qualifications:

• Applicants must be at least age 18 or older
• Not been previously convicted of a felony, or a misdemeanor committed in the course of practice or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude
• Be of good moral character.

Applicants must also pass a firefighter training course from a chartered training program-- like the certificate program at Hocking College-- and obtain adequate documentation for certification at the desired level.

In addition, they must pass altitude and skill tests set forth in rule 4765-20-06 of the Ohio Administrative Code and complete training courses under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). A final requirement is that they obtain competency on the use of hazardous materials according to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard 472.

Fire and Emergency Services Program: Benefits

Those wanting to learn how to become a firefighter can enroll in Hocking College’s two-year Fire and Emergency Services Program. The Firefighter II certification, in particular, offers all the skills students need to become eligible for and to pass the Ohio state-certified examinations.

Those who enroll and complete this dynamic certification can then apply for jobs as firefighters in their local communities — which means, after one semester, you can be one step closer to working a job that makes a real difference.

Graduates of the program can also advance their training with three additional semesters toward the fire and emergency services associate degree at Hocking. Hocking College's firefighter school utilizes state-of-the-art equipment and provides students with real-world simulation opportunities. Classes are facilitated by experts in the field, who can offer guidance and insight about working in this high-energy, fulfilling career.

In addition to becoming certified in firefighting, students in the program take classes in both paramedic and EMT training, making them well equipped for careers in many types of emergency response fields.

Working as a Firefighter

If putting out fires and helping in crisis situations sounds like your idea of a good day’s work, learning how to become a firefighter is sure to lead you to a rewarding career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for firefighters is $48,030.

The career is expected to grow faster than average (7 percent). Firefighters are usually employed in local government but may also work in support services or federal and state government agencies.

Firefighters tackle big catastrophes from forest fires to arriving on the scene of tragic car accidents. The high stakes of the job call for those who are willing put their lives on the line to save others. Does that describe you?

Now that you know how to become a firefighter in Ohio, are you ready to begin your journey in this fast-paced career?

For more information about the Fire program, contact the Fire Sciences Program Manager Rick Best by email at bestr35625@hocking.edu or by phone at (740) 753-6493.