I've been looking into colleges, both fire academies and 4 year schools lately. My main goal for training right now is to go to the CT Fire Academy, but I'm wondering if it would be more beneficial to get a 4 year degree first. If I go to college right out of high school instead of a fire academy, I know I'll major in something other than Fire Science because science doesnt interest me as much as other subjects and isn't my strongest class so taking college level science classes probably isnt a good idea. I'm if going to college to get a non-fire science degree is worth the price and will help my chances of getting a job significantly. Regardless of whether I go to college or a fire academy right out of high school I'm planning on joining the Army Reserve since I've always wanted to join the military, which should also help me pay for my school. However, the Reserve GI Bill would probably put a dent in the tuition but I'd still be in significant debt after college. I'm wondering if a 4 year degree will significantly increase my chances of getting hired and if it's worth the investment of money and time since my goal is to be a firefighter.
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Is Getting a Four Year Degree Worth It?
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First find out what education or Certifications most departments/ state requires to apply
Then work towards that if you want to get on a department
You need to look at a fire scencie degree courses, there are very few that are "science" related
A four year degree in anything will help you in the future, but not typically to get hired, does look good on the resume
A degree in a specific field can be used for a second job, once you get hired
Sorry for the generic, troll answer ,, cnut no cut and paste!!!
Also some cities have tuition reimbursement, so once you get hired you can work on a degree and get some or all paid for
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Check this before you join the reserves.
http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_inf...ligibility.htm
Have a four degree will help you along the way, once you become a member of a department. It helps in promotions. Most departments will pay some extra money to members who process a degree, be it an Associate, Bachelors or Masters.
Years back when I went on the job, a high school diploma was all you needed to be hired and advance through the ranks. However, I didn't sit on my tail and do nothing about educating myself. I did get an Associates and have enough for a Bachelors in public administration. Now days, members are getting their Masters as well, so if the opportunity becomes available when they have the time to retire they may be able to go to another department as a Deputy or Fire Chief!Stay Safe and Well Out There....
Always remembering 9-11-2001 and 343+ Brothers
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Another thing to consider is your "backup plan". What if you get injured firefighting? The job market is highly competitive. A 4 year degree will not only help you in a firefighting career, but also give you something to fall back on. A masters degree is really the new standard. Bachelos degrees are becoming a dime a dozen in the competitive market.Fire Service Interview questions
- The blog that has REAL interview questions for firefighters, Engineers, Lieutenants, and Captains !
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If you're going to become a career firefighter and you that know, go through minimum standards, EMT, Paramedic...
If you want a bachelors degree, don't wait and try to pull off some 10 year completion plan.
If you want to join the military, don't half-*** it by joining the reserves. Go active so that you'll get full education benefits, and earn Veterans preference.
Me - 4 years active NAVY, got 36 months Montgomery GI Bill + 12 months Post 9/11 GI Bill + earned veterans preference. Used the GI Bill to start college (in my last semester of BAS in Fire Science), made it through EMT and minimum standards in Florida. All done without having to get any loans or debt.
I'd recommend going to college and finishing a 4 year degree in anything, becoming an officer in the military. Retire "OR" get out with an education, veterans preference, and then become a firefighter.
No department in their right mind will turn down an educated, military officer veteran that is also a minority.
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The magic words..."It Depends..." Where/what do you want to be in 5 years, 10 years. I personally would get my EMT-B first and see if i like it, than go get your Paramedic and start testing.
Militray is great and I'm not trying to say don't do it, but imo probably does not out-weigh a college edu in terms of a back-up plan or even using your medic some place other than the fire service.
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If I saw Kaplan on a resume I'd just laugh. Not exactly on the roster of legitimate institutions of higher learning. Even amoung the "online" mills.
Uncle Sam (or at least the Army) has real university programs set up at every major installation. Upper Iowa University is at many posts and has BS in Public Administration (with optional certification in Fire Science or Law Enforcement).
I'd likely hire a E-5/6 Vet before a O-2/3 Vet. Difference mindset/skillset. But would hire combat arms troop long before a REMF.
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In the long term picture, a 4 year degree or a masters degree is worth its weight in gold. You never know what will happen in your life. Look beyond firefighting. What if you get injured and need a desk job? Having a degree will allow you to support yourself and your family in the event of a catastrophic life changing event.Fire Service Interview questions
- The blog that has REAL interview questions for firefighters, Engineers, Lieutenants, and Captains !
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Originally posted by fireinfo10 View PostUncle Sam (or at least the Army) has real university programs set up at every major installation. Upper Iowa University is at many posts and has BS in Public Administration (with optional certification in Fire Science or Law Enforcement).
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