What kind of training does a firefighter need?
Firefighters must have at least a high school diploma, but have completed some postsecondary education or even an associate degree in fire science. Beginning firefighters are trained for many weeks at their fire department’s academy or training center. Many fire departments have 4-year apprenticeship programs that are accredited. These programs combine on the job training with formal education and firefighters with extensive experience supervise students. Majority of fire departments require firefighters to be certified as emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Some departments in large cities require firefighters to be certified as paramedics. Some firefighters attend U.S. National Fire Academy training sessions.
