What degree should I go for if I want to become a firefighter?
I am looking threw my college class catalog and wondering what I should get my degree in. Either Associate in Science in Emergency Medical Services or Applied Technology Diploma- Emergency Medical Technician. Any firefighters have any suggestions, or can let me know the route they took.
Top 2 Answers
Favorite Answer
I’m a firefighter/paramedic in a larger urban department. Either degree will help you, but not necessarily to get the job. Where it will help you is when it comes time to promote. Many departments are beginning to require at least an associates degree to promote past Lieutenant. The applied tech diploma in EMT will essentially be just an EMT certification in their eyes, but the AS in EMS- that’s a degree that departments are looking for in EMS supervisors. If you want to do more on the fire suppression side (which I personally enjoy more) some schools offer Fire Science degrees (as a matter of fact University of Maryland offers Bachelor’s AND Master’s degrees in Fire Science.) Good luck to you, it’s a great field to work in.
0
Associates Degree hands down, then you can do the same for Fire Science, the more education you have the better you look for some departments. Makes it easier for promotions as well.
Good luck
0
