Fire Science Degree

[FutureFireEMT]

Hey guys and gals! This is my first post and I am new to the site! Anyways, I am currently enrolling to get my bachelors before pursuing a career in the EMS field. I am just wondering if this is the best route to go, and if anyone had some good hints or suggestions. Thanks!

[fire49]

Get your degree after you get a job

Alot of online colleges

Get Certifications to get hired first

[DeputyMarshal]

Get your degree after you get a job

Why wait? Just don't stop trying to get on the job while you're completing your degree.

[JT_Fire_2000]

Agreed, continue the job hunt and work on your degree at the same time. Many departments will even offer tuition reimbursement to a certain % if your degree is relevant. IE fire science.

[TNFF319]

Get your degree after you get a job

Alot of online colleges

Get Certifications to get hired first

Exactly! EMS gets the job.

Why wait? Just don't stop trying to get on the job while you're completing your degree.

Most departments want an EMT/Medic not a college man.

Agreed, continue the job hunt and work on your degree at the same time. Many departments will even offer tuition reimbursement to a certain % if your degree is relevant. IE fire science.

See above.

OP-Get your EMT/Medic and complete Gen ed while waiting for a job. Once you get that done you can begin your 4 year degree. Many places make Medic an Associates Degree.

[FutureFireEMT]

This might sound like a strange question, but I have heard that women have a better chance of getting a job in this field because it is mostly male dominant. Is this true?

[rmhinkle]

Determining which degree program to go for is a big decision. It completely depends on where you want to be when you "grow up". Administration? Line Officer? Operations Chief? Director of an Agency or Private Company? Those are all questions to ask. Many firefighter and EMT's look at Paramedic and a Bachelors in Fire Admin or Science... There's a lot more out there. Business Admin, Public Policy, etc... Make sure you do your homework before you decide. My one piece of advice is to not wait. Start a degree program while you can. When you are already working and looking to promote then you have the ability to shoot for a masters.