Firefighters are responsible for addressing fire hazards and carrying out search and rescue operations. Moreover, they are also involved in educating the masses about fire science and safety. If this line of work seems interesting to you, then make sure you read this article on how to become a Firefighter in Nebraska.
Are you physically and emotionally strong? If yes, then you might be the ideal candidate for a firefighting position.
Since the firefighting profession is a competitive one, candidates are required to meet certain standards and requirements. The table below sheds light on these training, skill-set, and education requirements. These career guidelines have been taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Career Outlook
The job outlook data for Firefighters points towards positive employment growth in the coming years. The demand for these professionals will rise by 5% from 2018 to 2028.
Steps to Become a Firefighter in Nebraska
The process of becoming a professional Firefighter can be exhausting and overwhelming. This section will help you navigate through this difficult process. Keep on reading to find out how to become a Firefighter in Nebraska.
Step 1: Meet the Education Criteria
Individuals cannot join the firefighting profession without completing high school education. Therefore, you must get a high school diploma or GED. Later on, you can also obtain an Associate’s degree in a Fire Science specialty, such as Fire Services Leadership or Fire Protection Technology.
Step 2: Submit the Application
After getting your high school diploma, you should check with your fire department whether they are accepting applications for the Firefighter positions. If there is a relevant opening, you should apply at the earliest.
Step 3: Clear a Written Exam and a Fire-Rescue Physical Ability Test
The next stage involves clearing a written test. If you are able to ace this exam, you will be invited to take the Physical Ability Test. During this exam, you will be required to complete a series of physical exercises and tasks, while wearing proper firefighting gear. The simulated events will challenge your grip endurance, muscular endurance, upper body muscular strength, and balance.
Step 4: Clear the Interview Stage
If you are able to clear the Physical test, you will be asked to appear for a structured panel interview. The interview will then be followed by additional screening stages – some of which include fingerprinting, psychological exam, physical assessment, medical exam, drug screen, and background investigation.
Step 5: Enroll in the Fire Academy
After clearing all of the above mentioned stages, you will be ready to enroll in the fire academy. The time it takes to complete the recruit training is not fixed.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Firefighter in Nebraska?
It takes a lot of time to become a Firefighter in the Cornhusker State. The candidate begins his/her journey by completing high school. Then, the candidate is required to apply for the Firefighting position. The hiring process can be grueling – prospective Firefighters have to clear multiple tests and screenings before being hired for the role. After receiving the job letter, the candidate has to spend several months under training at a Fire Academy.
What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Firefighter in Nebraska?
To become a Firefighter in Nebraska, you will be required to:
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Possess a high school diploma or an equivalent.
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Be in an excellent mental and physical condition.
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Have an exemplary employment history.
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Possess a valid Nebraska driver’s license.
In addition to these basic requirements, you might be required to meet some additional conditions. These requirements might vary from one locality to another. For instance, the City of Lincoln requires firefighting candidates to be at least nineteen years old. But several other departments, such as the Hastings Fire & Rescue Department, require candidates to be at least eighteen years old. Therefore, it is a good idea to visit your local fire department to inquire about the hiring criteria.
How Much Does a Firefighter Earn in Nebraska?
Wage estimates published by BLS show that Firefighters working in Nebraska made a yearly mean pay of $50,150.
Firefighters in Other States
How Do I Become a Firefighter in Colorado
If you are thinking how do I become a firefighter in Colorado, you are not the only one. You will have to complete certain steps and meet specific requirements like, getting the required educational credentials, getting an EMT certification, clearing the CPAT, completing fire academy training, etc. to become a firefighter in the state of Colorado. As per the figures published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Colorado is a good place to work for firefighters. They were earning $63,050 as mean annual income in 2019, which is a lot higher than the national annual mean salary of $54,650.