Whenever a fire erupts in a home, school, office, shopping mall, hospital, or any other place, it is the job of firefighters to control it. Apart from this, they also rescue people trapped inside burning buildings and provide medical attention to the injured.
Many firefighters also work as licensed EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians). As a result, they are known as “Firefighter EMTs.” The Peace Garden State had about 770 firefighters in 2019. If you want to become a part of this select group, then read everything here about how to become a Firefighter in North Dakota.
Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine
Firefighters have to deal with lots of high-pressure situations. The job also comes with plenty of health risks, especially since going into burning buildings to rescue people is a regular occurrence. That is precisely why supreme physical fitness is needed to become a fire service professional. Moreover, work hours tend to rotate on the basis of day and night shifts but most firefighters are usually on call all the time.
Career Outlook
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for firefighters in America are projected to grow by 5% from 2018 to 2028. Despite the improved building construction techniques and stricter safety codes, firefighters will still be needed to deal with unforeseen fire eruptions and emergencies.
Steps to Become a Firefighter in North Dakota
The procedure for becoming a Firefighter in North Dakota is explained below.
Step 1: Complete the Educational Requirements
To become a firefighter, you need at least a High School Diploma or GED (General Educational Development) Certificate. Any further education such as an Associate degree or Certificate in Fire Science will be good for your career but they are not mandatory.
Step 2: Seek Work
Once the education criteria are fulfilled, you can seek work with a North Dakota fire department.
Step 3: Initial Exam
The first step in the screening process of a North Dakota fire unit is usually the initial written exam. It tests candidates’ Mathematical, Analytical, Communication, and Problem Solving Skills.
Step 4: Physical Test
After passing the written test, it is time for a physical evaluation. You can take the CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test) or your preferred fire department may have their own physical assessment which you must clear.
Step 5: Background Investigation
When you pass the physical assessment, your background will be thoroughly investigated.
Step 7: Medical and Psychological Evaluations
Once your background scrutiny ascertains legitimacy to your candidature, the next step will be taking the medical and psychological tests.
Step 8: Drugs Test
This will be the last stage before making it to the fire academy.
Step 9: Fire Academy Training
You will need around 5 to 8 months to complete fire academy training.
Step 10: Earn an EMT License (May Be Optional)
Depending on your chosen fire unit, you may have to become a licensed EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) before starting work as a trained firefighter.
Duration to Become a Firefighter in North Dakota
The time taken will depend on your chosen path. If you pursue a firefighting career right after high school, then the selection and training process will take about 1 year. But, if you decide to enroll in a specialized post-secondary education program first, then you will need anywhere between 2 and 5 years to become a North Dakota firefighter.
Requirements to Become a Firefighter in North Dakota?
To become a Firefighter in North Dakota, you need to fulfill the eligibility criteria provided below.
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At least 18 years of age.
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Must obtain a High School Diploma or GED Certificate.
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Possess a valid North Dakota driver’s license.
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Be a legal citizen of the United States.
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Should not be a convicted criminal.
How Much Can I Earn as a Firefighter in North Dakota?
As per information gathered by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, North Dakota’s firefighters made $46,080 in annual mean wage in 2019.
Firefighters in Other Cities and States:
How to Become a Firefighter in Denver
If you are looking for information on how to become a firefighter in Denver, we have all the information you need. To join the field as a firefighter, you need to be at least eighteen years old when you are hired and should have a high school diploma or GED. All aspiring firefighters in Denver are also required to have a National Registry EMT – Basic certificate or a Colorado – Basic EMT certificate. On top of that, all candidates will have to pass a strict hiring process and also complete fire academy training to become a firefighter in Denver.