It takes time and effort to become a firefighter in Washington D.C., but for those individuals who are able to make it through the training and meet all of the requirements, it can be a wonderful career.
How to Become a Firefighter in Washington D.C.
You have to be at least 19 years old when you apply for the job, and you have to be a U.S. citizen by the time you are appointed. You will also need to have a high school diploma or a GED as well as a driver’s license. Degrees are not a requirement of becoming a firefighter, but having one is going to help give you an advantage that others who are looking for jobs might not have. If you are going to get a degree before you apply, consider accredited schools and colleges that offer programs in fire science. You also want to be in great physical shape when you apply to become a firefighter.
Featured Schools:
| Anna Maria College | Online BS in Fire Science |
| Eastern Oregon University | Online FSA Degree |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Online Degrees in Criminal Justice |
You will then fill out the entry-level application for firefighter/EMT. You will then be notified of a date where you will be able to take your written test. You have to pass the written exam with at least a 70%, and you will then have to pass a physical agility test. They test your physical prowess to make sure that you will be able to handle the demanding job of firefighting. Applicants must also take a psychological and medical evaluation, and be able to pass a criminal background check.
When you finish with these prerequisites, you can enroll to the D.C. Fire/Emergency Medical Services Training Academy. After completing the training programs, you will be able to work in the department.
Employment Trends for Firefighters
The competition for firefighting jobs in Washington, D.C. is high, just as it is in other areas of the country. The growth rate for firefighting jobs in the nation is around 9%. When you are applying for a job in D.C., you can see that having a degree in fire science can be quite helpful in improving your odds of getting a job.
Salary and Employment Facts
Firefighters working in Washington D.C. have a great salary that is higher than most other areas of the nation. The average salary for those who are in the service is $65,000 per year.
Firefighter Activity in the News
Firefighters battled a brushfire in the southeastern area of Washington, D.C. recently. The fire burned an acre of land, and one firefighter had to go to the hospital. The injury was not life threatening.