How to Become a Firefighter in Missouri
A firefighter is a trained professional who responds to emergencies such as fires, medical crises, and natural disasters to protect lives, property, and the environment. With a 4% projected growth in firefighter jobs nationwide and a growing need for emergency responders in Missouri, becoming a firefighter offers a fulfilling career path. This guide outlines how to become a firefighter in Missouri, including training requirements, certification steps, and career opportunities.
Key Points
- Firefighters are trained professionals who respond to emergencies like fires, medical crises, and natural disasters to protect lives, property, and the environment.
- In Missouri, becoming a firefighter involves meeting specific age and education requirements, passing a firefighter exam and background check, and completing certified training.
- Firefighter training programs last about 6-12 months, blending classroom learning with hands-on practice.
- The median firefighter salary is $49,380 per year, offering competitive pay alongside the opportunity to make a meaningful difference.
4. Gain Practical Experience
Gaining practical, on-the-job experience is a vital part of your journey to becoming a firefighter. Consider joining volunteer programs, internships, or participating in ride-alongs with local fire departments to get firsthand experience. This exposure allows you to apply what you’ve learned in training, improve your response times, and understand the dynamics of teamwork and communication during high-pressure situations.
5. Apply for Jobs
With your training complete and certifications in hand, start applying for firefighter positions in Missouri by browsing reputable job boards like My Next Move and visiting local fire department websites. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your training, hands-on experience, and certifications. Additionally, networking with professionals in the field and attending local career fairs can help you learn more about job opportunities and make valuable connections in the firefighting community.
How Long Does Firefighter Training Take?
Firefighter training typically takes 6-12 months. During this time, you’ll cover:
- Fire behavior and suppression techniques.
- Emergency medical services and first aid.
- Hazardous materials handling.
- Search-and-rescue operations.
Finding Firefighter Classes in Missouri
If you're interested in becoming a firefighter in Missouri, you can find firefighter training classes through Dreambound, the largest platform for students to find and compare vocational training programs. Dreambound offers a comprehensive directory of firefighting programs in Missouri, allowing you to easily find classes near you.
To explore firefighter training options in Missouri, visit Dreambound and search for firefighter programs in your area. Dreambound provides detailed information about each program, including course curriculum, duration, cost, and reviews from past students.
Career Paths and Opportunities After Becoming a Firefighter
- Fire Officer: Supervise and manage firefighting crews.
- Fire Investigator: Determine the cause of fires.
- Fire Inspector: Enforce fire safety codes.
- Hazardous Materials Specialist: Handle hazardous materials incidents.
- EMT/Paramedic: Provide emergency medical services.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a firefighter in Missouri is a rewarding path with competitive salaries and opportunities for growth. Start your journey today by exploring training programs through Dreambound and take the first step toward a career in firefighting.
Exploring different career paths? Dreambound offers in-depth guides to assist you in making well-informed decisions. Explore some of these resources below:
Harold Roldan is a Growth team member at Dreambound. With a background in IT, he works with data and automation to improve team efficiency and workflows. He spends his free time playing musical instruments or studying data, computers, and technology.
