Best College Degrees For Firefighters

[@Mypotatostory]

You forgot culinary school. You know how to cook, then you'll automatically become everybody's best friend in fire department ha-ha

[@mike_pertz]

haha good point!

[@d.c.1235]

If you’re good with your hands, take every job you can until you get called to be a firefighter. Every small job is a learning lesson you can take with you. I flip-flopped around for 10yrs in offices and warehouses alike before becoming a firefighter, and I learned way more with a tool in my hand than a keyboard.

[@09764312468]

what age did you get into firefighting at? Im 27 and wondering if it is too late to begin the process

[@suzannesauter5724]

Just applied to a few departments with an MA in Strategic Communication..... lol! Wish I had found your videos a few years ago!

[@1_benjy_1]

That’s good to hear, i’m 17 and in a nursing program at a tech school and it’s very helpful, good to hear that it’ll help me when trying to join the department

[@ingridmalmberg2841]

I'm a prospective firefighter and I'm currently doing my bachelor degree in emergency management, minor in psychology (at a location in Canada though). The psychology is another degree that I would say is useful if you are able to specify your interests in the field. I have in mind to eventually be trained in CISM and other crisis intervention skills so I'm finding the psychology degree invaluable. Some departments also have psychologists and so it may be worth pursuing training as a clinician while you're a firefighter or preparing for the job.

[@hicksonff3459]

CISM is a great thing to be educated in. Most depts are starting to pick up on this. Some have regional CISM teams that cover a larger area. Definitely an asset.

[@e4mafia578]

I live in Chicagoland and almost all FD's are FF/PM and require minimum two year degrees, also most PD's require two year degrees as well

[@KenYouFeelTheKenergy]

I was a freshman in high school when I saw this video and knew I wanted to be a firefighter. My family did require me to go to college and get a bachelors and this video is the reason I applied and was just accepted to NYU for Nursing (full ride) :) hopefully also working for my EMT/paramedic certifications. Afterwards I’m enlisting in the Navy and joining the reserves to hopefully become a career firefighter as I’ve heard a military background is also desirable

[@user-ik8tg3vd9n]

I’m a freshman in highschool right now. I’m debating weather firefighting should be the career I peruse.

[@carsoncraig3458]

I'm a senior,18 years old and I am currently working on getting my EMT. This summer or fall I am planning on getting my paramedic. Would this be a good path to keep on or would you recommend something else to get me a better chnce to get on a department?

[@samueldaco993]

I’m trying to do the same thing mate. I’m your age. Can I do my EMT while in high school?

[@grantwalter2243]

@@samueldaco993 the program should be at your local community college

[@kaisalis7895]

I would call around to different departments to find out what they're looking for. Many will take EMTs, others would rather you get paramedic later on

[@jacobcappuccilli5720]

Yo carson ! I live in SoCal and career departments are very competitive here and Im 16 and working on becoming a firefighter/paramedic. I have talked to many people over time and they all suggest after you get your EMT card, you go to AMR and work as an EMT for 6months to a year. experience is super important. learning the material vs applying it to real life is very different. That’s my suggestion. medic school will also be easier because you will be working with medics and learning from them !

[@sethadkins9786]

Hey Mike, love your content, very useful! I’m currently about 3 years from leaving the navy and just got accepted to be a volunteer firefighter in Hampton, I also just started my bachelors in public safety administration, would you say still going for paramedic school would still give me more points in the interview and application process? Also, overall I have a good driving record with the exception of one reckless a year ago, should I be ok?

[@JoeyC0914]

Love the Channel Bro! Bouta start the academy next month! Love all the advice!

[@mike_pertz]

Thanks Joey! Good luck in the academy, keep me posted!

[@JoeyC0914]

@@mike_pertz absolutely

[@msohmega6822]

Hi Mike, I have my bachelor's degree in Geography with an emphasis in GIS (Geographic Information Systems/Science). Do you think having knowledge in mapping would be something that could help me stand out if I pursued becoming a firefighter? Do fire departments utilize drones/UAVs or fire mapping software? Thanks!

[@andrewkwekel3195]

Hey Mike this was awesome. I'm a Firefighter/EMT just getting into the Fire Service and will be going to Paramedic school soon. I gravitate far more towards the trades (welding, mechanical, construction) education and work than the more traditional/formal college education. Could you do a video on what types of trades are the best to get into while being or trying to become a fulltime Firefighter?

[@mike_pertz]

Hey Andrew, I can do that. However, just off hand though I would highly recommend electrician (highly paid and very sought after).

[@MrBellyman128]

I would also like this video

[@evanhagen6553]

Just curious why you wouldn't mention studying Psychology as being useful in the fire service.. I know people give it shit as being a useless degree but I argue that it is one of the most useful. Here's why: Can you really get anywhere in life without dealing with other people? Can you really be successful without being good at dealing other people? In the Fire Service, dealing with people is one of your main duties, ergo having an education in how to do so will benefit you greatly.

[@cullenhastings9921]

I’m currently 17, finishing my final year of high school and just got accepted into a Canadian University for Criminology and Psychology, is this a worthwhile pursuit considering the fact that I hope to be a Police Officer

[@mike_pertz]

That's awesome Cullen! Congrats on getting accepted!

[@julianhartl5136]

Everyone forgets to mention HVAC-R, the master of all trades

[@Edick108]

Thank you for the information. I am currently working on my BA in English with the intention of going to Law School post-retirement or continue with my studies and obtain a Masters in Public Administration for a possible Chief or City Manager type of career. I have 14 years left on the job and still a lot of life ahead of me! I am curious, how are you able to go to law school while still working as a career firefighter?

[@mike_pertz]

Good for you for going back to school and getting after it! As for the law school it is definitely a lot, the way our schedule works I am able to squeeze it in on days or or take time off for class

[@MaCoop3r]

Does anyone know what university is better for Emergency Mgmt? I can’t find much info on which uni is better...

[@ryanpudwill9773]

Damn, I'm a senior pursuing a Bachelor's in Business at the moment and not until last year did I realize I wanted to be a Fire Fighter. I was hoping it would help with promotions as it relates to budgeting, accounting, and management.

[@ctn3944]

Some contracts can give you a pay bump on your step rate for degrees. IE 5% for AA in fire science, 10% for Bachelors. Not sure how come this is throughout the US??

[@infernohealthandfitness8472]

Hey Mike! What’s your take on a Kinesiology degree? I’m currently in my 3rd of 4 years in a Kinesiology uni program. I’ve always seen it as a helpful degree as human movement is so relatable, yet can be so concerning for aging firefighters. Along with that, would/could you say that a degree shows the panel that the applicant has committed to “continuing education”. As well as started and completed a difficult task?

[@mike_pertz]

Good question. Definitely useful knowledge with kinesiology..especially with all the injuries that are prone to happen. However, I doubt that kinesiology will help you directly with firefighting skills. I would say that a degree does show that you have committed to continuing education as any degree is "better" than no degree. Does that make sense?

[@infernohealthandfitness8472]

@@mike_pertz 100%! Thanks for the reply. Happy new year, really looking forward to what you’ll bring to the channel in 2021. God speed🤟🏼

[@kimcardona2651]

Would an environmental studies degree be useful for fire fighting or possibly something with rescue?

[@LeDarronMLee]

Hey Mike, I’m 31 years old and I’ve been in the Air Force for 10 years. I’m planning on separating within the next 2 years and becoming a career firefighter. I am currently preparing to pursue a B.S. in Emergency Services with a specialization in Fire and Emergency services from Embry-Riddle. Do you think this a good idea? I will also be receiving technical training in carpentry, welding, and other structural principles, as I transition to a member of the Air National Guard.

[@mike_pertz]

Hi LeDarron, ya that would be a good degree to get, however the technical training will help you as a firefighter quite a bit!

[@LeDarronMLee]

@@mike_pertz Thanks Mike!

[@jelsgmsgkegjqf]

Haha I have a BS in Chemistry with an Emphasis in Biochemistry and going into the fire service.

[@mike_pertz]

that's awesome!

[@Chris1Stevens2]

What is your thoughts on Fire Science degrees and EMS degrees to get started in the field with?

[@mike_pertz]

I made an entire video just on that subject :) ...see here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2XXpGONbt2sjJo

[@elijahflores7281]

Are civil engineer degrees good too? And what can that help with as a firefighter?

[@jensengilderoy1582]

B jobs huh. Yes us firemen love the good ol b jobs. Love you brother🤙

[@elinorascher-handlin4333]

Would Spanish also be a good possible major? I'm also considering chemistry especially since I'm interested in HAZMAT

[@pabloquintero8716]

I’m 20, and going to college for associates for applied science. I think I wanna switch my major to something else but I don’t know what to major in all I really wanna do is help people I like helping so anybody out there please give me ideas.

[@steeledargie1814]

What about a degree in Health and Exercise Science. I specialize in promoting good health behaviors: Nutrition, Exercise, cardiovascular disease prevention, etc

[@gaming4u262]

hi quick question, i'm in high school right now and have the option to take dual enrollment programs for career and tech education at my local community college. i have the options to take a nursing pathway or a fire science pathway. i want to get my paramedic certification straight after i finish my emt-b certification, maybe even get a nursing degree. would it be better to take the nursing pathway or the fire science pathway? both pathways take 2 years to finish, so i would be done with them as i am finishing up high school with either a certified nurse assistant or an emt-b + bvs in fire science

[@mike_pertz]

I would recommend the nursing route - you can later do the nurse to medic bridge and go to fire school separately

[@timothyphouthavong]

I'm pursuing a bachelor's in safety (occupational safety), would this be beneficial? Aside from Firefighter being the goal I would also like to be a safety specialist or safety engineer.

[@jakub_pie4940]

I am debating if I should get my bachelor's in fire science and ems, but I'm currently 15. Should I take it as soon as I can or wait, till I am older?

[@mike_pertz]

I'd get your EMT certification ASAP

[@DethMetalNinja1]

Would a rope access certification listed on my resume help me stand out in applying at a department?

[@AnthonySmith-ru8in]

What is you opinion about a Degree in Psychology, study in Panama 🇵🇦, I speak Spanish and english. I want to apply in Little Rock Arkansas 😊

[@joviall5965]

My question is if I go for EMS how much college is that and do you still get to be a firefighter

[@kaisalis7895]

If you just wanna be a basic EMT then it's typically a 12 week course, some places offer as a 8 week course. It's not hard. EMT is typically one of the universal requirements in order to be a firefighter. Some departments will want you to have your paramedic license before you go fire, which is a lot more schooling than basic EMT. Others may want you go firefighter first and down the line they will offer you a chance to go thru a paramedic program. I'd call around to your local departments or wherever it is you plan to work and ask about their requirements

[@dillonnewfield3313]

Do fire fighters have the same mindset of firefighters? I hated carpentry because most of them were drunks

[@DudeItsCayden]

Would a EMT certificate just be to be able to do emergency acts like doing CPR or other medical situations when a paramedic or doctor isn’t there? Which is part of firefighting. I also am wondering what a GED certificate and if you need it to be a firefighter?

[@johnhirsch8809]

EMT you are able to do quite a bit if there isn't anyone with more training available. You can ever get an abridged EMT and be qualified for even more. No school is wasted or not helpful.

[@NorthernExposureATV]

I knew firefighters got the best bjobs👌

[@moisturizingmeerkats6326]

What happened to fire science? It’s the degree for… fire fighting

[@kryt4928]

is bs nursing considered paramedic degree? answer please

[@charlieno7893]

what about a BA in emergency management? oh watched the whole video never mind hahah. That's the BA im getting.

[@mike_pertz]

Hey Charlie, it may not help you directly with firefighting skills (although I don't know exactly what the curriculum involves) however, it will DEFINITELY help if you have aspirations of becoming an officer/chief in the future!

[@charlieno7893]

@@mike_pertz After I get my BA in emergency management. I want to get a AA in paramedicine and hopefully become a full blown paramedic. Im also bilingual in Spanish. Once I have all these achievements do you think it help me land a FF job?

[@everardoramirez3709]

Would a bachelors in criminal justice help at all while being a firefighter?

[@nathanhuynh7959]

I have the same question, but I'm looking to be a fire investigator so I hope I'm on the right track

[@mrkarterhuh9830]

What are your thoughts about a nutritional science degree? This would definitely be a "B" job.

[@mike_pertz]

Honestly, I dunno, I’ve never heard of a nutritional science degree. I’m assuming it’s something that someone who wanted to become a dietitian would study?

[@mrkarterhuh9830]

@@mike_pertz yes dietician is one of the jobs that degree would be used for.

[@elishawhite7487]

Would a fire science degree be useful?

[@mike_pertz]

Hi Elisha, good question. While it "helps" in the sense that you have a degree it probably wont' make you stand out that much. Check out this video I made about fire science degrees: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2XXpGONbt2sjJo

[@cozyboy6288]

Thank you for asking this I had the same question. Thank you for the link it helped a lot. 👍🏽

[@josephlaw9117]

“I have a bachelors degree in General Studies, which is code for nothing 🤨” 😂😂😂

[@kryt4928]

do you need to be able to swim to be qualified?

[@johnhirsch8809]

Not that I'm aware of

[@robbiewatson1199]

Great videos Mike! Trying to get on a career department in Canada where I live. I'm 24 and working towards getting my carpentry ticket within the next year. You mentioned that you know of departments requiring a 4 year degree in order to get a admin job or get promoted up the ranks. Would a trades ticket work also?

[@diegoarmando7755]

I'm currently a Marine stationed in California, I have 2 years left. I'm also attending university classes for social and criminal justice, how will that BA help?

[@isaacgonzalez2288]

Hey dude I just EAS and was stationed at CP. I ended up applying for 1st Med Battalion EMT course (call their S-3 section) and Palomars college fast track emt course, my unit did not want to TAD me after deployment so I ended up doing the course while on terminal at Palomar college on base. Try to TAD to any of those 2 first to use their time and not yours lol. Apply for Fafsa when u go to college and make sure you start talking to the VA department of the college so you set up your benefits and can start a fire academy! good luck dude

[@gavinhutter9661]

Can welding be a good b job

[@jordans1917]

Hard to find jobs that would work around your schedule I’m sure you can find something though if it interests you