Every time there is a fire eruption in any building (homes, offices, schools, hospitals, etc.), it is the duty of firefighters to put it out. Other than taking care of unforeseen fire outbreaks, they also get people out of burning structures and administer first aid to the injured.
Many firefighters are also qualified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). They are often referred to as “Firefighter EMTs.” In 2019, The Treasure State had more than 800 employed fire personnel. Do you want to join their ranks? This piece will tell you everything on how to become a Firefighter in Montana.
Sources: O*NET OnLine and US Bureau of Labor Statistics
The duties of a firefighter come with lots of pressure and stress. There are also health and safety concerns, especially because going inside burning buildings to rescue people is a regular part of a firefighter’s job. This is why physical fitness is very important for a firefighter. Work shifts tend to rotate between day and night. However, the majority of fire professionals are on call 24 hours a day.
Career Outlook
As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for firefighters in America will grow by 5% between 2018 and 2028. This is about as fast as the growth expected in other fields. Even with better safety standards and high-quality building material as well as construction equipment in use, firefighters will still be needed to deal with fire emergencies.
Steps to Become a Firefighter in Montana
Take the steps listed below to become a Firefighter in Montana.
Step 1: Get the Necessary Education
The minimum education for a firefighter is a High School Diploma. The alternative GED (General Educational Development) Certificate will suffice too. Any specialized post-secondary education after that (Certificate/Associate Degree/Bachelor’s Degree) is not mandatory but can be helpful in your career.
Step 2: Seek Employment
After getting the needed education, you can apply for employment with a fire unit close to home.
Step 3: Take the Initial Exam
This is usually the first assessment after your application is processed. It tests applicants’ skills in Mathematics, Problem Solving, Communication, Critical and Analytical Thinking, etc.
Step 4: Clear the Physical Evaluation
Once you pass the written test, the next hurdle is the physical assessment. Different fire departments in Montana may either use their own physical test or consider candidates’ scores on the CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test).
Step 5: Background Investigation
A thorough background investigation will follow once the physical exam is completed.
Step 7: Medical and Psychological Evaluations
When your background scrutiny gives satisfactory results, you will be subjected to a detailed medical and psychological evaluation.
Step 8: Drugs Test
This is the final step before entering the fire academy for training.
Step 9: Fire Academy Training
This will take around 6 to 8 months to complete.
Step 10: Earn an EMT License
Depending on which Montana fire unit you wish to join, you may be required to earn an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) license before being allowed to work after training.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Firefighter in Montana?
This usually depends on the course that you want to follow. If you want to become a firefighter after high school, then you will need about 1 year to undergo the selection and training procedures. However, if you decide to earn some specialized post-secondary education first, then you will need around 2 to 5 years to become a Firefighter in Montana.
What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Firefighter in Montana?
Aspiring firefighters in Montana must come up to the following requirements.
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Must be 18 years old at least.
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Should have a High School Diploma or GED Certificate.
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Hold a valid Montana driving license.
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Have legal US citizenship.
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Must not have a criminal record of any kind.
How Much Can I Make After Becoming a Firefighter in Montana?
According to the most up-to-date public records of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, firefighters in Montana earned an annual mean wage of $51,880 in 2019.