With each passing year, firefighting is becoming a highly competitive job.
Before you submit any application for a firefighter vacancy, acquiring the relevant education and training needed for the job is essential.
If you are considering working as a Firefighter in Texas but lack ideas of how to go about it, this post is for you.
It discusses what firefighter academies are all about, including their admission requirements, and further provides insight into the five best Texas firefighter academies.
What is a Fire Academy?
A fire academy is an institution where people can acquire the knowledge and skills they need to work as firefighters.
The training these schools offer is highly intensive and relatively dangerous, as students have to put out natural fires during some advanced drills.
Firefighting schools offer theoretical and practical education to students to ensure that they are well-rounded in fighting fire before they venture into the field.
Currently, there are about 22 firefighter academies in Texas.
Is Being a Firefighter A Good Job?
Being a firefighter certainly has its benefits.
Those who choose a profession in firefighting report exceptionally high levels of job satisfaction.
If you appreciate helping others and giving back to your community, becoming a fireman is a terrific career choice.
However, you should know that the job may be difficult, stressful, and even dangerous.
Friendships among firefighters may develop as they work together to ensure the safety of their communities and one another.
While responding to situations, they must be in regular contact with one another and watch out for another’s safety.
To put out a fire or perform a rescue, firefighters need to follow established procedures and work together as a team.
Yet firefighters have a unique training regimen that continues throughout their careers.
They are trained in advanced life support, firefighting methods, and the care and operation of their respective pieces of equipment.
More so, training is conducted whenever new rules or regulations are implemented to ensure firemen use the most up-to-date procedures.
Is Fire Academy in Texas Worth it?
Yes, attending a fire academy in Texas is worth it.
Completing this training will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to work as a firefighter, which is rewarding.
It is even understood that firefighters have one of the most excellent job satisfaction among all the workers in Texas.
This job also offers opportunities to assist people continuously, which is an excellent way to impact society.
Furthermore, firefighters in Texas earn more money than those working in several US states.
In addition to the base salaries subject to periodic reviews, they also make so much money when they work overtime.
So, working as a firefighter in this state will allow you to save enough money.
This and many more are why attending a fire academy in Texas and deciding to embark on a firefighter career makes so much sense.
Requirements For Firefighter Academies in Texas
Here are some of the requirements for attending a firefighter academy in Texas:
- A high school diploma or GED
- A completed application form
- Minimum age of 18
- An excellent physical agility test record
How Long Does it Take To Become a Firefighter in Texas?
The time required to become a firefighter in Texas varies according to the academy you enrolled in.
While most physical classroom firefighter academy programs can be completed in about 12 weeks, many online programs require up to 15 weeks.
However, online programs take longer to complete due to the additional 3-weeks boot camp that online students engage in before receiving their certifications.
What is The Cost of a Firefighter Academy in Texas?
The average cost of attending a firefighter academy in Texas is between $1200 and $2500. The school fees of firefighter schools cover the cost of study materials, clothes, and many other items.
5 Best Firefighter Academies in Texas
There are several firefighters in Texas. However, the following school stands out for the quality of education they provide:
1. Texas Fire Academy
Texas Fire Academy is one of the best firefighter schools in Texas. This school is accredited by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.
The academy is a highly innovative institution that provides physical and online classes to people looking to embark on a career in firefighting.
Their comprehensive approach to education, which focuses on conventional and advanced methods of firefighting, makes them consistently produce some of the best firefighters in the US.
Besides their program’s knowledge, Texas Fire Academy equips their students with valuable career skills that enable them to grow in the profession and even rise to take up leadership positions in the field.
They boast a world-class faculty base comprising seasoned fire service instructors with unique experiences working together to sustain students’ professional and academic development.
Engaging in the training program that this fire service academy provides will prepare students for this highly detail-oriented task.
Additionally, the program is designed to suit the schedule of students, which is why the school makes both online and traditional classroom learning options available.
Students can take as long as eight months to complete the program, which makes so much sense for people engaged in other things while attending school.
2. North Texas Fire Academy
North Texas Fire Academy is another excellent option for anyone looking to attend a quality firefighter academy in Texas. This institution is accredited by Texas Commission on Fire Protection.
They motivate students to achieve their career goals of working as firefighters by taking them through training that facilitates their personal and professional development.
Their curriculum is designed based on the training specifications of the National Fire Protection Association Standards and the International Fire Accreditation Congress.
Furthermore, North Texas Fire Academy offers courses that empower its students with the foundational and advanced skills they need to excel as firefighters.
This school offers quality training in every aspect of fire service.
The standard of education at North Texas Fire Academy is very high, which explains why most of their graduates are highly sought after in the United States.
They partner with many fire academies from other countries to exchange knowledge, skill, and technology to benefit their students.
Additionally, North Texas Fire Academy offers both physical and online learning options.
The three certification programs they offer include; Basic Structural Fire Fighters, Firefighter II Certification, and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
Each program takes about 5 to 9 months to complete.
Besides the quality of education they offer, the world-class faculty base and affordable cost of education are other major reasons North Texas Fire Academy stands out among several firefighting schools in Texas.
3. Training Division Fire Academy
Training Division Fire Academy is one of the best Texas firefighter academies.
This school offers top-class education for anyone looking to acquire the quality knowledge and skills they need to pursue a career in firefighting.
Students here take a series of lessons that enable them to understand the roles and responsibilities of firefighters effectively.
The classes are handled by professionals with several years of experience teaching firefighting.
Training Division Fire Academy adopts a personalized approach to educating students, which amplifies their strengths and overshadows their weaknesses.
They also prioritize safety education in all facets of their training and teach students how to perform their duties at the highest level.
The firefighting program of this institution is accredited by Texas Commission on Fire Protection.
Training Division Fire Academy has struck partnerships with several organizations and institutions to facilitate their students’ professional, academic, and social development.
4. El Paso Department Training Academy
El Paso Department Training Academy is an excellent addition to the best Texas Firefighter academy list.
They provide quality theoretical and practical education to anyone pursuing a firefighting career.
An academy is a great option for anyone wanting to acquire fire education and other certifications.
Commission accredits it on Accreditation of Allied Health Education programs.
Furthermore, El Paso Department Training Academy training program is delivered by seasoned instructors that understand the duties of firemen and women and the best technique for grooming students.
The learning curriculum they follow when performing their jobs is comprehensive and will empower students with an in-depth knowledge of this profession.
5. Austin Fire Academy
Austin Fire Academy is presently one of the top-ranking Texan firefighter academies. It is a reliable place where people can acquire the knowledge they need to become professional firefighters.
Several graduates of this school are actively working as firefighters in several parts of the country. Their academic program lasts for 17 weeks.
Gaining admission into Austin Fire Academy is difficult because this school has a high acceptance rate.
It can even be more difficult for people outside the United States of America. However, this is not surprising because they maintain a high standard of learning.
The cost of studying here differs according to the student.
Students’ practical sessions at Austin Fire Academy are also very advanced and technical.
The real-life experiences they acquire prepare them for the demands of the field even before they secure a job.
Frequently Asked Questions on Best Texas Firefighter Academy
The Massachusetts Firefighting Academy is a rigorous 10-week program where aspiring firefighters acquire many abilities. Firefighting theory, practical exercises, and drills are all led by certified and experienced firefighters.
$49,768 a year.
Tuition: About $1,200. Bunker gear rental: $600.
Between 10 to 24 weeks
Conclusion
Completing a fire training program is a challenging task to perform.
On the other hand, although the firefighting profession offers a good level of satisfaction, you must also understand that it is a job that will require you to work overtime for free on some occasions.
This is because, besides fighting the fire, this job involves responsibilities such as medical emergency response, search and rescue operations, public safety services, and many more.
Nevertheless, attending any school on this list will enable you to prepare yourself effectively for the demands of this profession.
Awesome one; I hope this article answered your question.
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