education academy

Statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau reveal that a person who holds a graduate or master’s degree can expect to earn about $55,000 per year. People holding a bachelor’s degree can expect to earn around $46,000 per year. The average benefit for holding a graduate degree can raise a person’s income about $225,000 over a period of 25 years. This rate of return clearly shows that it is a solid investment to pursue a online graduate degree. Online education graduate degrees enable busy adults to attain a higher education while still maintaining employment to earn a living.

Requirements to Pursue an Online Education Graduate Degree – To earn a graduate degree online, students need to be well-organized self starters who can manage their time and review course material independently. Online students also need full access to a computer with a 56 kbps modem or better, with Internet service and virus protection. Students attending school online should be able to use email and basic Internet functions to communicate with professors and take online exams. Online education graduate degree programs are delivered in a web-based format that is available 24 hours a day for the convenience of working students seeking success.

Validity of Online Education. In the 1994 study of R. Clark, and in the Pew Learning and Technology Study ‘Innovations in Online Learning’ by Carol Twigg in 2001, they concluded that if the online course was designed with the same rigor as one taught in a face-to-face environment, the outcome is likely to be equivalent. Further, the standards for undergraduate education are defined by the Seven Principles developed by Chickering & Gamson (1991). These seven principles were updated to show how to implement these ideals in online education (Chickering & Ehrmann; Graham, et al. 2001). In 2002, the Ohio Learning Task Force issued a report that recommended principles derived from Chickering & Gamson were to be used to design, approve, assess and review all courses, whether in person, or online, or a blend of both. The Seven Principles a) encourage contact between students and faculty; b) encourage active learning; c) encourage cooperation between students; d) give feedback promptly; e) communicates high expectations; f) emphasizes time on task; and g) respects diverse ways of learning and talents. Therefore, online education graduate degrees follow the same criteria as those earned at a physical college campus, so they are equally viable.

Cost of Online Education. Getting an online education graduate degree can be more affordable than attending a physical college campus because there are no costs for transportation or housing. In 2004, an online resource site took a sample size of 120 online master’s degree programs and found that the cost for education could range from $2,760 to $110,000 for an accredited degree. However, graduate degree students can explore several options for tuition assistance, including:

Tuition Reimbursement. The National Center for Education Statistics found that almost 20 percent of all graduate students receive aid from their employers. Potential online education graduate degree students should consult with the human resources director of their company about tuition reimbursement programs and company scholarships they may qualify for.

Labor Unions. Over 60 labor unions, through 38,000 national chapters, offer $4 million dollars in educational financial aid. If a student belongs to a union, the web site at http://www.aflcio.org can offer leads to Union-Sponsored Scholarships and Financial Aid.

Financial Aid. There is even state and government financial aid available for certain distance learning programs. The free government aid directory at http://www.ed.gov/programs can help students locate resource centers in their state and offer information about financial assistance to pay for college.

Loans. There are government-backed Stafford student loans that typically carry the lowest interest rate. For example, the interest rate for a Stafford education loan in 2003 was only 3.42 percent. Students seeking Stafford loans should consult the free annual publication, the Student Guide to Financial Aid. Private student loans are also offered through finance companies such as KeyBank or Citibank, but they usually charge higher interest rates and require students to pass a credit check.

Tax benefits. There are also significant tax benefits available to online education graduate degree program students. Interest on student loans may be tax deductible during the first 60 months of the period to pay them back. Eligibility for this tax benefit can be determined by checking the IRS Publication 970: Tax Credits for Higher Education. Further, under the Lifetime Learning Credit, students may be eligible to deduct up to 20 percent of the first $10,000 of graduate tuition from federal taxes. Also, some or all tuition expenses may be deducted if an employer requires additional education to maintain the student’s current professional status. Students can review IRS Publication 970 for guidelines, or consult with an accountant to see what portion of tuition for college can be deducted from their taxes.

When a potential student considers the ease of earning an online education graduate degree, along with the improved financial status as a result of attaining this degree, it is clearly a wise decision to pursue virtual learning.

In recent times, the SRI International for the Department of Education revealed a 93-page report founded on one of the serious topics these days i.e. online education.

Surprising but true, the report shows that students enrolled in an online educational course exhibit an improved performance when it comes to their comparison with students attending the brick-and-mortar educational schemes.

The study bases its conclusions from the broad research on online education in opposition to the typical classroom teaching from 1996 to 2008. Though, a part of it was in K-12 premises, a considerably bigger part of the research was done at the level of colleges and continuing-education programs for adults in a variety of field, ranging from medical science to military education.

The outcome was analyzed on the basis of the 99 studies involving points, indicating which type of education (online or class room) is more beneficial for student’s overall performance in the diverse educational fields. It then became evident from the conclusions of those studies that on the whole, students pursuing some or a number of courses online would more likely rank in the 59th percentile in terms of experienced performance, while the average classroom student would score in the 50th percentile. Now, this theory indicates a significant amount of major difference in both the learning methods.

Barbara Means who’s the lead author of the study and a teaching psychologist says that the study is essentially aimed for the promotion of the fact that online study currently is far better than the conservative educational methods. Though, this doesn’t indicate that the time to “greet farewell” to classrooms has arrived. The chief aim of the study is to promote online education at a higher level for an improved and flexible educational method. Online education bases its success from the advancement in technology and the inclusion of highly developed online tools, which have together made online learning not only better but fun too.

Experts explain that online education plays an important role in the provision of individual attention to every learner that turns out to be highly problematic in a classroom loaded with a number of students. Consequently, a significantly big student majority takes this system as more engaging and winning than the traditional one.

According to Dean Philip R. Regier, online education is at its inflection point. Therefore, the maximum near-term growth will prove to be in continuing educational programs. In fact, a usual university accommodates 5,000 students in its continuing education programs, including in-person classes and online courses. If this educational strategy continues to maintain its recognition, the number of students is likely to triple within the upcoming three to five years.

It is also believed that online education can additionally play a role in the complete conversion of college campuses. Today, universities and several K-12 schools are incorporating online educational management systems, such as the Blackboard or the open-source Moodle. These are extensively used in the submissions of coursework, reading lists, and class timetable and even hosting some Web discussion boards.

It is because of the improved involvement of social networking technology, things seem to be quite diverse. Students will not only facilitate themselves but be trained to help others too. For example, it will be understood that college students are familiar with the basics of calculus, and the classroom time will focus more on applying the math on practical situations – perhaps in understanding the physics of weather changes or ups and downs in stock rates. This implies that people can accomplish a degree in a shorter span of time.

According to Mr. Regier, the latest educational scheme can effectively develop learning communities in the middle of students in a number of ways. It is evident that online education will give education a new shape- something beyond the classrooms. Education will then be free, accessible for anyone irrespective of the learner’s location. This surely can modify the way we work and can without any doubt influence the literacy rates in a positive manner.

With the debate over public education raging on, and academic performance in the U.S. still trailing international rankings, parents are increasingly choosing private options. Ten percent of all U.S. children grades K-12 attend private schools, and the majority of these institutions are religious. Choosing a Christian academy not only bolsters students’ academic performance, it also trains these children to be more productive members of society as they reach adulthood. Here are six reasons to consider this route.

(1) Community Service

Students attending church-related private schools were more likely than those at either non-church related private or public schools to indicate that their academy required and coordinated community service, according to a National Center for Education Statistics report in 2000.

(2) Better Performance

The most recent assessments performed by the National Center for Education Statistics showed that children receiving a private education consistently performed better in all subject areas at each grade level. For the comparative fourth and eighth grade studies in reading, children receiving a private education outscored those receiving a public education by an average of 14% in the basic achievement level, 14% in the proficient achievement level, and 7% in the advanced achievement level. Though the differential was smaller, students at private institutions also reached higher averages in all three achievement levels in math, writing, science, U.S. history, and civics.

(3) Better Access to Academic Training

A 2013 study published in the Peabody Journal of Education outlined a meta-analysis that showed multiple advantages for students in faith-based academies, including “significant academic advantage,” “narrower achievement gaps by race/ethnicity and income,” and “better student behavioral outcomes.”

(4) Personal Attention

Students at private schools, particularly those staffed by educators who are also spiritual leaders, can receive valuable private mentorship. The overwhelming majority of private institutions (86%) have fewer than 300 students. This creates an environment that fosters personal attention, because it is much harder for a student to get lost in the crowd, either academically or spiritually. A Christian academy is a place for children to develop their intellect and integrity.

(5) Strong Alumni Networks

The alumni list of high achievers who attended religious academies shows just how well these institutions prepare future leaders. Here are just a few famous adults who attended a Christian academy or other faith-based private school: Jimmy Graham (NFL player), Will Smith (actor), Barack Obama (U.S. President), Tucker Carlson (news personality), and John Kerry (U.S. Secretary of State), to name a few.

(6) Many Available Options

Christian schools are one of the fastest-growing types of private schools in the country, according to data comparing enrollment in the late 1990s to 2011-2012. While some private enrollments are steady or increasing in smaller numbers, Christian institutions have seen growth as high as 30%. This is partially due to the renewed focus on a classical education, which is a methodology that has been time-tested in the Christian academy time and time again.

Clearly, the success of private institutions is a growing and sustained trend. Christian campuses, in particular, have proven to be a worthy and dependable alternative to private and charter schools in cities across the nation.

Law enforcement academies prepare students for jobs in law enforcement. Careers that incorporate these types of academies include: Police Officers, Deputy Sheriffs, State Troopers, and Correctional Officers. Each academy is different from the next one. Some academies offer basic training, others more intense training; while others offer state-of-the-art technology and training. Each academy is unique to its location, classes, and length of program.

Some of these academies include: the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, GA, Alabama Peace Officers Standards & Training Commission in Montgomery, AL, Arizona Law Enforcement Academy in Phoenix, AZ, San Diego Law Enforcement Training Center in San Diego, CA, and Fingerlakes Law Enforcement Academy in Canandaigua, NY. Each of these academies contributes to creating dedicated, well-educated and professional officers.

A thriving academy yields successful enforcement officers. Potential officers should contact several different academies to discover their curriculum and graduation rates. It would also be helpful to obtain graduate employment statistics. When selecting a local academy, it may be possible to speak with local law enforcement officials to find out which schools provide the best outcome.

Curriculum should be a key deciding factor when choosing the right academy. Basic programs include law, patrol operations, traffic enforcement education and investigation techniques. Some academies also offer courses in incident management and documentation, telephone procedures, and communication. Weapons handling and self defense should also be taught.

An academy’s cost and program structure should also play a part in deciding on the right choice. Some schools require a 16 week program, while others may only require a 12 week program. Different academies may offer financing to help cover education costs. Academies that are a part of a community college may even offer some types of grants or scholarships. Grants are given by several organizations including: Office of Victims of Crimes, Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools, Office of National Drug Control Policy, Bureau of Justice Assistance, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security, and Children’s Bureau, and Divisions of Criminal Justice Services.

Potential students should visit several academies before making a final decision. He or she should keep their career goals in mind when selecting the right academy. Students should find out the daily schedules and program operations. Speaking to counselors and instructors can give the potential student more insight on how he or she would fit into campus life.

Once education and training is completed, there is a great deal of Law Enforcement Work available to those seeking employment.

Dallas, one of the top cities in the United States of America has a number of educational institutions. It is for no reason that this city has been considered as the educational hub of the South Central United States. This city has a total of 337 public schools, 127 colleges (89 are private colleges) and 32 libraries. Listed here in this article are some of the most popular universities, colleges and schools in this city.

The top educational institution in Dallas, TX is obviously the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. This is in fact one of the premier medical centers in the United States that trains highly skilled physicians, doctors and medical scientists of tomorrow. This University boasts of having one of the best faculties in the entire world. 4 of them are Nobel Laureates out of which three are active at present. In addition to this, 18 faculty members of this University are from the National Academy of Sciences. The list would go on as there are faculties from the famous American Academy of Arts and Science, Institute of Medicine etc.

The next is obviously the Dallas Baptist University. This institution was founded in the year 1898 as Decatur Baptist College. The name of this institution was changed to Dallas Baptist College and recently the name got rechristened as DB University. This University holds the distinction of being one of the few colleges in the world which concentrates on a Christ-centered education. This University offers a total of 57 UG programs, 22 PG programs and 2 doctoral programs. However, the most preferred academic programs in this college are Childhood Ministry, Christian Ministry and Christian Education.

The first public university in Dallas TX was the University of North Texas. This is one of the finest public educational institutions in the whole of USA and it has been consistently ranked as one of the top 100 educational institutions in USA. This university offers lot of UG as well PG programs which include Aerospace Studies, Applied Arts, Science, Interior Design, Logistics and Supply Chain Management etc. All fields of Engineering, Psychology, Teaching, Sociology etc are some of the other programs offered by this University.

Paul Quinn College is another popular college in Dallas, TX that is referred as a historically Black College. This college was established in the year 1872 and has an African Methodologist Episcopal religious affiliation. Some of the other major colleges and Universities in the eight largest city of the United States are Dallas Theological Seminary, Texas Woman’s University, Dallas Community College District and Criswell College.

To name few major public and private schools in Dallas, TX, the name of the School for the Talented and the Gifted comes first. This school was named as the best school in USA by a popular magazine in the country. It is in fact the best school for the year 2009 as well. The Science and Engineering Magnet is another top school in Dallas that made it into the list of top schools in USA. Some of the other important schools include Hillcrest, Woodrow Wilson, Burton Adventist Academy and Trinity Christian Academy etc.

Military academies or military schools are institutions which accept students from elementary to high school. Some only accept boys (as traditional military academies do) and some are coeducational. Some are for day students only, and some also accept boarding students.

While military academy traditions vary a lot across schools, their common denominator is the strong military influence in their daily operations. In most of these schools, students and staff wear military-style uniforms, hold military-based ranks (lieutenant, cadets, etc.), use merit and demerit systems, and others. Students are expected to be disciplined, pick up after themselves, keep their rooms and lockers clean, and obey their teachers. There’s a great emphasis on these values, and students face punishment for any incursion made on the school rules.

Military school education is also associated with excellence and structure. Students are closely monitored during study hall and their progress is followed by faculty members. At an early age, students become aware of the need to follow a structure in their daily schedule and to prioritize their tasks. They wake up early in the morning and sleep early in the evening. It’s not all military activities, though. Like any other college preparatory boarding school, military boarding schools also have excellent facilities for athletics and arts. Aside from military-inspired activities (like riflery, marching band, JROTC, etc.), it’s not unusual for these academies to have good sports programs and extracurricular activities that will help them enjoy a more well-rounded education.

These kinds of academies are also often mistaken for boot camps for troubled teens. The truth is that military academies often only accept young people who show great potential for achievement and leadership, who are self-starters and have a drive for excellence. There’s often a long waiting list for such academies and the students who get in usually have stellar academic records as well as endorsements from community leaders. The admission process is quite stringent, consistent of exams, interviews, and writing essays. They also don’t come cheap. Like many college preparatory boarding schools, a military academy education is quite expensive. Sometimes even coming up to about $40,000 per year or more.

Not all students who study in military academies plan to pursue a career in the military, though. Students who are driven, disciplined, and equipped with the finest education often go on to become leaders in different fields. The benefit of sending your child to a military academy is helping them set higher goals, expect more from themselves, and have a strong sense of responsibility and moral values. Such academies concentrate on these issues and aim to produce fine young men and women who will be responsible members of society.

For young people who have other needs, there are other types of schools that may better serve their needs. For example, there are alternative schools that have wilderness programs or therapeutic boarding schools that provides individualized counseling and therapy for students. It’s important to find the right fit for your child and a place where he/she will flourish and blossom and realize his/her potential.

A report released in the New Year by the Academies Commission has proposed that some of the new generation of academy schools maybe using de facto selection methods to affect their respective intakes to the favour of their results and performance. There is no doubt that there have been some great success stories amongst the raft of new schools that have converted to academy status in the last few years but is there a question over how these results have been obtained and whether they are a true reflection of performance? The first installment of this article recaps what academy schools are and when selective admissions are permitted.

What are Academy Schools?

Academy Schools were introduced as City Academies by the Labour government in 2000 with the aim of transforming the fortunes of failing city secondary schools in England by providing them with the freedoms of self governance together with the ability to team with partners from the public and private sectors who have experiences of delivering success in their respective fields. In July 2010, the current coalition government embraced and grew the academy project passing the Academies Act passed shortly after the start of its term. The act opened up and promoted the possibility for all schools to apply for academy status and as a result there are now 2,619 currently operating in England.

At the heart of their definition is the idea that academies are schools which continue to receive funding from central government – the same funding per head as a traditional state school would receive via the local education authority (LEA) – but they are free from the control of said local education authorities. Therefore, they have the freedom to determine how the school is run to a significant extent; namely, how those funds are allocated on school resources (including staff pay), the length of the school day and the dates of school terms, uniforms, how the school is structured and, most importantly, what and how they teach as they are not required to follow the national curriculum fully. However, despite being afforded many of the freedoms of privately run schools, academies are still defined as state schools due to their funding and as such are subject to Ofsted inspections and are prohibited from charging fees.

The Rules Concerning Selection

Schools that convert to academy status can continue to use selection processes such as the 11 plus if they did so before their conversion. Many Grammar schools for example that were previously run under the grant maintained scheme, which also gave them autonomy from local government control but access to central government funding, found a natural fit with the academy structure and so made the conversion. These schools exist on the principle of providing tailored education to the highest achievers irrespective of their social background and so relied on using the 11 plus to select these children and can continue to do so following their switch to academies.

State schools that convert to academy status and that do/did not implement any selection criteria as LEA controlled schools, cannot subsequently become selective in their admission however, because this would undermine one of their stated aims, to drive up academic standards throughout their local communities.

The forthcoming installment of this article will look more closely at the Academies Commission’s concerns regarding selective admissions.

What are home school academies? Are you interested in home schooling? Would you like to learn why home schooling may be a very effective choice for you and your family? Learn why home school academies allow you to effectively manage your curriculum.

Home school academies provide a large number of reasons why parents choose to educate their child at home. Some feel that their child will not get proper education on religion in a public school, whereas the others feel that under one structure their child can get proper education on knowledge, potential and self empowerment.

There are two kinds of knowledge, one is the specialized one that most of the public schools offer and the other being the general one, about religion etc, which is seldom used. Many parents teach their child at home to ensure that they are safe and well educated while the others enjoy seeing their child working.

Whatever the reasons for teaching at home, there are a number of ways available to make your child educated. Utilizing the advantages of the many home schooling curriculums available, parents can teach their child in a home schooling environment. And at the same time be assured that there child is not missing any key academic concepts.

Home school academies provide a number of resources that allow a family to successfully implement a consistent home schooling environment. This effectively allows families to focus on home schooling more and less on the supporting details.

Studies have shown that home schooling is a lot more effective when done with a systematic plan. These academies provide a lot of the needed resources to allow effective systematic home schooling.

WHAT IS A HOME SCHOOL ACADEMY?

It’s basic purpose is to provide support to home school families. The sense of belonging with others, the sense of being in a school is fulfilled by these experiences. This feeling can be lost in traditional home schooling. Many academies provide students with plans of action, knowledge, and also educes or draws out a developed person from within.

These also help parents by offering a number of sequence plans, plan and academic subject tutoring, counseling and developing the faculties of their mind. Of course it also provides a much needed social aspect in allowing a meeting place for other parents. Other advantages being the school discounts that children get and the most important one is the children get a diploma from an actual school.

CONCLUSION

There are resources available to you in order to enhance your child’s education. You just have to join a home school academy and take the advantage of all they have to offer. You still have the same means of experiencing the education of your child at home that the others get from the traditional school.

Your child can still accumulate great fortunes of knowledge as he would be directed through a highly organized and intelligent home academy. They in a similar way like a child educated through more public means will be ambitious and will not suffer from inferiority complexes.

Find Acupuncture Academy Programs in the United States and Canada. If you haven’t yet reviewed all the academic programs offered at an acupuncture academy, you might be pleasantly surprised to discover the diverse educational options that are available to you. Whether you choose to pursue degree or certificate programs, an acupuncture academy often provides both; in addition to continuing education and even community education workshops and seminars.

Before you apply to a Master of Science in acupuncture and Oriental medicine degree program at an acupuncture academy, be certain to review course prerequisites. Frequently, acupuncture and Oriental medicine schools require a fair amount of educational studies prior to entry; usually a four-year degree from an accredited school or university.

Once you’ve met all necessary educational requirements, and have enrolled in the acupuncture academy of your choice, be prepared to dedicate three to four years to a Master’s degree program. In this particular course of study, students learn about anatomy, microbiology, pathology, and physiology; Western medical terminology, as well as Chinese medical terminology; Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, meridians, acupuncture, Chinese herbology, TCM diagnostics, Tai Chi, Qi gong and Chinese herbal formulation, among other subject matter.

An acupuncture academy sometimes offers various certificate and/or diploma programs as well. For example, if you like the idea of practicing Oriental medicine therapies but don’t have the time to complete an extended educational program, then enrolling in a Tuina (Chinese medical massage) certificate program at an acupuncture academy may be ideal for you. Depending on the acupuncture academy in which you enroll, training hours may vary but are commonly comprised of practical training in anatomy and physiology, TCM theories and pathology, meridian points, Tuina and acupressure, among other relevant studies.

An acupuncture academy frequently extends Chinese medicine continuing education programs, as well as open seminars and workshops. For instance, community programs are open to the public and generally include classes in self-healing techniques and methods like Tai Chi and Qigong. Additional introductory classes may entail Shiatsu, home herbal remedies, and more.

Overall, an acupuncture academy offers future Oriental medicine practitioners excellent educational opportunities to effectively help patients with natural and complementary medicine techniques and therapies. Whether one chooses to pursue a career as a licensed acupuncturist or an Oriental medicine body worker, an acupuncture academy can assist you in achieving professional success in your natural healthcare service endeavors.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding acupuncture academy programs let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

Acupuncture Academy: Oriental Medicine Training Today
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If you are interested in becoming a firefighter, one factor you really should not overlook is firefighter education. Firefighting has developed into a very competitive area of expertise, and most municipalities have started requiring firefighter applicants to have a college degree, or some college credits, as well as certification prior to being seriously considered for a position. Then again, even if it’s not necessarily a firm necessity in your city, having the right education and certification is likely to dramatically increase your chance to find a job as a firefighter.

There are a few different ways to acquire the training and education you should have to become a firefighter, and this guide will help you to understand your various options. Particularly, you might be interested in college degrees for firefighters, attending fire academy, taking web based classes for firefighting, or firefighter apprenticeships. All of these are viable methods of achieving the education requirements for firefighters, so we will evaluate these options in more detail.

Fire Academy Training – Your Local Fire Department

Depending on where you want to find a job as a firefighter, the fire department could have a local fire academy set up to train new recruits. This form of education is what a lot of people refer to as “fire school” or “fire academy.” Typically, entry-level workers in large fire departments will be trained for a number of weeks at the department’s fire school training center or fire academy. Firefighter training typically is comprised of classroom instruction and practical training.

Firefighter recruits study subjects such as fire prevention, fire fighting techniques, hazardous materials control, local building codes, and emergency medical procedures. Many jurisdictions require firefighters to hold certification as an emergency medicine technician (EMT) or paramedic. During fire school training, recruits also learn how to use tools of the trade like axes, chain saws, fire extinguishers, ladders, as well as other fire fighting and rescue apparatus. After successfully completing training, the recruits are assigned to a fire company, where they undertake a period of probation which will consist of more hands-on training.

If the fire department close to you does give you training and education through this sort of fire school, there could possibly be prerequisites you need to meet before being accepted into the program. You could ask at a local fire department to get the essentials of their specific application process and requirements.

In addition to the firefighter training provided in the local jurisdiction, many firefighter recruits and career firefighters also opt to sign up for firefighter training courses available through the U.S. Fire Administration and U.S National Fire Academy.

U.S. National Fire Academy – National Emergency Training Center

The National Emergency Training Center is a 107-acre campus situated in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The campus houses the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), the National Fire Academy (NFA), and the Emergency Management Institute (EMI). The National Fire Academy and Emergency Management Institute are part of the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The National Fire Academy offers firefighter courses at its resident campus in Emmitsburg, and also off-campus, around the Country in collaboration with State and local fire departments and training providers. There are no tuition costs for National Fire Academy courses. All instruction and course materials are provided free of charge. Most of the travel costs and accommodations for students who represent career or volunteer fire departments, rescue squads, or State/local governments attending on-campus courses are now provided as part of funding within the student stipend reimbursement program.

Everyone having significant involvement in fire prevention and control, emergency medical services, fire-related emergency management activities, or allied occupations is eligible to apply for National Fire Academy courses. Students have to satisfy the particular selection criteria and prerequisite criteria for every course. These prerequisite courses may be available online through the Emergency Management Institute and the National Fire Academy.

The National Fire Academy itself is not an accredited university. However, successfully completed NFA courses may be counted as credits toward a college degree program. However, not all colleges or universities approve these credits.

College for Firefighters

Many vocational schools, community colleges, and universities provide certificates and degrees for the student who wants to become a firefighter. The most common college certificate or degree is a Fire Science degree. Students enrolled in a Fire Science program usually study fire investigation methods and also techniques for controlling a fire with equipment, like axes, fire extinguishers, ladders and chainsaws. These programs also typically include education in fire prevention and teaching fire safety to the general public. Fire science students are also taught basic first aid, CPR and proper handling of hazardous materials.

As part of these college programs for firefighters, students might also earn their certification as an EMT/Paramedic. This is one important reason why college for firefighters is becoming increasingly more in-demand; because in addition to basic requirements for becoming a firefighter, many jurisdictions now mandate EMT training and certification as the minimum education requirement for becoming a firefighter.

Key courses in a Fire Science Associates Degree will normally include:

• Fire Prevention
• Principles of Fire and Emergency Services
• Safety and Survival
• Building Construction for Fire Protection
• Fire Behavior and Combustion
• Fire Protection Systems
• Principles of Emergency Services

Other appropriate firefighter courses offered by many colleges include:

• Fire Investigation I
• Fire Investigation II
• Fire Protection
• Hydraulics and Water Supply
• Introduction to Fire and Emergency Services Administration
• Legal Aspects of the Emergency Services
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Strategy and Tactics
• Hazardous Materials Chemistry

Along with these core Associate’s Degree courses, a Fire Science Bachelors Degree program will commonly also include additional courses such as:

• Political and Legal Foundations of Fire Protection
• Applications of Fire Research
• Fire Prevention Organization and Management
• Personnel Management for the Fire and Emergency Services
• Fire and Emergency Services Administration
• Community Risk Reduction for the Fire and Emergency Services

Of course, the actual curriculum varies depending on what college you attend for your firefighter education. Look at the firefighter class descriptions of colleges you’re thinking about to make sure you get the education you need.

Firefighter Training Apprenticeship Programs

Accredited apprenticeships are offered by a lot of fire departments for those interested in becoming a firefighter. These firefighter training programs frequently require students to enroll in a Fire Science degree program at an affiliated school. The student will obtain theoretical knowledge via classroom firefighter courses, while getting realistic, hands-on field training via the fire department. These programs ordinarily take 2- 4 years to complete.

Students in apprenticeship programs have a chance to gain paid experience in a fire department, operating equipment and responding to calls. Fire departments which offer apprenticeship programs generally tend to hire firefighter recruits who have undertaken an apprenticeship. So, if your jurisdiction provides this type of program, it could be the best way for you to get your firefighter education and strengthen your likelihood of being hired in this competitive field.