education opportunities
in structural Firefighting
FIRE EDUCATION
You can start your career in firefighting with no education. However, depending on how far you want to take it, or where you want to go, it can be incredibly beneficial to pursue some kind of continued education.
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If you are wanting to get into fire right away, consider finding a volunteer program or a resident program, start on your training, while also going to school to learn more, and get some form of EMS certification. Many fire departments will help pay to get your EMS certification and other training if you volunteer for them.
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OREGON SPECIFIC PROGRAMS
Bend: Central Oregon Community College
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​Fire Service Administration - Transfer degree (to transfer to Eastern Oregon University)​
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Coos Bay: Southwestern Oregon Community College
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Fire Science AS AAS - 2 years​
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Grants Pass: Rogue Community College
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La Grande: Eastern Oregon University
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Portland: Portland Community College
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Fire Protection Technology AAS - 2-year
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​Career Pathway Certificate: Fire Protection Technology - Less than 1 year
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Salem: Chemeketa Community College
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Fire Suppression Associate of Applied Science (AAS) - 2-year
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​Fire Prevention AAS - 2-year​​​​​​​
RESIDENT & STUDENT PROGRAMS
A resident or student program is where you live at a fire department full time and work a certain amount of hours or shifts a week, and in return they contribute to the cost of your education. They may help you get your EMT certification, paramedic certification, associate's degree in fire science, and/or potentially something else.
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