Fire Science Degree Programs in Ohio | Firefighter Training

Written by FireScience.org Staff Writer
Last Updated: Feb 10, 2020

Data from the U.S. Fire Administration's National Fire Incident Reporting System indicates that Ohio suffers disproportionately from fire-related destruction. As such, firefighters play an increasingly crucial role in preventing and mitigating such disasters in Ohio. This exciting, rewarding career boasts a positive growth outlook, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting a national growth of 17,600 firefighting positions (a 5% growth rate) from 2018 to 2028.

For more information on Ohio firefighter salaries and job prospects, peruse the sections below, which provide an overview of firefighter requirements in Ohio. The page below also introduces Ohio firefighting schools, programs, training courses, and professional organizations for firefighters in Ohio. By reading this information, you can take your first step toward joining the ranks of Ohio's first responders and fire safety educators.

Firefighter Requirements in Ohio

Although Ohio firefighter requirements differ based on specific area or jurisdiction, Ohio fire departments demand that candidates meet minimum eligibility qualifications and undergo extensive physical, written, and oral evaluations.

Columbus' fire department, like most Ohio fire departments, requires candidates to be at least 18 at the time of hire. They also need to be U.S. citizens, hold a valid driver's license, and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Ohio firefighter candidates who meet these general prerequisites typically undergo an initial oral assessment and written exam, and eventually a physical test. These tests usually resemble the examination descriptions outlined in the Ohio Administrative Code rule 4765-20-06.

Upon passing these tests, candidates usually complete a personal history questionnaire and submit to a background check and a polygraph test, followed by an interview with a fire department board. The board passes its recommendation on to the director of public safety, who decides whether to extend a conditional offer of employment.

After accepting this offer, the candidate receives more extensive medical, psychological, and physical fitness examinations to demonstrate overall health and fitness, such as 20/20 vision and freedom from alcohol or narcotic dependence.

Based on these results, the director of public safety may make an unconditional employment offer, at which point the candidate may begin paid training with the fire academy. After completion of training, the firefighter begins a one-year probationary period of employment and may need to obtain certification as an emergency medical technician-paramedic.

In some cases, firefighter candidates may need to obtain certification before applying with a fire department. For example, Delaware County candidates seeking firefighter certifications I & II meet additional firefighter prerequisites and take a certification course including about 300 hours of fire training.

Becoming a Firefighter in Ohio: Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the specific training for Ohio?

  Ohio firefighter training varies by location, but it usually ensures that candidates meet core firefighting competencies such as those outlined by the National Fire Protection Association. To obtain firefighter certification, candidates often complete the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) training courses in the national incident management system and incident command systems, among other requirements.

• Is EMT/paramedic/other training or certification required?

  Some Ohio fire departments, such as North Ridgeville's, require emergency medical technician (EMT) certification prior to hire, while others allow firefighters to obtain EMT certification during an initial probationary employment period.

• What is the test like for firefighters in Ohio?

  In addition to medical and psychological screening, Ohio firefighters undergo a written practical skills test and a physical test. The written test determines practical knowledge and problem-solving skills, while the timed physical test measures general fitness and competency in common physical firefighting activities performed in challenging conditions.

• What kind of shape should I be in to be a firefighter?

  Firefighters need to pass cardiovascular fitness stress testing. Standards may vary, but Columbus, Ohio's, fitness standards are fairly representative. Firefighters also undergo timed physical firefighting activity testing which usually involves climbing stairs carrying weight, hose hoisting and advancing, forcible entry, and victim rescue carrying.

• What if I only want to fight wildfires in Ohio?

  Candidates interested in fighting wildfires should contact the Ohio Division of Forestry's interagency fire crew. Wildfire fighters require special training, such as the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) wildfire hazards and mitigation training.

• How long does it take to become a firefighter in Ohio?

  After finishing the required testing and interview process described above, Ohio firefighters undergo a training period of approximately 4-6 months, depending on the fire academy. Columbus firefighters undergo 30 weeks of paid training.

Firefighter Courses and Programs in Ohio

There are many excellent firefighter education options for those wishing to obtain fire science training, certifications, and degrees. Many firefighters get their training from fire academies and departments, while others may wish to study fire science in an academic program. Fire science degree programs best serve existing firefighters seeking career advancement; however, candidates interested in fire prevention or administration careers may pursue an associate or bachelor's degree in fire service or fire protection technology.

Students interested in becoming first responders might consider Central Ohio Technical College's unique fire science technical rescue associate degree. Students with distance restraints and external obligations may opt for an online fire science program. See below for descriptions of COTC's and other fire schools' programs in Ohio.

Fire Science Colleges in Ohio

Firefighter Salaries and Job Growth in Ohio

According to the BLS, as of May 2018, Ohio's 19,200 firefighters made a mean annual salary of $46,310. This salary figure is lower than the national firefighter income mean of $53,240, but firefighter salaries often vary by location. For example, North Ridgeville pays its firefighter/paramedic D employees an annual salary of over $60,000.

Firefighter positions also typically come with significant benefits, including life and health insurance, paid sick leave and holidays, retirement plans, and tuition reimbursement. Ohio firefighters can advance their income potential through education, work experience, and promotion to specialized leadership positions. Firefighters nationwide enjoy encouraging job prospects, as the BLS projects a 5.4% growth in firefighting positions during 2018-2028.

National Average Salaries for Firefighters

Source: PayScale

Firefighter Resources in Ohio

Firefighter professional organizations such as the ones below give firefighters the training, advocacy, community, and resources they need to safely protect lives, natural resources, and property. Most firefighting organizations feature fire safety information, relevant events, professional development, and public education.

Ohio-based organizations often enable local networking, community engagement, and peer support. Meanwhile, organizations such as the U.S. Fire Administration or the International Association of Firefighters connect Ohio firefighters to wider national and international fire service discourse, research, resources, and guidelines.

Ohio State Firefighters Association

Committed to supporting firefighters, the OSFA fosters community and provides job postings, a legal defense trust fund, and many community and member engagement opportunities. The OSFA also promotes fire safety through training and education for fire service professionals and the general public.

Ohio Association of Professional Firefighters

The OAPFF works to protect Ohio citizens and firefighters by ensuring the safety, health, rights, and benefits of first responders. In addition to performing related legal counsel and advocacy, the OAPFF offers a resource library, peer support, and a higher education initiative providing free online college coursework for first responders.

U.S. Fire Administration

A branch of FEMA, the fire administration works to prevent and address fire and medical emergencies that threaten public safety. To this end, the fire administration focuses on training and professional development for first responders, establishing best practices for fire department operation management and offering public education on fire prevention and safety. It also disseminates current fire science research and offers fire service grants and funding.

O*Net Online: Firefighters

Current and aspiring fire service professionals exploring specialization options may benefit from consulting O*Net, which provides job outlook, salary, and other career data for specific fire service roles and contexts.

International Association of Firefighters -- Ohio

IAFF's Ohio division connects Ohio fire service professionals with departments across the state. The Ohio IAFF site provides a Fire-EMS directory, live dispatch, job listings, and FEMA grant data.