11th Grade Graduation Project

Occupational ResearchProfessional Firefighter

Nature of WorkClean and maintain equipmentConduct drills and training in fire fighting

techniquesProvide public education on fire safetyPut out fires using hoses and pumpsFind and rescue victims in burning buildings

or in other emergency conditions

EDUCATION AND TRAININGEducation

Most firefighters must have a high school diploma.

An increasing number of firefighters also have postsecondary education.

Some colleges offer certificate programs or degrees in fire engineering or fire science.

Training•Entry-level firefighters receive several weeks of training at fire academies run by the department or by the state.•Through classroom instruction and practical training, recruits study fire-fighting and fire-prevention techniques, local building codes, and emergency medical procedures. •They also learn how to fight fires with standard equipment, including axes, chain saws, fire extinguishers, and ladders.

Qualifications • Firefighters need to quickly evaluate emergency scenes and

decide what to do.• They must be able to communicate conditions to the other

emergency responding crews.• Must be able to deal with dangerous situations on a daily basis.• Firefighters must be strong enough to move equipment and

debris at an emergency site. They also need to be able to carry victims who cannot walk.

• Firefighters may have to stay at disaster scenes for long periods of time to rescue and to treat victims. They may be called to respond to emergencies at any hour of the day.

• When working at dangerous emergency sites, firefighters must work as well-trained teams to react quickly and to minimize injuries.  

Job Outlook• Employment of firefighters is expected to grow 9

percent.• The rate of growth is slower that the average rate of

growth for all other occupations.• Continued population growth will increase the

number of emergency calls requiring firefighter responses.

• The majority of situations that firefighters respond to are medical—rather than fire—emergencies.

• An increase in urban populations, where full-time firefighters are more common, also is expected to increase the demand for firefighters.

EARNINGS The median annual wage of firefighters was $45,250

in May 2010. In 2010, 67 percent of firefighters were union

members or covered by a union contract. Most Firefighters work about 50 hours a week. Some

firefighters work 24-hour shifts on duty and are off the following 48 or 72 hours.

Additional hours may be required when responding to a fire or medical emergency.

EMTs and Paramedics Fire Inspectors and Investigators Police and Detectives Security Guards and Gaming

Surveillance Officers Correctional Officers

Related Occupations

Grandfathers OccupationDentist (19??-present)

Nature of Work Remove decay from teeth and fill cavities Repair cracked or fractured teeth and remove teeth Straighten teeth to correct bite issues Place sealants or whitening agents on teeth Give anesthetics to keep patients from feeling pain

during procedures Write prescriptions for antibiotics or other medications Examine x rays of teeth, gums, the jaw, and nearby

areas for problems Make models and measurements for dental appliances,

such as dentures, to fit patients Teach patients about diet, flossing, use of fluoride, and

other aspects of dental care

Dentists should take courses in chemistry, physics, biology, anatomy, and mathematics.

Most dental students need at least a bachelor's degree before entering dental school

All dental schools require applicants to have completed certain required science courses, such as biology and chemistry.

Dental schools require students to take classes such as local anesthesia, anatomy, periodontology (the study of oral disease and health), and radiology.

Dentists must be licensed in all states; requirements vary by state. In most states, a license requires a degree from an accredited dental school and passing a written and practical exam.

Education and Training

QUALIFICATIONS Dentists must have excellent communication

skills. They must be able to communicate effectively with patients, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and receptionists.

Dentists must be detail oriented so patients receive appropriate treatments and medications. They must also pay attention to space, shape, and color. For example, they may need to closely match a false tooth with a patient’s other teeth. 

Dentists may work for long periods of time with patients who need special attention. Children and patients with a fear of dental work may require a lot of patience.

Job Outlook Employment of dentists is expected to

grow by 21 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations.

Dentists are likely to hire more hygienists and dental assistants to handle routine services.

Dentists will continue to see an increase in public demand for their services as studies continue to link oral health to overall health.

Earnings

The median annual wage of dentists was $146,920 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Earnings vary according to number of years in practice, location, hours worked, and specialty.

Equal to or greater than $166,400 for oral and maxillofacial surgeons

Equal to or greater than $166,400 for orthodontists $161,020 for dentists, all other specialists $141,040 for general dentists $118,400 for prosthodontists Most dentists work full time. Some work evenings and

weekends to meet their patients' needs.

Related OccupationsChiropractorsOptometristsPhysicians and SurgeonsPodiatristsVeterinarians

Referenceswww.bls.gov/www.westsandy36.webs.com www.americancityandcounty.comwww.flickr.comwww.freewebs.comwww.wpclipart.comwww.eric-morris.com www.medicmagic.net