How to Become a Correctional Officer
If you are thinking about entering the law enforcement profession, you may want to consider becoming a correctional officer. As a corrections officer you will be able to enjoy working in the law enforcement field while maintaining job security and without having to be on the front lines like police officers. In fact, correctional officers enjoy a good rate of pay and job security while their injury rates as a profession tend to be lower than in other law enforcement jobs.
What is it Like to Be a Correctional Officer?
As with any career, when you are looking at how to become a correctional officer you will want to take steps in order to help you stand out above the crowd as these jobs are highly sought after. One of the ways that you can stand out is to get a degree in a law enforcement related field. You can get an online education in a related field to help increase your marketability. Attending an online university will allow you to be able to still work in the field and gain valuable experience while attending classes. Getting an education will help you not only stand out above the crowd but will also help you understand the career that you are seeking in a broader sense than those without a degree. In fact employers are interested in those that are willing to advance their career training.
What Kind of Schooling Do I Need to Become a Correctional Officer?
In order to become a correctional officer you will need to be at least 18 years of age, although some institutions will require that you are 21 years of age to become a correctional officer. You will need to obtain a high school degree or a GED as a basic requirement. However, some correctional officer jobs such as the Federal bureau of prison jobs will require that you have a bachelor’s degree. If you have three years of experience working in related field such as nursing, counseling, firefighting or working with juvenile delinquents you may be able to wave the bachelor’s requirement. You will also need to be a United States citizen in order to work as a correctional officer.
If you are looking at the requirements for how to become a correctional officer you will also need to make sure that you maintain a clean record. You cannot work as a correctional officer if you have ever had felony charges, including drug violations, domestic violence or any misdemeanor charges within the last five years. You will also have to meet certain health standards so make sure that you get in shape or maintain your shape before apply.
You now understand the basic requirements in how to become a correctional officer—it is up to you to get moving on your career. Attending an online school is a great way to get your career training started. With an online education, everyone is now able to go back to college. For many, they cannot afford to move their families to a city where a bricks and mortar school exists, so an online education is great way to fulfill your educational goals while maintaining family life.
