How to Become a Correctional Officer

These programs often last a few months and provide classroom knowledge concerning higher level topics and issues that a corrections officer may face, especially at the management level or in specialized situations.

The primary advantage of a certificate program is the speed in which it can be completed; there is little time wasted covering subjects that aren’t pertinent to the individual. It also can provide advanced training that can help a corrections officer achieve a promotion or other level of advancement. The disadvantage of a certificate is that it doesn’t result in a college degree. This can be problem if a degree is required for a particular position.

There are several reasons to choose an associate degree. Perhaps you are already a corrections officer but need a college degree for a promotion or other professional advancement. Maybe the specific job you’re applying for requires a two-year degree. No matter the reason for pursing an associate degree, the two-year training provides a well-rounded college education that opens doors to study certain subjects that aren’t strictly corrections-related.

Despite these advantages, most people do not choose to earn an associate degree due to the time it takes and the cost associated. This additional length of time is the biggest difference between an associate degree and a certificate program.

The bachelor’s degree is required for work on the federal level such as the Federal Bureau of Prisons, unless the corrections officer has one-to-three years of relevant work experience. For individuals who have leadership aspirations, a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can be priceless.

Of all the educational paths, the bachelor’s degree takes the longest to complete. A typical full-time student will need four years to earn their degree, although an accelerated program can save some time and money.

A master’s degree in criminal justice will usually take about two years of full-time study to complete, or one year in an accelerated format. But given how many students are working while earning the degree, taking three years through part-time study is quite common.

The master’s degree path is rare for most individuals seeking a new career as a corrections officer. It’s going to be more common for those already working in the field who would like to take a leap in their careers, such as engaging in high-level leadership roles or in making policy. It’s also a great option for those who have their eye on elected office.

Trade and vocational schools focus their curriculum on preparing students for skilled trades. They teach occupational skills that allow students to begin working in a particular profession as quickly as possible. Many of the academic credentials offered will include certificates; however, these institutions will sometimes offer associate degrees as well.

Trade and vocational schools usually have very affordable tuition and programs are that specifically tailored for certain careers. Therefore, the curriculum is as lean as possible, to allow students an economical path to success. One drawback associated with trade schools is that the curriculum is so focused that it can be hard to apply these skills to a different career or for professional advancement.

The vast majority of new correctional officers will have to attend a training academy at some point. The only question is when. Some may choose to enroll as tuition-paying students, as if they’re attending a conventional college program, then seek a job upon graduation. But in most situations, enrollees will already have a job with a correctional department and attend the training academy to complete the professional requirements to be qualified for it.

The academy route will usually be the fastest path to becoming a correctional officer. The disadvantage is that is can limit the potential for professional advancement, unless the individual decides to go back to school to earn a college degree.

Community colleges provide a balanced approach to training and education. At most community colleges, students can earn a diploma, certificate, or an associate degree in a field related to corrections. After graduation they can apply for an open position and attend the requisite academy to finalize their training once they receive an offer.

At some community colleges, formal correctional programs have been approved by the appropriate state agency. In essence, these community colleges combine a college degree (or other academic credential) with the training the student would have received at the official state training academy.

The advantage of community college is the ability to obtain an academic credential along with the approved academy level training necessary to become a corrections officer. The disadvantage is that it can take more time in school before you can begin work.

Former members of the military are highly prized as prospective hires for law enforcement. They can handle high stress situations (especially when lives are in danger), and they have weapons training, physical fitness, discipline, and familiarity with a martial culture. Military police officers (MPs) will already have learned many of the aspects of training they would otherwise learn at the academy.

Those who choose this path should understand exactly what they’re getting into. Soldiers serve at the pleasure of the commander-in-chief and the Department of Defense, so knowing when they can start working as a civilian can be difficult. However, there are other benefits to military service that can translate to becoming a corrections officer, including financial assistance to pay for school.

Because a bachelor’s degree is not usually required for positions as a corrections officer, this will not be the most popular academic option. The one major exception will be when applying for a position at the Federal Bureau of Prisons, where a four-year degree or substantial work experience is required.

Attending a four-year college or university opens the most doors for professional advancement. For those who eventually want to work in management or be considered for other areas of workplace development, having a bachelor’s degree is ideal. But as its name implies, it takes as long as four years to complete, even longer if not attending as a full-time student. In some cases you can shave off a semester or two in the time it takes, but this educational route will still take more time than any of the others. This additional time (and money) is the primary disadvantage of attending a four-year post-secondary institution.