Before you enroll to be an academy of correctional officer, you may wonder about the cost to be a correctional officer. By knowing the cost, you will know the budget that you need to prepare for this. So, here is the explanation about the cost to be a correctional officer according to some sources such as Careers Wiki and Vocational Training HQ.
The Cost to be a Correctional Officer
Depending on the type of program that you choose, institution, and student residency status, tuition costs vary. However, usually, certificate programs cost less than associate’s programs and associate’s programs cost less than bachelor’s programs. Not only that, public institutions are generally cheaper than private institutions.
According to the Careers Wiki site, Colorado Northwest Community College offers 64 credit hours of associate’s program in criminal justice and it costs $5,000 for in-state residents and $11,000 for out-of-state residents. How about private institution tuition costs? The range is from $20,000 to $40,000 for associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. It is also important for you to note that accredited institutions are eligible to get federal financial aid.
When you choose an institution to study, make sure that you choose an institution which is accredited by government institutes so that you can receive the best possible education.
The Steps to be a Correctional Officer
According to the Vocational Training HQ, here are the steps to be a correctional officer.
- You must get a high school diploma.
If you want to be a correctional officer, of course you have to meet all of the important requirements. One of the requirements is to have a high school diploma. Even though it is rare, some facilities require you to have an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice. To work in federal prison, you also have to be at least 18 years, but if you are older, it will be more helpful. To be eligible to work as a correctional officer, you have to make a Personal History Statement where it is an extensive review of past residences, acquaintances, and any employment history. - You have to pass the entrance exam.
Depending on the location you take a job, the facility will have its own requirements for the entrance exam. Usually, the exam will include fitness skills and a written test. In the written test, it will show your knowledge of the legal system. There is also a psychological exam to ensure that you will be able to overcome the vigorous role of a correctional officer. You may also undergo a vision and hearing test. Let’s say that a correctional officer does not have 20/20 vision. If so, they must have corrective lenses or contacts. If you can pass the exam, you will be placed on the certification list as a correctional peace officer until you can get into the training academy. - You have to enter a training academy.
In the training academy, you will learn the ins and outs of the facility where you plan to work. Here, you will also get hands-on experience and also education about self-defense, weapons, and psychological counselling methods. Here are the important things that are taught by your training academy: officer safety, handling inmates, crisis management, and physical conditioning. By learning these things, you will be ready to do your job as a correctional officer. Usually, the training academy lasts around six weeks, but there are also training academies which lasts six months. It depends on the jurisdiction that you plan to work in. It is also important for you to note that generally the training academy is free and it is provided by the facility where you work. At the training academy, you may also get paid for your time there. - You have to get experience.
You can work as a correctional officer in a prison, jail or other facilities after you graduate from the training academy. The only way you can really learn how to be a correctional officer is by having experience in a prison or jail. After you learn activities day by day where you work, you are able to get good experience and knowledge about what it takes to be a correctional officer. Some people may decide to be a correctional officer for their career in their life, but some others want more and you can decide which one that you want. If you want to get a higher job title, you are able to earn a degree. However, with experience that you have, you can also increase your chances to raise. - You can advance your career.
Without having experience, you are not able to advance in your career. However, to work your way up in the prison system, you can get certain credentials or degrees. A correctional officer can earn certifications where it can open some doors such as Correctional Behavior Health Certification, Certified Corrections Supervisor, Certified Jail Officer, and Certified Jail Executive. By having these certifications, you are able to show an employer that you have the competency about your career and it is possible for you to get promoted. Here are some other careers that you may get from certifications: -
- Corrections Superintendent
- Jail Recruit Deputy
- Detention Officer
- Lead Correctional Officer
About Correctional Officer
A correctional officer has a number of tasks where they have to make sure that all inmates are safe, healthy, and getting the help that they need. They also have to check guests and visitors where it is done to ensure that they are not bringing prohibited items into the facility. Even though it is not easy to do this career, if you like to help others and keep citizens safe, this career may be suitable for you.
If you become a correctional officer, you have to always pay attention to the things that are happening around them and they may also need to do the tasks such as supervise activities, enforce rules, search inmates, inspect facilities, escort inmates, report issues, and transport inmates.
Now, how about the salary of being a correctional officer? In the United States, the average salary of a correctional officer is around $50,000 per year. If they are new to the career, they may make around $31,000 per year. If they have many years of experience as a correctional officer, they can earn around $78,000 per year. Some other factors can also make a correctional officer have more salary such as where they work and certifications. If they work in larger populations and higher socio-economic areas, they will earn more salary than city or county jails.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
