People interested in pursuing a career with the criminal justice field may find themselves wondering how to become a correctional officer. A correctional officer is someone who is employed at a county jail, state penitentiary or federal prison. Correctional officers monitor the behavior of prisoners and must be the type of person who can react in a swift and calm manner in a crisis situation.

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Those interested in how to become a correctional officer should note that a high school diploma is required with a bachelor’s degree needed to pursue a career in federal and other high level corrections employment areas.

Another consideration in how to become a correctional officer is that correctional officers need specialized training in firearms, riot control tactics and criminal justice elements. Any additional training in how to become a correctional officer is determined by what type of facility and in what department within that facility the officer will be employed. For instance, a minimum security facility requires no further specialized training than that listed above, while a maximum security facility requires more highly trained officers within its ranks. Most correctional officer programs take between two to four years to complete depending upon the level of occupation as listed above.

Today, many colleges and universities offer online programs in how to become a correctional officer. Degrees can be earned entirely online which allows busy adults to maintain their full-time employment and family commitments while going to school. Students attend class and study at their own pace and on their own schedule which is practical and convenient. Some coursework may include:

Weight Training and Conditioning, Inmate Growth and Development, Psychology of Corrections, Corrections I 7 II, Working with Institution Populations and Judiciary Law. Coursework will vary depending upon which type of concentration a person chooses.

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Correctional officers may need to take continuing education units in order to maintain and further their careers. Continuing education units are hours of further education that all licensed professionals are required to take each year in order to become familiar with new techniques and keep their level of expertise high.

The licensing board within the state that the officer is employed determines how many hours each year an officer must take in order to keep his or her license current. Salaries vary according to location and level of employment, however compensation generally falls somewhere between $45,244 and $60,376.

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