Correctional Officer
Correctional Officer
Job Description
The life of a correctional officer is exciting and challenging at the same time. The main focus of the job is to keep prisoners in line and behaving appropriately. Sounds pretty easy right? Okay, probably not. This position requires and builds self confidence as you are providing the discipline and direction for prisoners. Some correctional officers work in court houses, some in police departments, and some work in prisons (local, State, and Federal).
This position often requires good physical conditioning and stamina especially in maximum security prisons where you may be called in to break up fights and to stop various acts of violence which are common with the inmates in those environments. So whether you are transporting prisoners or working in a prison as a guard, the job of a correctional officer is a challenging one both mentally and physically.
Requirements
In most States, correctional officers must be 21 years old, there are a few States where the age requirement is 18. In all cases, you must have a high school diploma but preferential treatment is given to those with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree especially if it is in criminal justice (but again, this is not required). All correctional officers due have to pass mandatory drug tests and very thorough background checks to determine how stable they will be on the job and to make sure they don’t have a criminal record themselves.
A correctional officer must be at least eighteen years of age, twenty-one in some states, and have a high school diploma. All correctional officers have to pass a thorough background check and prove they are capable of holding a steady job. Drug testing is mandatory, so workers must be willing to take random drug screening tests. Most employers will not hire a correctional officer if he or she has a history of job hopping. Prisons need solid, dependable workers who can stand the stresses of the job. Before the first year of employment ends, employees must successfully complete a 200 hour training course implemented by the federal government that covers weapon use, hostage negotiating, self defense, disarming prisoners, and other safety measures.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for correctional officers is very strong. Their is a high demand in most areas of the country for more correctional officers and given the rise in our nation’s prison population, this should only increase in the next 10 to 15 years and beyond. In fact, the demand for correctional officers is at an all-time high.
University of Phoenix - The University of Phoenix is the best known online education resource in the world. They offer numerous options for students looking to further a career in criminal justice: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Criminal Justice Administration, B.S. in Organizational Security Management, & Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice.
Saint Leo University - Associate's, Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. Saint Leo University offers Criminal Justice degrees at all levels in order to accommodate first time undergrads, or working professionals seeking to advance in their careers. Individuals with a Criminal Justice degree could work in several areas including law enforcement, crime scene investigation, legal studies, and more.
Post University Online - Bachelor's Degree. At Post University Online, students could earn their degrees completely online, with no interference in their current careers. They offer a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree that will provide students with an understanding of the way the criminal justice and juvenile justice system works, the legal framework in which the system operates, and other concepts and skills needed for a number of criminal justice careers.
Rasmussen College - Associate's & Bachelor's Degrees. Rasmussen College is a well-respected online college that offers an intense curriculum designed to meet the growing need of professionals in the criminal justice field. Degree offerings include: A.A.S. in Criminal Justice, A.S. in Criminal Justice - Corrections, A.S. in Criminal Justice - Crime Scene Evidence, A.S. in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security, A.S. in Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement, B.S. in Criminal Justice, B.S. in Criminal Justice - Client Services & Corrections, B.S. in Criminal Justice - Criminal Offenders, B.S. in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security, and B.S. in Criminal Justice - Investigations/Law Enforcement.
American Intercontinental University - With a top notch criminal justice financial aid program and military degree program, American Intercontinental University online is a top rated criminal justice college. Degree options include: B.S. in Criminal Justice: Forensic Science, B.S. in Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement, B.S. in Criminal Justice: Special Populations. Students graduating from American Intercontinental University leave the chance to impact their profession immediately with a number of career opportunities.
Boston University - Master's Degrees. Opening windows of opportunity for their diverse student population, Boston University offers a Master's degree in Criminal Justice that will prepare students to work in a variety of settings including courtrooms, correctional facilities, and many others.
LA College - Associate's Degrees. Helping students each step of the way towards their career in Criminal Justice, LA College offers an Associate's degree in Criminal Justice that will help students get their foot in the door for jobs in the law and justice field.
Herzing University - Associate's & Bachelor's Degrees. With an increase in demand for those in the criminal justice field, Herzing University has provided exemplary programs that will provide students with the knowledge and skills to obtain respected positions in their communities. They offer an Associate's and Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice for students seeking entry to mid-level positions in the criminal justice field.
Virginia College - Associate's, Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. Virginia College offers three different degree levels in Criminal Justice for those interested in pursing a degree in the criminal justice or legal studies field. Their courses are ideal for students of any age, from those who are first-time undergrads to those who have been working in the field for years.
Everest University Online - With a career-oriented focus, Everest University Online is one of the best criminal justice programs for those looking for practical job skills that employers know and respect. Everest offers a B.S. in Criminal Justice, & M.S. in Criminal Justice.
Colorado Technical University - Colorado Technical University online is the best criminal justice college for those seeking the ability to learn from anywhere, as it is one of the top online universities in the country. Graduates will leave with an A.S. in Criminal Justice, B.S. in Criminal Justice, or a M.S. in Criminal Justice.
Liberty University - Because of top placement after graduation, Liberty University is an education center that prepares you for success. It offers a Associate's of Arts (A.S.) in Criminal Justice, and a Bachelor's of Science (B.S.) in Criminal Justice.
