Airline Stewardess Schools and Training Programs

<p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that a high school diploma or its equivalent is the only requirement for becoming a flight attendant (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). However, airlines may prefer applicants who have completed flight attendant training programs. </p> <p>Flight attendant training is usually offered in the form of 10-15-month certificate programs. Look for flight attendant training programs at 2-year community colleges and vocational schools. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Options:</b></td><td> High school diploma</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Training Options:</b></td><td> Flight attendant certificate</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Salary (2017):</b></td><td> $50,500*</td></tr> </table><p><i>*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics </i></p> <h3 id="section---WhatSkillsDoINeedToBecomeAFlightAttendant">What Skills Do I Need to Become a Flight Attendant?</h3> <p>Flight attendants must be attentive to the needs of passengers, provide strong customer service and display above-average verbal communication skills when directing passengers or explaining flight safety procedures. They should be able to resolve conflicts, manage crew resources and use teamwork to streamline flight operations. Further, flight attendants should know how to respond to emergency medical situations and ensure passengers' comfort and stability as the situation allows. </p> <h3 id="section---WhichSchoolsProvideFlightAttendantCertificatePrograms">Which Schools Provide Flight Attendant Certificate Programs?</h3> <p>Relatively few schools outside of institutes devoted primarily to aviation career training or flight attendant studies offer programs for aspiring flight attendants. You can find some community colleges, though, offering flight attendant certificate programs, including: </p> <ul><li>Cypress College </li><li>Sinclair College </li><li>Orange Coast College </li><li>Glendale Community College </li><li>Community College of Baltimore County </li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatWillILearnInAFlightAttendantProgram">What Will I Learn in a Flight Attendant Program?</h3> <p>Flight attendant training programs teach you emergency procedures, safety techniques and passenger care. You'll learn how a plane is evacuated and how to deal with a terrorist situation. Programs also include course topics in crew survival and rescue techniques. You'll learn how to use airline safety equipment, inform passengers of emergency evacuation protocols and conduct in-flight cabin procedures. </p> <p>Some programs include a course in CPR (cardiopulminary resuscitation) and first aid. Programs may also include coursework in aircraft design and propulsion or aviation history. You'll examine how the aviation industry operates and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations that govern it. </p> <p>Specific coursework you can expect in a flight attendant certificate program include: </p> <ul><li>Disaster preparedness </li><li>Aviation security </li><li>Airline operations </li><li>Crew emergency management </li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatAdditionalTrainingDoINeed">What Additional Training Do I Need?</h3> <p>You must be certified by the FAA before you can work as a flight attendant. This involves successfully completing an additional 3-6-week training program administered by the airline that hires you. Training programs require you to demonstrate your knowledge of emergency procedures and FAA regulations while aboard practice flights. Successful candidates earn the Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency. You must also be certified for the type of aircraft you'll be working in, such as the Boeing 737 and 757 and Airbus A320. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatKindOfSalaryCanIExpect">What Kind of Salary Can I Expect?</h3> <p>According to the BLS, flight attendants earn a median annual wage of $50,500, with the highest paid employees making more than $79,000.</p>