The National Academies of Emergency Dispatch provide certification training to emergency medical dispatchers, emergency fire dispatchers and emergency police dispatchers. Dispatchers are trained through discussion, lectures, videos, role-play and hands-on practice. The program takes 24 hours, spread out over three days, to complete. After completing all three courses, participants receive a certificate. These courses are available across the country, but you can find the course nearest you on the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch website. Recertification must be completed every two years through a 24-hour course.
Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria, California has a public safety dispatcher program. This is a three-week course that is directed at those interested in becoming 911 dispatchers and those already working in the field. Students get an inside look at what the job entails and will learn directly from instructors who currently work in the field, including firefighters, police officers and dispatchers. Some of the courses include child and adult abuse, professional ethics, domestic violence, telephone and technology procedures, community policing concepts, introduction to law and stress and wellness management. After completion of the program, students receive a certificate.
Butler Tech is a technical school in Hamilton, Ohio that offers adult and teen education programs. For students interested in a career as a 911 dispatcher, there is a five-day, 40-hour, 911 emergency dispatcher program. Upon completion, participants receive an associate of public safety communication officials certificate. A high school diploma or GED is required to register for this course. Butler Tech accepts private scholarships and can assist students with getting other financial aid.
The Charles A. Jones Career and Education Center in Sacramento, California offers an emergency medical dispatcher program. Students learn about emergency call receiving, CPR, crisis intervention and technology in communications. Students also get to sit alongside an emergency dispatcher and take a field trip to a public safety communications center. Along with classroom instruction, students get hands-on training with mock calls. This course is accelerated and only takes six weeks to complete. Prerequisites include a high school diploma, basic computer knowledge and fluency in English.