Online 911 Dispatch Training Program Information

911 dispatchers coordinate emergency services by contacting and coordinating first responders, law enforcement and firefighters. Though fully online programs are not typical, career training can be obtained with a combination of online classes and on-campus lab work.

Partially Online 911 Certificate Programs

Many certificate programs are designed to be completed in 6-months to 1-year. Success program completion entitles students to sit for the national certification examination. While the majority of 911 dispatch certificate programs are conducted in a traditional classroom environment, a few hybrid programs exist that allow students to complete mandatory coursework online and supplemental lab work at the local campus. Online coursework is usually completed asynchronously through presentations or slides. Communication tools such as discussion boards, instant messenger and e-mail are used to facilitate online interaction.

Overview 911 Training

Program training typically includes a combination of coursework and lab work designed to simulate a real life emergency communication environment. Classes are designed to acquaint students with a variety of emergency situations, as well as provide a background in criminal justice. Specialized Spanish classes may be available to provide students with the vocabulary necessary to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking callers in crisis situations. Program requirements may also include riding with emergency workers, observing crisis situations and participating in disaster drills. This field experience enhances students' skills by providing additional insight into the challenges associated with emergency response. The following coursework may be included:

• Criminal and civil law
• Crisis intervention
• Law enforcement operations
• Victims of crime and trauma
• Emergency dispatching
• Stress management
• Spanish for 911 dispatch
• Call center operations

Career Information

A 911 dispatcher plays a vital role by acting as intermediary between callers and emergency workers. These professionals assess the situation and dispatch the appropriate assistance. In addition to processing emergency calls, 911 dispatchers sometimes process non-emergency information seeking calls, including road condition inquiries. Trained 911 professionals are eligible to work in a variety of communication environments, including police stations, hospitals and fire stations. To thrive in this stressful environment, candidates should possess strong communication skills and the ability to multi task.