Pathways: Emergency Telecommunicator (9-1-1)

An Emergency Telecommunicator works in a variety of emergency communications environments.  Private sector jobs include public-safety departments for hospitals, colleges and universities, alarm monitoring companies, automobile services businesses, trucking firms and corporate security. 

Public sector jobs involve receiving information from the public and from emergency services personnel (police, fire and medical) at a public safety answering point (PSAP) commonly referred to as a 9-1-1 center.  The job involves the operation of complex communications equipment and the ability to problem-solve and provide services within the parameters of written policies and procedures.

As an Emergency Telecommunicator, you will play a key role on the public safety team by providing the communications link connecting agencies, the departments you serve, field operations and the public. Your responsibility may include: answering telephone calls, both emergency and non-emergency, operating sophisticated radio equipment, assigning and dispatching responders, monitoring and controlling radio and computer-based communications.  You may help people in crisis situations, respond to requests for emergency help, provide information or referrals to the public and maintain records of all activity.

Conveniently located:
PCC's Cascade campus.
Classes start soon:
The next start date for this training is Fall Term 2007. View our upcoming training schedules. To learn more download a printable flyer.

Features

Estimated Cost of Training: $3349.20

Training Cost Sheet

Includes an additional 3 hour-per-week Career Planning class.

Note: The figures above are based on the 2006/07 PCC fee structure. They are approximations and subject to change without notice.

Prerequisites

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Pass a background check
  • Able to type 35 words per min (employers prefer 55 wpm)
  • Complete a COMPASS exam at a PCC testing office with placement into:  Writing 115, Reading 115, Math 60 Recommended

Course of Study

Course Number Course Name Credits
ETC 106   Intro to Criminal Law 3
ETC 103  Intro to Emergency Telecommunications 4
ETC 108 Transcription for Telecommunicators 2
ETC 110 Communication Center Operations 3
WFTT 23 3-hour/week Career Planning Course non-credit
Total Credits for Term 1 12
ETC 104  Emergency Telecommunications - Call-Taking 4
ETC 105 Crisis Intervention & Critical Incident Stress Management 3
EM 103 Intro to Radio Communicatons 3
ETC 111 Communication Center Operations – Intermediate 3
ETC 201 LEDS Training 1
Total Credits for Term 2 14
Total Credits for Training 26

What should I do next to get into the training?

  1. Apply for Admission to the College, there is a $25 fee.
  2. Take the college placement exam workshop.
  3. Schedule a time to take the COMPASS placement exam. You can call one of the PCC testing centers to schedule the exam.
  4. Complete the PCC online student orientation.
  5. Contact Laurie Chadwick, 503-788-6233,  laurie.chadwick@pcc.edu with any questions you have.
  6. Contact the Emergency Telecommunicator Program at 503-978-5530 to request an application and obtain information regarding the criminal background check ($33.00).