Home | Search | Contacts

Pathways: Emergency Telecommunicator/Dispatcher

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.

Start date for the next Pathway is Fall Term, September 24, 2012.

Learn more:

 

Features

• Career Pathways students participate in an additional three-hour per week Career Planning course.
• Through the Career Planning class, a cohort learning community is developed and an Employment Specialist supports students as they pursue employment in the field.
• Students earn college credit that may be applicable to the PCC Emergency Telecommunicator/911 Dispatcher One Year Certificate.
• There is no internship with this program.  Students can arrange for a job shadow experience.  Students are encouraged to start applying for work soon after starting the program.
• In Oregon there is no license to be a 911, Dispatch Operator. 
• Local employers include:
  • WCCCA Washington County 911    
  • Multnomah County 911    
  • Clark Regional Emergency Service Agency    
  • Columbia County 911    
  • Astoria Dispatch 911    
  • Tillamook County 911    
  • Deschutes County 911    
  • Oregon Emergency Management

Estimated Cost Of Training:
Term 1: $1,382.60
Term 2: $1,586.80
Total: $2,969.40

Training Cost Sheet

Note: The figures above are based on the 2011/12 PCC fee structure. They are approximations and subject to change without notice.

Prerequisites

• High School Diploma or GED
• Pass a background check
• Must demonstrate ability to type 25 words per minute (employers prefer 55 wpm)
• Complete a COMPASS exam at a PCC testing office with placement into:  Writing 121, Reading 115, Math 20 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 - Basic Skills	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 Communications	3
ETC 111	Communication Center Operations – Intermediate Skills	3
ETC 201	Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS)	1
Total Credits for Term 2		14
Total Credits for Training		26