- An emergency communications operator or dispatcher
- Police, fire, emergency medical services
- Private police, security, alarm response or other public safety agencies
Campus
Duration
2 Semesters (8 Months)Credential Awarded
Ontario College CertificateSchool
School of Public SafetyProgram and course delivery
This program is offered online. Students learn remotely and do not need to come to campus. Some online learning will be synchronous - scheduled online classes with professors.
Learn more: Seneca’s program delivery options and how courses in this program will be delivered each term.
About the Program
This eight-month certificate program will provide you with principles and skills to effectively manage the public and work in emergency services and perform under stressful conditions. An emergency services communicator is often the first person involved in responding to members of the public during times of distress and crisis. Your training will combine professional knowledge and practical scenarios related to the important role of 911 and emergency communicators. You will learn how to record and analyze data received from calls, and how this critical information can direct the response to an incident. This program uses blended and online strategies across our curriculum to deliver innovative and flexible learning.
Upon completion of required hours and professional exams, you will have the opportunity to qualify for the Public Safety Telecommunicator certificate offered by the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO).
Graduates of Ontario Police Foundations programs are eligible to receive four courses as credit towards the 12 courses required for the certificate in Emergency Services Communications.
Your Career
Graduates of the program can explore the following career options:
Success Stories
Harpreet Aulakh
Graduate, 911 & Emergency Services Communications
Hospital Communications Operator
“I am grateful for the opportunity I got from attending Seneca and graduating from the 911 & Emergency Services Communications program with honors. The program prepared me with the necessary tools needed from before getting hired to once I was hired. It was such an amazing experience, not only did I gain so much knowledge about the program, but I made such amazing friends as well. The knowledge and skills from the program have helped my new career as a Hospital Communications Operator.”
Elizabeth Burton
Graduate, 911 & Emergency Services Communications
Co-ordinator, Emergency Response and Training, City of Brampton
“My career in public safety started with Seneca. After graduation, I successfully competed for the role as a dispatcher with a law enforcement unit. Five years into that role, I made the transition from a frontline dispatcher to a supervisor within that same agency. In this position, I supervised a team of dispatchers and developed my management skills. Later, I joined a large provincial operations centre in a similar role. Over those 10 years, I gained experience in emergency communications, leadership, operations, training, emergency management, public/community safety and policy. I give much credit to my instructors and program leads at Seneca for their support and mentorship during my time as a student. I was given practical and real-life experience preparing me for the journey ahead and would highly recommend this program at Seneca to anyone pursuing similar roles.”
Danayre Mckinnon
Graduate, 911 & Emergency Services Communications
Dispatcher, OPP
“Two months after completing the 911 & Emergency Services Communications program at Seneca, I received a call-taking position with the OPP at their Communications Centre. The program helped me understand the hiring process and what to expect for interviews. I would strongly suggest this program to anyone who is trying to enter this field; not only will it help you within the hiring process, but also to stand out once you are employed.”
Courtney Steele
Graduate, 911 & Emergency Service Communications
Public Safety Telecommunicator, Toronto Community Housing
“I am so grateful for my time in Seneca’s 911 & Emergency Services Communications program. The program thoroughly prepared me for my second career in an industry that I absolutely love, from giving me the tools to understand the technical side of the industry to providing me with the ability to manage stress so that I can thrive in my position.”
Bryson Wood
Graduate, 911 & Emergency Services Communications
Police Telecommunicator, Edmonton Police
“Despite COVID throwing in some additional challenges when it came to learning through online courses, the time I had at Seneca was a pleasant one. Seneca and its amazing professors gave me the skills and mindset I needed to find a meaningful career that I plan to continually expand as I grow older. I can’t thank them enough for it.”