9-1-1 Emergency Dispatcher Overview

Required Education and Training To Become a 9-1-1 Emergency Dispatcher

Best Schools to become a 9-1-1 Emergency Dispatcher in U.S. 2024

Victor Valley College

Victorville, CA

In-State Tuition:$1,402
Out-of-State Tuition:$10,102
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:24%
Total Enrollment:12,648

Santa Rosa Junior College

Santa Rosa, CA

In-State Tuition:$1,242
Out-of-State Tuition:$9,234
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:31%
Total Enrollment:15,552

Moraine Valley Community College

Palos Hills, IL

In-State Tuition:$7,776
Out-of-State Tuition:$9,096
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:34%
Total Enrollment:10,511

American Medical Academy

Miami, FL

In-State Tuition:$N/A
Out-of-State Tuition:$N/A
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:61%
Total Enrollment:333

Hillsborough Community College

Tampa, FL

In-State Tuition:$1,931
Out-of-State Tuition:$7,728
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:33%
Total Enrollment:19,504

Miami Dade College

Miami, FL

In-State Tuition:$1,987
Out-of-State Tuition:$7,947
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:45%
Total Enrollment:47,245
9-1-1 Emergency Dispatcher Job Description:
  • Operate telephone, radio, or other communication systems to receive and communicate requests for emergency assistance at 9-1-1 public safety answering points and emergency operations centers.
  • Take information from the public and other sources regarding crimes, threats, disturbances, acts of terrorism, fires, medical emergencies, and other public safety matters.
  • May coordinate and provide information to law enforcement and emergency response personnel.
  • May access sensitive databases and other information sources as needed.
  • May provide additional instructions to callers based on knowledge of and certification in law enforcement, fire, or emergency medical procedures.

Required Skills and Competencies To Become a 9-1-1 Emergency Dispatcher

Job Duties for 9-1-1 Emergency Dispatchers

  • Determine response requirements and relative priorities of situations, and dispatch units in accordance with established procedures.

  • Provide emergency medical instructions to callers.

  • Question callers to determine their locations and the nature of their problems to determine type of response needed.

Technologies and Skills Used by 9-1-1 Emergency Dispatchers

Data base user interface and query software

  • Microsoft Access
  • National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database

Helpdesk or call center software

  • Computer aided dispatch software
  • Spillman Technologies Spillman Computer-Aided Dispatch

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Basic Skills

  • Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • Talking to others

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Social

  • Changing what is done based on other people's actions
  • Understanding people's reactions

Current Job Market and Opportunites for a 9-1-1 Emergency Dispatcher

Additional Resources To Help You Become a 9-1-1 Emergency Dispatcher

FAQs About Becoming a 9-1-1 Emergency Dispatcher