Become A 911 Dispatcher: Education Requirements And Salary Info

If you are looking for the most accurate and up-to-date information about emergency dispatchers and how you can become a 911 dispatcher, then you are in the right place. 

This post was created for perspective 911 dispatchers and others who want to know about the requirements and process of becoming a 911 dispatcher. 

We feel every person reading this post must grasp the concept of the dedication and years of training, requirement, and experience needed to become a 911 dispatcher.

How To Become A 911 Dispatcher

Choosing a career in the emergency unit is a big decision because you are going to assist people who are in distress.

A 911 dispatcher answers emergency calls, determines the kind of emergency through critical thinking, and sends the right responders to the caller.

To be successful in this career you must be able to think quickly and remain calm whenever you are in a pressured position.

However, we have prepared a step-by-step guide to the process of becoming a 911 dispatcher. Let’s check them out below.

1. Complete A High School Diploma Or Equivalent

You must have a high school certificate if you want to succeed in any career. This certificate proves that you know basic maths, English and Science.

Although some companies would prefer that you finish a college course and even enroll for postgraduate studies in your specific area of study.

This is essential if you are aiming to specialize in a particular area such as police departments, medical lines, or fire departments.

You would have to present a high school certificate if you wish to get a degree in emergency dispatching.

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2. Consider Completing A Postsecondary Certificate Program In Emergency Dispatch 

Some states in the United States require candidates to finish a post-secondary study program in emergency dispatching before they can start working as 911 dispatchers.

These programs can either be bachelor’s or associate’s degree programs which would typically last for two to four days.

This degree program teaches students the skills and the steps they need to take in other to perform their duties effectively.

Furthermore, students go through intensive training on how to use computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems and other technology used by 911 dispatchers.

Students also learn about different kinds of emergencies and how they can handle them without any casualties.

3. Pass A State-approved Dispatcher Training Program

Most states in the US require 911 dispatchers to complete a series of intensive training which is organized by the state’s Office of Emergency Management or Public Safety. 

This training runs for 3 to 4 months, depending on the state.

It also enlightens students on the best response to different emergencies, geography, and firefighting situations.

After your training, you would be given a certificate or an associate degree as an emergency dispatcher. 

This allows you to work in administrative positions and qualify for positions at universities, airports, and other high-paying facilities.

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4. Obtain Certification From The National Emergency Number Association (NENA) Or The International Academy Of Emergency Dispatch (IAED)

The National Emergency Number Association (NENA) and the International Academy of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) are the best organizations to get your certification as a 911 dispatcher.

To get these certifications candidates must pass the minimum required score of an exam covering training in call handling procedures, computer-aided dispatch systems, emergency medical dispatch protocols, and many more 

Students can also get trained in specialized areas like safety, incident management, and communications. 

Students who are interested in these specializations typically need to have at least one year of experience as an intern working in the emergency field.

Because most states in the United States require that candidates have some experience working as a dispatcher before applying for certification.

You may be able to find intern 911 dispatcher positions through the police or fire department in your location. 

Other places you can work include hospitals, colleges and universities, hotels, and call centers.

Finally, this career can develop your knowledge and skills in multitasking, communication, listening, and empathy.

When you intern It also allows you to build a network of contacts who would be able to recommend you for job openings when you must have completed your emergency dispatch certification program.

6. Develop Strong Communication And Multitasking Skills

You cannot become a 911 dispatcher if you don’t have strong communication, directional, and decision-making skills.

You must be able to calm yourself and assure your caller that help is coming without sounding rude or tense. 

In addition, excellent listening skills cannot be over-emphasized as one of the most important aspects of being a 911 dispatcher. 

911 dispatchers need to listen attentively to enable them to gather as much information as possible before sending help to the caller.

Time management and multitasking skills are also very important in the world of emergency dispatching because there are some days that you would work under pressure and perform multiple tasks at the same time while still providing the best customer service.

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7. Stay Calm Under Pressure

Do you have storing decision-making skills? If yes, you should probably become a 911 dispatcher.

Why did we say this? Well, strong decision-making skills are essential in emergency dispatching because there are times that you would have to decide under a great deal of pressure.

Finally, some of the calls you would receive might be frightening. Therefore as a 911 dispatch, you must always remain calm till the issue is resolved. 

When an emergency dispatcher panics or sounds nervous, it would make the situation more difficult for the caller. 

So, ensure you keep your voice steady and speak freely so the caller can follow your instructions.

Job Description Of 911 Dispatchers

These professionals are responsible for answering emergency calls and sending out first responders to the scene of the event. 

911 dispatchers are often the first set of people that the public calls whenever there is danger or a harmful situation. 

This is why you must remain calm and try to assure your callers that help is coming whenever a distress call comes into your system

You are also required to have a good understanding of the road network, of the city you operate as a 911 dispatcher.

911 dispatchers must also have valid assimilation of the resources that are available to that area. Nonetheless, check out some of the duties of 911 dispatchers below.

The responsibility of a 911 dispatcher include:

• Answering emergency calls and determining the nature of the event.
• Asking questions to gather information and determine the best course of action for the problem.
• Dispatching police, fire, or medical personnel to assist a caller at the scene of the incident
• Tracking the location of first responders and updating them on any changes that happen during the event.
• Providing instructions to callers on what to do until first responders arrive
• Entering information into computer systems to generate reports about the caller
• Maintaining communication with first responders during an event to ensure that the caller is safe
• Coordinating with other agencies that would e used to assist the caller during an emergency 
• Following up with callers after the emergency has been resolved

However, you need to have some documents and requirements to pursue this heroic career.

They include:

• High school diploma/GED or higher education depending on the service
• Speak excellent and clear English and be able to write it as well
• Be a great problem solver
• Knowledge of city, state, and federal laws, regulations, and legal codes of the location you work as a 911 dispatcher.
• Have some years of experience in transcription and word processing
• Be familiar with the geographical service area, which includes the names of waterways, roads, highways, and all the landmarks in that area.
• You must Have excellent communication skills

Now we know the requirements and qualifications to become a 911 dispatcher, let’s check out the average salary of professionals in this field.

911 Dispatcher Salary 

A 911 dispatcher earns about $49,500 every year. However, their salary can vary based on location, organization, experience, and educational qualification.

According to research, there would be a 5% increase in the employment rate of 911 dispatchers.

This is due to the aging population of the world and the need for younger public safety personnel.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

Now you know the different paths you can take to become a 911 dispatcher. 

Ensure you find a quality emergency dispatcher program to enroll in and get advice and training from professors and advisors in your field who have been there, done that, and know exactly what you need to do to become certified and be an amazing 911 dispatcher.

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