Dispatch Training
Become a Dispatcher in just 12 weeks!
Considering a new career as a dispatcher? Cuyahoga Community College can provide you with the skills and training you need in police, fire and emergency medical dispatching. We offer a 12-week Dispatch Communications course.
Dispatch Communications Course
- Twelve-week, 192-hour dispatcher course combines classroom and hands-on dispatch training.
- Practice handling single and multiple simulated calls with scenarios in law, fire and EMS using a 911 dispatch software.
- Exercises to learn to read maps effectively.
- Keyboarding and listening and responding to actual 911 and non-emergency calls.
- Skill-building exercises using computer-aided dispatch (CAD).
- Basic introductory course to emergency medical dispatch (EMD).
- Skills assessment exam to prepare students for Dispatcher Civil Service Exam.
- Training on how to mitigate active threats.
- Incident Command Training with FEMA ICS 100.
- Job readiness and professionalism.
Upcoming Courses
Fall 2025:
Saturdays and Sundays | 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Dates: Aug. 31 - Nov. 23, 2025
Spring 2026: please fill out the interest form
Career Outlook
The demand for qualified dispatchers continues to grow. Dispatchers work for police departments, fire departments, law enforcement agencies, colleges and universities, hospitals, ambulance services, telematics call centers and transportation/freight companies.
The course is designed to prepare US based students to take a national exam that leads to job placement. The course does not meet the criteria for either the student or visitor visa rules regarding studying.
Program Cost
- $1,700* – includes textbook, class materials and certification test fee. *Program costs subject to change without notice.
- This course is not eligible for Financial Aid.
- Workforce Training Scholarships information:
- Visit Workforce Training Scholarships
- Email kai.torres@tri-c.edu
- For information on the Advanced Technology Academy (ATA) earn-as-you-learn program, for Cuyahoga County residents between the ages of 17 and 24, featuring no-cost tuition, paid internships up to 20 hours per week, uniforms, bus passes and other support:
- Contact Manicka Collins-Bryant, Program Manager
- 216-987-3449 or manicka.collins-bryant@tri-c.edu
Class Dress Code
- White polo shirt (short or long sleeves) until academy polo is provided
- Navy or black pants (no leggings or yoga pants)
- Dark-colored shoes and socks
- Academy jacket (approximately $40)
Program Requirements
- High School Diploma, GED, or be enrolled in an Adult Diploma program
- 18 years old or older; if under 18, pre-approval from the program director is required.
Program Completion
Upon completion of the program, students will receive the following certifications:
- National Emergency Communications Certification.
- Certification in 911 Telecommunications, including Police, Fire and EMS.
- Certification in FEMA-ICS 100, Active Shooter, A.L.I.C.E. and Keyboarding.
- Tri-C Certificate of Completion.