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

• 12-week, 192-hour dispatcher course combines classroom and hands-on dispatch training
• Handling single and multiple simulated calls with scenarios in law, fire and EMS using a 911 dispatch software
• Keyboarding, listening and responding to actual 911 and non-emergency calls
• Skill-building exercises using computer-aided dispatch (CAD)
• Intro course to emergency medical dispatch (EMD)
• Skills assessment exam to prepare students for Dispatcher Civil Service Exam
• Specialty training in Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate (A.L.I.C.E.)
• Job readiness and professionalism

Fall 2026 Course Dates

Register by Thursday, Aug. 6

Mandatory Orientation: Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, noon - 3 p.m.                   

Saturdays and Sundays: Aug. 29 - Nov. 22, 2026, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
(No class Labor Day weekend)

All classes are held exclusively at the KeyBank Public Safety Training Center at Western Campus in Parma.

Get Started

Step 1: Do you meet the program requirements?

• 18 years old or older. If under 18, pre-approval from the program director is required.
• High school diploma, GED or be enrolled in an Adult Diploma program

Adult Diploma Program information:

• You are eligible if you are at least 18 years old and do not have a High School Diploma/GED.
• Visit Adult Diploma Program
• Email adultdiplomaprogram@tri-c.edu

Step 2: Have you attended a Tri-C class within the last 11 months?

• If not, start your application here to get your S-Number (student ID).

Step 3: Email the Admissions and Enrollment Center at westregistration@tri-c.edu

• Request to be registered for Dispatch Communications Course ZLAW1207-40121
• Include your full name, S-Number and current phone number

Step 4: Make payment arrangements by Thursday, Aug. 6.

• Contact tonya.grubjesic@tri-c.edu or traci.turner@tri-c.edu
• Course fee: $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:

• If awarded, you are still responsible for the course balance and must make payment arrangements before the course begins.
• Visit Workforce Training Scholarships
• Email workforcescholarships@tri-c.edu

Not quite ready for the Fall 2026 session? Please submit the interest form below.

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 Completion

Upon completion of the program, students will receive the following certifications:

• National Emergency Communications Certification focused on Police, Fire and EMS
• Certification in FEMA-ICS 100 Incident Command System and other industry-related subjects
• Tri-C Certificate of Completion

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.