Dispatch Training

Ready to Answer the Call?

Dispatchers play a critical role in public safety by collecting vital information, coordinating resources and connecting people with the right emergency response.

The Dispatch Academy at the KeyBank Public Safety Training Center on Tri-C's Western Campus combines classroom and hands-on training led by industry professionals who understand the demands of this fast-paced career. Participants gain the practical skills and confidence needed for success in the challenging, rewarding and high-impact field of emergency communications.

What you'll learn in the 192-hour course

Through classroom instruction and realistic simulations, you’ll learn how to:

• Handle multiple simulated calls with scenarios in law, fire and EMS
• Keyboard, listen and respond to actual 911/non-emergency calls
• Build skills for using computer-aided dispatch (CAD)
• Develop readiness and professional skills

You'll also complete:

• And introductory course in emergency medical dispatch (EMD)
• A skills assessment exam in preparation for the Dispatcher Civil Service Exam
• Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate (A.L.I.C.E.) training

What happens when you complete the class

Completion of the Dispatch Academy prepares you to pursue opportunities in emergency communications and provides you with industry-recognized credentials, including:

• National Emergency Communications Certification
• Certification in FEMA ICS-100 Incident Command System and industry-related subjects
• Tri-C Certificate of Completion in Dispatch Communications

You'll also have the opportunity to network with agencies at our career fair for dispatchers and receive notifications about job openings from agencies participating in our employment opportunity database.

You'll be expected to:

• Attend and actively participate in the full 192-hour course
• Bring a personal laptop to each class to complete coursework
• Follow the academy dress code, including navy or black socks, closed-toe shoes and pants - no leggings, yoga pants or pajama pants
• Pay the $1,800 course fee, which includes the textbook, class materials, testing fee and two academy polo shirts

Course dates, times and fees are subject to change.

How to get started

Are you at least 18 years and older, with a high school diploma or GED?
Contact Program Coordinator Meegan McKenna at meegan.mckenna@tri-c.edu or 216-987-3031.

Are you a student at Cleveland Metropolitan School District interested in completing dispatcher training during your senior year in high school?
Contact Program Coordinator Hannah Oberg at hannah.oberg@tri-c.edu or 216-987-3537 or Program Director Brandi Baker at brandi.baker@tri-c.edu or 216-987-4987.

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.