Emergency Telecommunications

Our Program

Humber's Emergency Telecommunications certificate gives you the skills to work in answering the most important calls a person may make. Emergency services responders depend on emergency telecommunicators to get detailed information quickly and accurately. In just 15 weeks – one semester – learn the specialized knowledge and skills required to work in the public safety/emergency services field.

Humber's Emergency Telecommunications program is designed in consultation with – and is supported by – police, fire and emergency medical services (ambulance services). Courses are taught by faculty who work in the field, ensuring what you learn is current and relevant.

You will learn:

call management with a lab component
orientation to pre-hospital care
legal and professional issues
equipment and operations
emergency systems management
crisis/stress management
documentation skills.

Graduates of this program will receive an Ontario college certificate and be part of a highly specialized workforce. Various safety/emergency service employers offer professional certification through the completion of on-the-job training.

Your Career

Begin a fast-paced, rewarding career as the vital link between those who call 911 for help and the agencies that provide that assistance.

Humber's Emergency Telecommunications program gives you the skills to work in an emergency communication centre.

It is estimated that, on average, every person in Canada or the United States will call 911 for emergency assistance at least twice in his or her lifetime. Take calls and/or dispatch the appropriate assistance as an emergency telecommunicator, dispatcher or call facilitator working for police, fire or ambulance services.

Work Placement

Students will prepare a Field Observation/Research Report within an emergency telecommunications centre in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). This observation gives students the opportunity for an in-depth view of the skills and knowledge required for the position of an emergency communicator. Because this field involves shift work, practical experience could take place evenings, weekends, or nights at a variety of locations.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status
Grade 12 English (ENG4C or ENG4U). If English is not your first language, refer to the English Language Proficiency Policy
Three Grade 11 or Grade 12C, U or M courses in addition to those listed above
Applicants who do not possess the required courses may complete admission testing for reading and writing skills

Note: For more information, refer to Selection Procedures.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.

Additional Requirements

Upon acceptance into the program and prior to the start of classes, the following requirements must be completed:
- valid Standard First Aid Certificate
- valid HeartSaver Automated External Defibrillator (AED) (C).

Fees / Scholarships

The 2013/2014 fee for this program is

domestic $1,775.04
international $6,475.

Amounts listed are the total of tuition, lab and material fees, student service and auxiliary fees for the first semester of the 2013/2014 academic year. Fees are subject to change. For more information, refer to Fees and Financial Assistance.

Additional Costs

$300 – textbooks, supplies.

Curriculum (View the 2012/13 Curriculum)