Citizens experiencing a true emergency phone 911 to talk to a dispatcher. By quickly determining the situation and location, a 911 dispatcher is able to communicate the necessary information to fire fighters, police officers or other emergency response technicians. Becoming a 911 dispatcher involves a lengthy application process followed by a three to six month training program. Continuing education is a necessary requirement for individuals in this vocation.
How to Become a 911 Dispatcher in Five Steps
Step 1: Acquire a High School Diploma or a GED
A 911 dispatcher needs to have a GED or a high school diploma. While participating in this education, an aspiring 911 dispatcher should focus on typing and communication courses. A 911 dispatcher has to be a fast and accurate typist, so working on these skills in computer courses is crucial. By regularly participating in typing assessments, a possible 911 dispatcher can improve typing skills.
Step 2: Complete the Application Process
Before becoming a 911 dispatcher, a lengthy application process has to be completed. First, a normal application is filled out and submitted to an emergency response office along with a resume. A self-assessment questionnaire is then offered to the 911 dispatcher applicant. Additionally, a typing examination might be required to test the typing skills of the applicant. If not, applicants may be asked for an official document certifying their typing skills.
Before being accepted into the training program, a thorough background check is performed to look for any criminal charges and illegal drug use along with determining if the applicant possesses the necessary stress-resistant personality to handle this career. An applicant that passes the background check attends a final interview with a panel of professionals.
Step 3: Complete Paid Training Program
After being accepted as a potential 911 dispatcher, a training program must be completed. This program is a paid experience that lasts three to six months. The exact number of training hours varies between 600 and 1,200 or so.
The training program is usually divided into three parts. First is a class that goes over the basics of being a 911 dispatcher. The next step is hands-on training that is performed with experienced professionals. Lastly, the 911 dispatcher attends the dispatch academy before graduating to become an official 911 dispatcher.
Step 4: Participate in Continuing Education
Continuing education is a necessary requirement to remain in this vocation. A 911 dispatcher regularly participates in new training programs offered by his or her employer. Some dispatchers choose to fulfill this requirement by pursuing certification or coursework with organizations like the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch (www.emergencydispatch.org). This organization has certificates and classes available in fire, medical and police dispatching.
Step 5: Examine Salary Information
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 911 dispatchers had a mean hourly salary of $17.53 in May 2009 (www.bls.gov). This resulted in a mean annual income of $36,470. The lowest ten percent of dispatchers only made $22,200 in a year, which translated to an hourly salary of $10.67. However, those in the top ten percent made $25.57 an hour, which gave them a yearly income of $53,190.
This is info from Education Portal.com