It takes a person who is professional and able to keep calm under pressure to become an emergency services dispatcher. If you believe that you are good fit to take emergency calls and dispatch law enforcement or other emergency personnel to the scene, there are several routes that you can go to enter the field. Just like with any different career, there are ideal paths and then delayed paths that will get you to the same place after a prolonged period of time. If you would prefer to start working as an emergency services dispatcher in the shortest time possible, read this step-by-step process and get qualified so that you can start drafting your resume.
Research the Eligibility Requirements in your Area
Not all cities and localities handle the recruitment for dispatchers the same way. Many have their own special set of requirements. Before you start to choose training programs, you need to learn about the eligibility requirements to be a dispatchers for police, fire or EMS departments. You can check these by visiting your city or county job listing website and looking for the job description and qualifications for emergency medical dispatchers.
Enroll in a Training Program That Fits Your Busy Schedule
It takes time to get qualified to work as an emergency services dispatcher. Because of this, you should focus on taking formal training programs that fit into your life. There are a variety of different types of training programs that you can take to meet the prerequisites of law enforcement agencies and other public safety departments. Choosing the right program depends on the requirements in your locality and also on your current education level.
If you want to take a program strictly to meet training requirements for entry-level roles, you can find Public Safety Dispatchers’ Certificate programs that teach you the basic skills and simulation scenarios. These programs range in length, but generally only require you to attend class for about 120 hours. The next option, for those who want a degree, is to earn an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree in public safety or relevant majors. This will help you advance when you want to work in management.
Apply to Take the Civil Service Examination
Many municipalities require anyone who works in public safety to pass a Civil Service Examination before they will be considered for employment, according to Public Safety Testing. There could be limitations as to how many times the exam in administered. Call the department and find out if the exam is scheduled and how to schedule and appointment. The recruiters will receive a list of those who have passed the exam when they are ready to hire.
Related Resource: Americorps
If you live in an area with no civil service exam requirement, the last thing to do is to start submitting your applications. Most departments and public government agencies now accept employment applications online only when there are openings for the position that you are interested in. Attach your resume and answer all of the questions as thoroughly as possible to ensure your information is directed to a recruiter. If you are already CPR and first aid certified, you will get more attention. Now you know how to take the proper steps to become an emergency services dispatcher.