Come visit us at
Register now
Saturday, November 9
View programs
Ministry-approved title: 9-1-1 Emergency and Call Centre Communications
When emergency calls come in, lives are on the line and they are counting on you. Telecommunicators in 9-1-1, Fire, Medical, and Police Communication Centres face this intense pressure every shift. They must think quickly, make smart decisions, and use excellent judgment — crucial skills for the profession.
The 9-1-1 Emergency and Call Centre Communications program prepares students to thrive in high-stakes environments as well as non-emergency centres. What sets us apart is our unique endorsement by the internationally recognized Association of Public Safety Communications Officials. Be job ready by engaging in hands-on simulations with cutting-edge industry computer-aided dispatch software. And learn how to prioritize well-being through comprehensive training in self-care, resilience, mindfulness and mental health.
Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or math. Domestic applicants that are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s) i.e., Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.
Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.
DC also offers Academic upgrading courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on-campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:
Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.
View full costs
View all courses
View all career options
Fill out the form to get more information on your program of interest, upcoming events, and how to become a Durham College student. By submitting your information below, you consent to Durham College contacting you via email and/or SMS with a minimum of 4 messages per month. You may withdraw consent at any time.
905.721.3000
Please contact the international office.
The 9-1-1 Emergency and Call Centre Communications program is your gateway to a career in the fast-paced and dynamic fields of emergency and non-emergency call centre communications. Going beyond the minimum standards set by the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials of Canada (APCO Canada), this program offers unparalleled training and certifications.
You’ll gain hands-on experience with advanced dispatch technologies, develop critical decision-making skills, and receive comprehensive training in mental health and wellness. Our curriculum is designed to equip you with the expertise needed to excel in high-pressure environments, ensuring you are well-prepared to make a real difference in times of crisis.
Students will have the opportunity to earn Mental Health First Aid certification through the Mental Health Commission of Canada, as well as Basic Emergency Management certification. Furthermore, students can write the NFPA 1225 Level I and II exams and attain additional mental health and wellness certifications.
We focus on developing essential skills such as effective communication, multi-tasking, and excellent customer service, all critical for both emergency and non-emergency call centre communications. You will also complete embedded professional designations in Public Safety Telecommunications (Basic, Fire, and EMS).
Graduates are well-suited for employment in the fast-paced, customer service-oriented fields of emergency and non-emergency call centre communications. Join us and become the vital lifeline people depend on in times of crisis. Apply today and make a real difference.
The courses listed below are for incoming students. If you are a current student, please refer to your program of study for the year you began your program. Your program of study can be found on MyDC.
Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
In person
Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.
Students in the 9-1-1 Emergency and Call Centre Communications program will complete a placement in a work setting for two 70-hour sessions in total (one day a week from Week 1 to Week 14 within Semester 3 and Semester 4). This will support the application and consolidation of theory and skills.
Students are required to source their own placement to simulate the job search process. Support and assistance are provided with a cover letter, resume writing and interview skills are developed. Transportation, meal costs and any other incidentals are the responsibility of the student.
Final approval of placement is the responsibility of the field placement coordinator. The field placement coordinator is also responsible for being available to the student throughout his/her placement experience to address any questions or concerns.
Previous participants have benefited from placements with Police Services, Fire and Emergency Services, Central Ambulance Communication Centres, Hospital Switchboards, Distress Centres OnStar, CAA, Kids Help Phone, and Service Oshawa, to name but a few.
Students must successfully complete all first and second semester courses, with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 at the end of the first year.
In order to maintain confidentiality and security, the program utilizes an independent provider, Verified by Synergy Gateway for field placement documentation collection and validation. This process is the Electronic Student Permit Checking (ESPC). There is a cost associated with this external agency of $49.95. Please refer to the 9-1-1 Emergency and Call Centre Communications ESPC Information Package for details.
For more information contact Mary Sich, field placement co-ordinator.
Qualified graduates can go on to take Durham College's:
Looking for more pathway opportunities or to transfer to Durham College? Click here for more information.
To help students have the best learning experience possible, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified technology recommendations for each program based on course needs and software requirements. While not required, students may want to consider these suggestions if they are purchasing a computer or laptop for the upcoming academic year.
Processor: i3 RAM: 4GB Storage: 256GB SSD Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional or Education x64 SP1 Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 11 or Google Chrome (newest version) or Firefox (newest version) Network Adapter: 802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless adapter Camera: Webcam/built-in camera Internet connection
Questions regarding technology recommendations can be directed to the IT Service Desk.
App Store
Google Play