Emergency Telecommunications
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Program Overview
Humber’s Emergency Telecommunications certificate program gives you the skills to answer the most important calls a person may make. Emergency services responders depend on emergency telecommunicators to get detailed information quickly and accurately. In just one semester, you will learn the specialized knowledge and skills required to work in the public safety/emergency services field.
The 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, orientation to pre-hospital care, crisis intervention and professional issues, equipment/lab operations and systems management, and professional communications.
Graduates of this program will be part of a highly specialized workforce. Various safety/emergency service employers offer professional certification through the completion of on-the-job training.
This program is not available to international applicants.
The Humber Advantage
Experiential Learning
Students will practice skills in labs and practice scenarios to enhance skills and the ability to multi-task. To culminate the semester, students will prepare a Field Observation 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. This field involves shift work, and as such, practical experience could take place evenings, weekends or nights at a variety of locations.
We Know What it Takes
Instructors are frontline workers or have a wealth of experience in the Emergency Communication field. They all bring their unique knowledge and skill to best prepare graduates. Other experts occasionally guest lecture in the program. Instructors maintain their professional expertise by continuing to practice in their respective field/regularly attending professional meetings and/or participate in ongoing professional development, ensuring program content is current, relevant and comprehensive. Part of the ongoing program content review process includes a strategic plan.
The Humber Experience
The Right Fit
Are you detail-oriented, a decision maker, good at multitasking and you work well under pressure? If you have excellent communication skills and are looking for flexible work hours a career in emergency telecommunications could be the perfect choice.
This questionnaire is for your own reflection. Completing this questionnaire in no way affects your application to the Emergency Telecommunications program.
Answer either YES or NO to each question.
- This work can sometimes involve scheduled shifts, either day, afternoon, or overnight for 10 to 14 hours with few breaks. Do you think you will be able to work for these extended time periods?
- Do you handle stressful situations well?
- Do you enjoy working in a high-pressure environment for long periods of time?
- You may be scheduled to work on religious holidays or long holiday weekends. Are you willing and able to work at these times?
- This work will usually involve engaging with people who are angry, upset or experiencing the worst moment in their lives. Do you think you will be able to work well with these types of people?
- Do you have a firm support network who you are able to reach out to for help?
- Do you enjoy working in a team environment?
If you answered mostly yes, then you would be a great fit for this program.
Testimonials
Interested in Emergency Telecommunications at Humber College yet want to know more before enrolling?
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. Our 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. Taking calls and/or dispatching the appropriate assistance as an emergency telecommunicator working for police, fire or ambulance services is an important position within the emergency service workforce.
As an emergency telecommunicator, you will also be recognized by other venues such as large trucking companies, alarm security and monitoring companies, as well as other call-taking facilities.
Program Availability
| START | DELIVERY | LOCATION | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2025 | Block-Based | North | Open |
| START | DELIVERY | LOCATION | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | Course-Based | North | Open |
| Jan 2026 | Course-Based | North | Open |
| START | DELIVERY | LOCATION | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2025 | Block-Based | North | Not Available |
| START | DELIVERY | LOCATION | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | Course-Based | North | Not Available |
| Jan 2026 | Course-Based | North | Not Available |
Humber is a publicly funded institution. International students graduating from a PGWP Eligible program at Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
International students in Canada could be eligible for an automatic scholarship*. Apply now!
Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.
| START | DELIVERY | LOCATION | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2025 | Block-Based | North | Not Available |
| START | DELIVERY | LOCATION | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | Course-Based | North | Not Available |
| Jan 2026 | Course-Based | North | Not Available |
Humber is a publicly funded institution. International students graduating from a PGWP Eligible program at Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
International applicants outside of Canada can apply through Humber International. Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.
Upcoming Recruitment Events
Emergency Telecommunications at Humber
Watch the video to learn more about Humber’s Emergency Telecommunications certificate program.
Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber Polytechnic reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person.
