- An emergency communications operator or dispatcher
- Police, fire, emergency medical services
- Private police, security, alarm response or other public safety agencies
911 & Emergency Services Communications (ESC)
Campus
Duration
2 Semesters (8 Months)Credential Awarded
Ontario College CertificateSchool
School of Public SafetyProgram and course delivery
This program is offered online. Students learn remotely and do not need to come to campus. Some online learning will be synchronous - scheduled online classes with professors.
About the Program
This eight-month certificate program will provide you with principles and skills to effectively manage the public and work in emergency services and perform under stressful conditions. An emergency services communicator is often the first person involved in responding to members of the public during times of distress and crisis. Your training will combine professional knowledge and practical scenarios related to the important role of 911 and emergency communicators. You will learn how to record and analyze data received from calls, and how this critical information can direct the response to an incident. This program uses blended and online strategies across our curriculum to deliver innovative and flexible learning.
Upon completion of required hours and professional exams, you will have the opportunity to qualify for the Public Safety Telecommunicator certificate offered by the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO).
Graduates of Ontario Police Foundations programs are eligible to receive four courses as credit towards the 12 courses required for the certificate in Emergency Services Communications.
Program Availability
Learn more: Seneca’s program delivery options and how courses in this program will be delivered each term.
| Start in | Location | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Jan. 2025 | Online | Open |
| Sept. 2025 | Online | Open |
| Jan. 2026 | Online | Open |
This program is only open to Canadian applicants.
To view the list of programs available to international applicants, please visit the international programs availability page.
Please note that availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.
Your Career
Graduates of the program can explore the following career options:
What Our Graduates Say
Harpreet Aulakh
Graduate, 911 & Emergency Services Communications
“I am grateful for the opportunity I got from attending Seneca and graduating from the 911 & Emergency Services Communications program with honors. The program prepared me with the necessary tools needed from before getting hired to once I was hired. It was such an amazing experience, not only did I gain so much knowledge about the program, but I made such amazing friends as well. The knowledge and skills from the program have helped my new career as a Hospital Communications Operator.”
Elizabeth Burton
Graduate, 911 & Emergency Services Communications
“After graduation, I successfully competed for the role as a dispatcher with a law enforcement unit and made the transition from a frontline dispatcher to a supervisor. Later, I joined a large provincial operations centre. I gained experience in leadership, operations, emergency management, public safety and policy. I credit my instructors and program leads at Seneca for their support and mentorship. I was given practical and real-life experience preparing me for the journey ahead and would highly recommend this program at Seneca to anyone pursuing similar roles.”
Elaine Duke
Graduate, 911 & Emergency Services Communications
“Becoming an emergency medical dispatcher (EMD) had been a dream of mine for many years, so when looking for a school to complete my diploma, Seneca was my top choice. My professors were all very knowledgeable and all came from similar fields pertaining to my studies, which was helpful in preparing us to apply for jobs at the end of the program. I was able to obtain a position within three months of graduating with Toronto Paramedic Services as an EMD and work alongside two of my professors from Seneca. I am honored to be a graduate from Seneca and would recommend the program for anyone looking to enter the emergency services field.“
Molly Kastle
Graduate, 911 & Emergency Services Communications
“After attending Seneca for the 911 and Emergency Services Communications program, I received a job at the 407ETR as an Emergency Dispatcher. The program prepared me for everything from the interview process to the fast-paced environment I now work in. After doing a major career change, I am so happy to finally be in a career that I enjoy and look forward to doing every day.”
Danayre Mckinnon
Graduate, 911 & Emergency Services Communications
“Two months after completing the 911 & Emergency Services Communications program at Seneca, I received a call-taking position with the OPP at their Communications Centre. The program helped me understand the hiring process and what to expect for interviews. I would strongly suggest this program to anyone who is trying to enter this field; not only will it help you within the hiring process, but also to stand out once you are employed.”
Courtney Steele
Graduate, 911 & Emergency Service Communications
“I am so grateful for my time in Seneca’s 911 & Emergency Services Communications program. The program thoroughly prepared me for my second career in an industry that I absolutely love, from giving me the tools to understand the technical side of the industry to providing me with the ability to manage stress so that I can thrive in my position.”
Bryson Wood
Graduate, 911 & Emergency Services Communications
“Despite COVID throwing in some additional challenges when it came to learning through online courses, the time I had at Seneca was a pleasant one. Seneca and its amazing professors gave me the skills and mindset I needed to find a meaningful career that I plan to continually expand as I grow older. I can’t thank them enough for it.”