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Programs

Emergency Services Communication

ESCPSchool of Community Services

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Key Details

Program Start Dates

September 2025

Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.

Program Delivery

Online / Full-time

Credential

Ontario College Certificate

Program Duration

2 Semesters
Currently not available for international students

Program Contacts

Bradie Granger

Chair, School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Public Safety

Send email
705-566-8101 ext.6435

Program Overview

Prepare to keep calm and carry on in emergencies

Train to work in the challenging field of 911 emergency operations and other dispatch centres. You’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to handle demanding scenarios, manage the public, and collaborate with emergency personnel. 
 
Equip yourself with the skills to work with a specialized workforce, covering call management, crisis intervention, pre-hospital care, professional communications, equipment operations, and more. Highlights include practical experience shadowing actual and simulated emergency calls. Most courses are delivered online, except for one in-person 60-hour placement. 
 

Program Highlights

Program highlights

  • 120 hours placement – 60 hours in your home community and 60 hours in-person in the Sudbury region 
  • Shadow live and simulated emergency calls
  • Grads can receive certification from the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials, Canada (APCO) 

Admissions

Admission requirements

For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:

  • Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)

Academic Upgrading

Are you missing admission requirements? Strengthen your academic skills for free at your own pace through Academic Upgrading!

Program delivery

Program delivery

2025-2026

Fall term start

  • Semester 1: Fall 2025
  • Semester 2: Winter 2026

Program of Study

Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
EMC 1001APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator3
KBD 1001Computer Keyboarding Skills I3
EMC 1012Emergency Services Structure3
EMC 1003Crisis Intervention3
EMC 1010Foundations of Emergency Comm3
PSY 1125Positive Psychology3
 Credits18
Semester 2
EMC 1006Emergency Management3
EMC 1008Interpersonal Communications3
EMC 1009Emergency Communication Placement3
EMC 1011Placement Seminar3
NTN 1001Stress Wellness and Nutrition3
CAT 1000Advocacy and Ethics3
One General Education Course. 13
 Credits21
 Total Credits39
1

For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.

Fees

Tuition Cost

Canadian Students

$5,130.31Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

Important Notice

Fees presented are estimates based on projections for future academic year(s) of study. Actual fees charged may differ from what is published here. A full detailed listing of all fees is available in myCambrian and updated annually no later than May 1 for the following academic year. Students in Academic Upgrading are responsible for any fees listed on their invoice each term.

Tuition and ancillary fees

Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.

Books and supplies

Books and supplies may be required at the course level over and above what is estimated above. Please consult your professor/instructor for further information.

College may be more affordable than you think!

Have you said, “school can wait another year”? Don’t sacrifice your future any longer – you can do it!

Whether it’s fear, financial reasons, or something else that is impacting your decision to start school, we’re here to listen to you and help in any way we can!

Work-integrated learning (WIL)

Take your education beyond the classroom!

Cambrian programs blend academic learning, hands-on training, and community involvement opportunities to help you achieve your ultimate goal – your dream career. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios within and outside of the classroom through work-integrated learning. Whether it be a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement, you’ll benefit from a practical, job-related experience before you graduate.

Field of Study

School of Community Services

Discover the profound difference you can make in the lives of others when you follow the rewarding and noble path provided by Cambrian’s School of Community Services. Community Services programs prepare you to address social and community needs, support child and family welfare, navigate support systems and become a powerful force for positive change.

Learn more

Specific program pathways

College or university degree opportunities  

If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian’s college and university agreement details for further information. 

Career Outcomes

Employment opportunities

Dispatchers operate radios and other telecommunication equipment to dispatch emergency vehicles and to co-ordinate the activities of drivers and other personnel. They are employed by:

  • Police
  • Fire
  • Health departments
  • Other emergency service agencies
  • Taxi
  • Delivery and courier services
  • Trucking and utilities companies
  • Other commercial and industrial establishments

Common titles for this occupation include 911 dispatcher, airline radio operator, alarm system dispatcher, alarm system operator, and ambulance dispatcher.

media1A radiology student Julia working with equipment.

Need a career coach?

Explore how this program can lead to a great career! Cambrian’s Career Coach platform is a user-friendly, online tool that provides up-to-date and comprehensive labour market data to help you explore career options, salary expectations for the Greater Sudbury region, and more!

See where you'll be learning!

Minimum technology requirements

Success in this program requires that you come equipped with some program-specific technology requirements.

Bring your own device (BYOD)

Cambrian College has implemented a BYOD principle to both enrich the student learning experience in and out of the classroom and to ensure flexibility!

Ready to take the first step?

Start gaining the highest level of skills at Cambrian now – and you’ll be ready to take advantage of the many career opportunities waiting for you just around the corner. The future is yours!

Have Questions?
We are here to help.

If you have any questions about programs, funding, OSAP, deadlines, student services, or anything else, reach out to our support team and we are happy to help!

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