Have what it takes to be a 911 operator? A 911 operator is essential in connecting a distressed person with emergency aid. If you think you can help others through serious, possibly life-threatening situations, then definitely look into this field!
When it comes to 911 operators, they have to go through weeks and possibly months of academic training. A common misconception, even for those who apply, is that handling 911 calls is relatively easy. It is not.
Stephanie Minott is a current 911 Operator and Communications Officer in Cumberland County, Maine. She recounted her 18-week training, “There is a picture that our society mentally paints of what a dispatcher does… I was no exception,” she said. “Phones ring, trucks go, help arrives, people are saved, and fires are extinguished. There is so much more.”
A 911 operator bridges the gap between people and emergency services under a short response time. The community relies on 911 operators to send direct help to protect lives or property. At the same time, police, fire, and the EMS department also rely on 911 operators to fill them in on the situation, so they are better equipped.
Every country has its own version of an emergency dial; the United States is 911. When people dial this number, a 911 operator is expected to handle the situation calmly and use clear, effective communication. During this time, the operator will collect essential information such as location and names to know which service needs to be dispatched. Having a calm mindset is crucial so that help can be sent as quickly as possible.
Every career in the justice field needs to have a lot of technical and soft skills compared to most fields. A career in 911 operations and communication is no exception.
Here are the skills needed to be a 911 operator:
Additional skills include knowing your geography, foreign languages, and typing above 45 words per minute. On the more technical side, 911 operators have to pilot radio, communication, and computer equipment. These technical skills will be cultivated during academic training.
For the most part, being a 911 operator means heavily leaning on skills that may already be present or easy to nurture. If you find yourself lacking or falling short on any of these skills, don’t worry. They are easy to learn and adapt to. Take online courses if needed!
There are certain requirements when it comes to being a 911 operator. The field itself is very accepting and has lenient requirements compared to other justice fields. That doesn’t mean there aren’t any restrictions or qualifications you have to meet.
In terms of education, you need to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Other desirable traits include foreign language proficiency, relevant coursework, and previous experience in operating radio equipment.
If you’re looking to study how to become a 911 operator, check-in with colleges or universities. Some schools provide a 911 operator certificate to those who enroll in the program. It is also possible that these classes are available online so that a wider demographic of students have access to courses. Having a college degree allows you to have career advancement in the field compared to just having a high school degree. So, if 911 operator jobs are a goal of yours, enrolling in higher education can help you get there.
Recommended online training courses to be a 911 operator include the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) and National Academies of Emergency Dispatch (NAED). These certifications have a required fee to pay, and requirements vary.
Subjects that are taught and related to being a 911 operator include:
Another requirement to being a 911 operator is passing the academic training provided. This includes a lot of classroom instruction and hands-on training. The training program can last from 120 to 520 hours, depending on the agency and state. Likewise, states have different requirements for being a 911 operator.
Other than having at least a high school diploma or equivalent, you must be 18 with a valid driver’s license.
Once hired, you’ll begin going through intensive 911 operator training. As mentioned, the duration of training varies depending on the county. Usually, these are the training programs all 911 operator trainees are subjected to:
Some of these are certificate programs (such as CPR), and others are basic training courses. Training instructors can still add or remove to this list depending on what you need to know.
You need to meet the requirements mentioned above to apply for 911 operator jobs. The minimum is at least being 18 with a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver’s license. To apply, check your state county’s official site or your local sheriff’s department’s website. Remember that each state has its own requirements when it comes to being a 911 operator. So, doing some research before starting the application process is a crucial step!
If you’re ready to apply, make sure you meet the following criteria:
As you can see, there’s a lot that goes into applying to be a 911 operator! That’s why it’s best to be prepared and study ahead of time.
Here is a short list detailing the process behind applying for a 911 operator job in the states. This list is meant to show you how some states prioritize different qualifications. You can also find employer and salary information, too.
Alabama is ranked 35th on the U.S. Crime Index. The statistics of violent crime in this state are above average.
The requirements to be a 911 operator in Alabama include:
These are 911 operator employers in Alabama seeking new personnel:
The average salary of a 911 operator in Alabama is $39,200.
Alaska is ranked 40th on the U.S. Crime Index. The statistics of sexual assault in this state are above average.
The requirements to be a 911 operator in Alaska include:
Since there are no counties in Alaska, you can try to find 911 operator employment in one of these cities:
The average salary of a 911 operator in Alaska is $44,536.
Arizona is ranked 38th on the U.S. Crime Index. The statistics of violence, assault, and car accidents are above average. So, 911 operator jobs will be more plentiful in this State.
The requirements to be a 911 operator in Arizona include:
These are 911 operator employers in Arizona seeking new personnel:
The average salary of a 911 operator in Arizona is $44,876.
California is ranked 31st on the U.S. Crime Index. The statistics of violent crimes are around average.
The requirements to be a 911 operator in California include:
Since California is a large state, there are countless 911 operator employers. Here are some areas to help you start your search:
The average salary of a 911 operator in Arizona is $51,453.
Connecticut is ranked 9th on the U.S. Crime Index. The statistics for violent crimes are below the national average.
The requirements to be a 911 operator in Connecticut include:
These are 911 operator employers in Connecticut seeking new personnel:
The average salary of a 911 operator in Connecticut is $45,696.
Florida is ranked 45th on the U.S. Crime Index. The statistics for violent crime are slightly above the national average.
The requirements to be a 911 operator in Florida include:
Since Florida is a large state, there are countless 911 operator employers. Here are a few areas to help you start your search:
The average salary of a 911 operator in Florida is $40,801.
Hawaii is ranked 27th on the U.S. Crime Index. The statistics for violent crime are slightly below the national average.
The requirements to be a 911 operator in Hawaii include:
These are 911 operator employers in Hawaii seeking new personnel:
The average salary of a 911 operator in Hawaii is $46,807.
When it comes to learning how to be a 911 operator, there’s a lot you can explore. If you’re hesitant about getting into the field, verify that this is something you want to do.
You can explore the opportunity of becoming a 911 operator by taking online courses, viewing instruction videos, or even playing games. There are plenty of simulation games to give you an exclusive look at the life of a 911 operator. Doing your research is important so that you can go into this field with confidence. You can even stop by your local call center to find out more, and so that you can get a good feel for what to expect.
For more information on individual state requirements for 911 operators, check this site. We wish you good luck on your journey!
Get a Job in 24 Hours!
Download The Top-Rated Mobile Job App!
For more helpful info, check out our blog.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.