Dispatch Academy: Your Gateway to a Rewarding Public Safety Career

TMCC EMS Staff
Kate Kirkpatrick

This fall, TMCC in partnership with the City of Sparks, will debut its new 911 Emergency Telecommunicator Dispatch Academy (CRJ 260, section 2001), an exciting opportunity to explore the diverse world of public safety dispatching. The world of dispatching is diverse, and your career journey can take various exciting paths.

According to a recent media release by the City of Reno, dispatchers are urgently needed because they process an average of 500,000 calls per year in order to enhance safety for the citizens of Reno. Experienced dispatchers can earn good wages, and bilingual candidates are also needed to fill this critical role. If you are eager to embrace a rewarding career in public safety, the Dispatch Academy is your ticket to an exciting future as an unsung hero in emergency telecommunication. Often referred to as "the Golden Thread of Public Safety," this program also opens doors to endless possibilities, from animal control, hospitals, industry, and trucking. Positions are often available locally through both the Cities of Sparks and Reno.

Prepare to embark on a captivating journey into emergency telecommunication as TMCC's Dispatch Academy takes center stage. Our comprehensive curriculum, spanning one semester, combines engaging theoretical classroom instruction with immersive hands-on lab/simulation components. You’ll learn essential skills, including communication techniques, call-taking procedures, dispatching methods, emergency response protocols, and computer-aided dispatch systems - all vital for becoming an exceptional dispatcher.

Beyond the classroom, the Dispatch Academy offers real-world experience through five 8-hour sit-along internships. Guided by seasoned professionals, you'll have the opportunity to apply your newfound knowledge to actual emergency scenarios, making a difference in people's lives from behind the scenes.

"The Dispatch Academy provides a gateway to an exciting and high-paying career," explains Michael Schulz, Director of Public Safety Programs at TMCC. "The possibilities are truly endless, and we are here to support you every step of the way!"

To get started this fall, start by making sure you meet the co-requisites, including Computer Keyboarding (COT 101, section 3001). Prepare to showcase your potential by providing current immunization records, a background check, and a drug screening before taking the leap.

Don't miss your chance to be part of this rewarding career, unleash your potential and become the hero our community needs in emergency telecommunication. Register now for TMCC's Dispatch Academy and discover the endless opportunities that await you in the Golden Thread of Public Safety! For more information, visit our Fall class schedule and to register through your myTMCC. You can also contact us at the Emergency Medical Services Program.