Program Overview

911 & Emergency Services Communications (ESC)

Overview

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.

Campus

• Online

Delivery

• Online

Duration

• 2 Semesters (8 Months)

Credential

• Ontario College Certificate

School

• School of Public Safety

About the Program

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

Canadian Applicants

• Start in Sept. 2025 | Location Online | Availability _ _ Waitlist
• Start in Jan. 2026 | Location Online | Availability _ _ Open

International Applicants

• Start in Sept. 2025 | Location Online | Availability _ _ Open
• Start in Jan. 2026 | Location Online | Availability _ _ Open

Availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.

This program meets Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility requirements.

Program 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.

International students applying for a PGWP: If you are in a flexible delivery course, you must attend in person as the option to attend online does not apply to you based on IRCC policy. Studying online will impact your PGWP eligibility.

Your Career

Graduates of the program can explore the following career options:

• An emergency communications operator or dispatcher
• Police, fire, emergency medical services
• Private police, security, alarm response or other public safety agencies

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.”

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