Lake Land College is offering a short-term Public Safety Telecommunicator certificate for people interested in the high-demand dispatching field.
Lake Land is currently enrolling students in this program available for spring 2018, which begins Jan. 8, at the Kluthe Center for Higher Education and Technology.
Jodi Moomaw, Effingham communications manager, assisted Lake Land College in developing the program to provide professional training for future telecommunicators, who are integral members of the emergency response team.
“Telecommunicators are no different than all other emergency responders, they just aren’t seen. They are the key connection to the person needing assistance to the police, fire and EMS responder. They must have tools and knowledge on what to ask or how to take control while gaining the information needed during all types of emergencies,” Moomaw said. “The expectation of the public when they dial 911 is they are speaking to a trained professional ready to help them in whatever way necessary.”
According to a recent survey conducted by Lake Land College, area dispatch center directors said the program would be a valuable asset to the profession.
The Lake Land College 17-credit-hour program is modeled after the Illinois Public Safety Telecommunicator Training Basic Certification Curriculum. The certificate is financial aid eligible and includes courses such as Basic Telecommunicator, Responding to Emergencies, Keyboarding, Practical Software Applications, Interpersonal Communication and Introduction to Psychology. Students will also complete an internship.
Upon successful completion, a Lake Land College graduate will be equipped with the basic skills and knowledge that will be required by public safety telecommunicator dispatch centers. The certificate can be completed in a single semester.
The benefit of offering this certification will result in a larger pool of skilled, qualified applicants to the area, Moomaw said. Many of the 911 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP) across the nation are also looking for qualified staff, she added.
For more information, contact Academic Counselor and Coordinator of Student Accommodations Andy Gaines at 217-234-5259 or againes@lakelandcollege.edu.
Find out more about this program and others by attending Explore Lake Land for adult students going on at the Kluthe Center, Nov. 28 and on campus in Mattoon, Nov. 30. New adult students who attend and register for spring classes may qualify for a tuition-free class up to three credit hours. https://www.lakelandcollege.edu/explore-lake-land/