Public Safety Communications

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Advance your career in emergency communications.

Public safety telecommunicators play a vital role in emergency response, helping connect callers, dispatchers, and first responders when every second matters. MCC's Public Safety Communications program helps current public safety communications professionals strengthen their skills in emergency call-taking, dispatch operations, incident management, and communications technology. Through specialized training and professional development, you'll build the expertise needed to support police, fire, and EMS operations effectively and efficiently.

What You’ll Learn

In MCC's Public Safety Communications program, you'll learn how to: 

  • Manage Emergency Calls — Receive 911 calls and gather critical information needed to determine the appropriate response. 
  • Communicate During High-Stress Situations — Effectively assist callers who may be distressed, impaired, disabled, or experiencing a crisis. 
  • Dispatch Resources Efficiently — Identify appropriate emergency resources and coordinate responses quickly and accurately. 
  • Document Incidents Clearly — Record emergency and non-emergency information in a consistent and accurate manner. 
  • Use Public Safety Technologies — Obtain and share information using computer systems, radios, databases, and communication platforms. 
  • Support Emergency Medical Response — Provide basic emergency medical instructions to callers during medical and trauma emergencies. 
  • Serve Diverse Communities — Build communication skills that support interactions with people from a variety of backgrounds and circumstances. 
  • Work Across Public Safety Disciplines — Understand the specific roles, responsibilities, and operational needs of police, fire, and EMS agencies.
 

Two Tracks to Advance Your Career

The Public Safety Communications program offers two pathways for current public safety communications personnel. 

Law Enforcement Dispatcher Track

This pathway focuses on the responsibilities and operational requirements of law enforcement communications centers, including call-taking, dispatching, incident documentation, and coordination of police resources.

Fire/EMS Dispatcher Track

This pathway prepares communications professionals to support fire and emergency medical services through emergency dispatch, resource deployment, incident management, and emergency medical call processing.

Ready to Apply?

Applying to MCC is free, with no college essay or test scores required. 

Program Details

Advance your career in emergency communications with MCC's Public Safety Communications degree. Develop dispatch, call-taking, and emergency response coordination skills. 
A.A.S.

Associate of Applied Science

MCC's Public Safety Communications program is designed for current emergency communications professionals with agency sponsorship who want to advance their skills in emergency communications. Choose from a Law Enforcement Dispatcher or Fire/EMS Dispatcher track while building expertise in call-taking, dispatch operations, and emergency response coordination, leading to APCO certification. 

Length

2 years / 61-64 credits
Students typically complete this program in 4 semesters of full-time study.

Location

Public Safety Training Facility & Online

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Important Links

The MCC Experience

In MCC’s Public Safety Communications program, you’ll study emergency communications and build the practical skills and professional knowledge needed to support first responders and the communities they serve. Learn from public safety professionals while strengthening your ability to manage complex communications and emergency response operations.

Communications-Centered Training

Coursework focuses on the day-to-day responsibilities of public safety communications professionals, including call processing, dispatching, documentation, resource coordination, and emergency communications procedures.

Industry-Recognized Credentials

When you successfully complete the program, you’ll earn certification through the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO), a nationally recognized organization supporting excellence in emergency communications.

Designed for Working Professionals

This program is designed specifically for current public safety communications personnel sponsored by their agencies, so you can apply what you learn directly to your work in emergency communications centers.
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Quality Education That Fits Your Budget 

MCC’s low tuition, plus financial aid like grants and scholarships, make your education possible. 

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