What to expect from a career in Emergency Services
Working in the emergency services industry is not for everyone – it requires discipline, a cool head and the confidence to make decisions under pressure. Emergency management programs at Ontario colleges help students develop these skills, preparing them for successful and rewarding careers in a field dedicated to helping people in need.
If you believe you’re up to the challenge of a career in emergency services, here’s what you need to know.
Emergency Management Courses
Programs are typically separated into two areas of emergency services:
- Emergency Telecommunications. Emergency telecommunications programs prepare students to work as dispatchers and call facilitators with emergency response organizations. Students will learn public safety communications guidelines and laws as well as interpersonal skills such as conflict management, to act as the connection between the public and emergency services workers (paramedics, police officers and more).
- Emergency Management. Emergency management programs teach students to work within regulations and laws to effectively manage emergency situations. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge, case analysis and simulation, students will examine emergency situations from planning, preparedness, operational and recovery perspectives and will learn to create emergency response plans and strategies.
General Emergency Management Program Requirements
Ontario college emergency management programs are offered at the diploma, certificate or graduate certificate levels, depending on the program. Diploma and certificate programs typically require an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, which includes a grade 12 English credit. Additional requirements vary by program. Graduate certificate programs require a college diploma or university degree, or related work experience.
Emergency Management Jobs
Jobs in the emergency services industry are on the rise, which means qualified professionals are in demand. Positions like dispatchers or crisis managers span across a variety of public and private sectors, including:
- Police
- Fire
- Ambulance
- Security firms
- Alarm response
Ontario Colleges Offering Emergency Management Programs
Use the left-column navigation to refine your search by College, Program Availability, Program Start Date and more, or see the table below for a complete list of emergency management programs at Ontario colleges.
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