Becoming a 911 Dispatcher in Florida involves meeting a variety of academic and training standards. Here we have provided you with a comprehensive outline of the Florida 911 operator procedure.
Becoming a 911 dispatcher in Florida means remaining calm in situations that can easily cause panic, remaining focused on the correct solution, and getting the right resource to the right person on time.
Florida 911 Dispatcher Training
Emergency dispatchers in the state receive on the job training, certificate classes, and college programs from Florida universities.
Although there will be similarities between the training programs of different departments, each department will have its own specialized training based on their needs.
Candidates who possess certifications in these areas will benefit greatly:
- MicroData Mapping
- National Incident Management System (NIMS) Certification
- Emergency Medical Dispatch Certification
- Critical Incident Call Taking
- Communications Training Academy
- Public Safety Telecommunicator Certification
- Printrak Computer Aided Dispatching
- CPR
- Labor and freceiving procedures
- Emergency Audio Evidence
Featured Schools
Dispatchers and operators throughout Florida are trained at some top notch academies/agencies. Notable agencies that include 911 operator training in Florida include the following:
- Florida Dept of Health
- Florida Dept of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
- National Academy of Emergency Dispatch (NAED)
- NAEMD
- APCO
- Commission on Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA)
Florida 911 Operator Education
In terms of opportunities and career advancement, aspiring 911 operators should consider attaining a college degree in a relevant subject. Relevant degrees would include the following:
- Criminology
- Crisis Management
- Public Health
- Communication
- Fire Science
- Criminal Justice
- Psychology
Discover 911 dispatcher programs in Florida that are a match for you!
Florida 911 Dispatcher Salary and Career Information
Those working as 911 dispatchers in Florida take home an excellent living while providing crucial services to those with which they share the city. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average 911 operator in the state takes home $39,220 per year.
Florida usually has over 6,000 911 operators employed throughout the state in any given year. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity is projecting that the employment opportunities for 911 dispatchers will increase through 2020.
Emergency dispatchers in these major cities receive the most calls each year, with employment being some of the highest in the state:
- Roughly 710 dispatchers work in the Saint Petersburg-Clearwater-Tampa region
- Roughly 880 dispatchers work in the Orlando region
- Roughly 380 dispatchers work in Jacksonville
- Over 2,000 dispatchers work in the Miami metropolitan area
911 Dispatcher Programs and Schools in Florida
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Choose your area of study and receive free information about programs you are interested in. 911 dispatchers can benefit greatly from degrees in public safety, emergency management, homeland security, and criminal justice. Request information from multiple programs to make an informed decision on the best program and educational opportunity for you!