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This question is about dispatcher education.

What degree do you need to be a dispatcher?

By Zippia Team - Oct. 25, 2022

You don't need a degree to be a dispatcher. Most dispatcher positions require at least a high school diploma or equivalent, and some dispatchers may have an associate's or bachelor's degree in a related field such as emergency management, public safety, or criminal justice.

Some dispatch centers also offer their own training programs, which can last from several weeks to several months. While not all dispatchers are required to have formal training, it is generally seen as beneficial and can give candidates an edge over other applicants.

The most important thing for someone looking to become a dispatcher is to understand the various roles and then decide which one is the best fit for their skills and interests.

Here are a few key skills that you need to be a good dispatcher:

  • You need to be able to think quickly and make decisions under pressure

  • You need to be able to communicate effectively both verbally and written

  • You need to have good organizational skills to keep track of all the different elements that are happening at any given time

It is usually helpful to have some knowledge of the city or area in which you are dispatching in order to better understand the logistics of what is happening. Having some prior experience in customer service, while not required, can also be beneficial as it can help you remain calm under pressure and deal with difficult people.

There are two types of dispatchers: emergency and non-emergency. Emergency dispatchers are responsible for handling 911 calls and sending emergency responders to the scene.

Non-emergency dispatchers typically work for private companies or municipalities and are responsible for handling all other types of calls, such as requests for non-emergency services and freight transport.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that employment of public safety telecommunicators is projected to grow 4% from 2021 to 2031, about the same as other occupations. The BLS also states that the median annual wage for public safety telecommunicators was $46,670.

What degree do you need to be a dispatcher?

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