LOYALIST COLLEGE
Loyalist College Launches 911 and Public Safety Communications Program

Loyalist College is excited to announce the launch of its new 911 and Public Safety Communications Ontario College Certificate program. This innovative program is designed to equip aspiring communications professionals, including public safety personnel, call centre agents, and dispatchers, with the essential skills required for the fast-paced world of emergency response. 

Mark Kirkpatrick, President and CEO of Loyalist College, emphasizes the need for college programming that is responsive to evolving workforce and community needs: "As our communities grow, so does the demand for critical infrastructure and services to maintain quality of life and public safety," he says. "Loyalist College is committed to ensuring our region has trained professionals to serve as the first point of contact in emergencies and effectively triage calls for first responders. Students will graduate from this program ready to make an immediate impact and help keep our communities safe and connected." 

The program is two semesters, beginning with online delivery in semester one and the beginning of semester two, before shifting to hands-on, experiential training in the program's final weeks. Students are taught by working professionals and academics with industry expertise, ensuring their training is consistent with the latest in telecommunications best practices and technology.  

"Communicators are a critical component of any emergency and play a vital and integral part in managing the incident operation," adds Monique Belair, Fire Chief, Kingston Fire and Rescue Services. "Loyalist College's new program will ensure that individuals receive the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to become experienced communicators." 

Students will learn strategies for communicating with diverse groups of people in emergency and non-emergency situations. Course material explores mental health crisis management techniques and helps students develop active listening, critical thinking, problem-solving and multitasking skills. 

"The 911 and Public Safety Communications program blends seamlessly with other programs in Loyalist's School of Health, Human and Justice Studies," says Interim Senior Vice-President Academic Amanda Baskwill. "The students in this program will gain a comprehensive understanding of the emergency response and healthcare ecosystem, benefiting from proximity to future paramedics, law enforcement officers, firefighters, nurses, and social services professionals." 

Loyalist College is now accepting applications for the Fall 2024 intake of the 911 and Public Safety Communications program. This program offers an exceptional opportunity to embark on a career that contributes significantly to public safety and community well-being. 

Learn more about Loyalist's 911 and Public Safety Communications program.