Emergency Communications and Response Certificate
Overview
Faculty of Health and Community Studies
Department of Public Safety and Justice Studies
MacEwan.ca/Emergency
In the increasingly complex field of emergency telecommunications, there is a need for personnel who have the ability to assess situations quickly and respond in an appropriate manner. Emergency communicators are the critical link between the public and those who provide police, fire, and emergency medical assistance. As the field evolves, the need for highly skilled and knowledgeable professionals is critical. The field demands professionals who are able to multi-task, use high-tech equipment, think critically and quickly in a stressful setting, and respond to the challenges of the field.
The Emergency Communications and Response program develops the broad knowledge and skills required of call evaluators or dispatchers and the unique knowledge and skills in police, fire, and emergency medical environments. The program is a full-time, eight-month certificate.
The program is offered full-time through an on-campus study option; entry into the program occurs each Fall. In the final month of the program, students participate in a short field placement that exposes them to a communication centre(s).
Career Potential
Challenging and rewarding careers as call evaluators or dispatchers can be found in police, fire, or medical communication centres in provincial, federal, or municipal settings. Many opportunities are also available in specialized public or private communication centres dealing with priority service requests.
Contact Information
T: 780-497-5221
E: emergencycommunications@macewan.ca
PROGRAM OFFICE
Robbins Health Learning Centre
Room 9-407, 10910 - 104 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5J 4S2
T: 780-497-4567
Program Requirements
The following program requirements are needed to complete the credential. Refer to the Student Plan as this plan identifies the usual course schedule.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECRP 131 | Call Processing/Radio Communications | 3 |
| ECRP 141 | Emergency Communications I | 3 |
| ECRP 151 | Emergency Communications II | 3 |
| ECRP 175 | Field Placement | 3 |
| ECRP 190 | Selected Topics in Emergency Communication | 3 |
| INTD 105 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
| PSJS 121 | Foundations of Canadian Law and Justice | 3 |
| PSJS 222 | Mental Health and Resiliency in Public Safety | 3 |
| PSYC 104 | Introductory Psychology I | 3 |
| or PSYC 105 | Introductory Psychology II | |
| University-level English (includes WRIT 101) | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
The minimum passing grade for a course at MacEwan University is a D unless otherwise noted next to the appropriate course in the program of study.
Course Substitutions
| Credit Earned in: | May Be Substituted for Credit in Program Course: |
|---|---|
| PSSC 141 | INTD 105 |
Student Plan
Students must follow the Student Plan (listed below) to complete this credential in the year(s) indicated by the plan. Students must consult with a program Academic Advisor regarding any deviation from the Student Plan, as this may extend the time it takes to complete the program. The student plan may be subject to change.
| Year 1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Credits | Term 2 | Credits |
| ECRP 131 | 3 | ECRP 151 | 3 |
| ECRP 141 | 3 | ECRP 175 | 3 |
| INTD 105 | 3 | ECRP 190 | 3 |
| PSYC 104 or 105 | 3 | PSJS 121 | 3 |
| University-level English (includes WRIT 101) | 3 | PSJS 222 | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 30 | |||
Admission Requirements
Applicants may be admitted to the following:
Regular Admission
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Applicants must have an Alberta high school diploma (or equivalent) or GED diploma.
Applicants must have a minimum overall average of 65% with no course grade lower than 50 percent, in the following high school courses:
- ELA 30-1 or ELA 30-2
- Social Studies 30-1 or 30-2
- One subject from Group A, B, C, or D
Applicants with nine or more post-secondary level credits must also present a minimum Admission Grade Point Average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Additional Admission Criteria
All applicants must meet the following:
1. English Language Proficiency
To be evaluated through the Office of the University Registrar
Applicable to All Admission Categories
All applicants must meet an acceptable level of English language proficiency. We will require official documents such as high school or post-secondary transcripts or proof of successful completion of standardized language evaluation. Full details are available in MacEwan University’s academic calendar or online at MacEwan.ca/ELP.
2. Other Admission Criteria
To be evaluated through the Program
Applicable to All Admission Categories
Applicants offered admission must present a clear Police Information Check (or equivalent from another policing agency). The Police Information Check must be submitted by the published document deadline and have been issued within three months of the start of the program intake term.
Equity Admission
The Department of Public Safety and Justice Studies at MacEwan University is committed to principles of equity and diversity. The department supports equitable representation of groups underrepresented in public safety and justice professions and has reserved up to 10% of admission spaces in each program as equity admission spaces for applicants who self-identify as Aboriginal. Aboriginal peoples of Canada are defined in the Constitution Act, 1982, Section 35 (2) as including the Indian, Inuit and Métis peoples of Canada.
In order to be considered for admission under the Equity Admission criteria, candidates must still meet the minimum admission criteria for the program option to which they apply.
Program Regulations
Academic Residency - Exemption
A student in Emergency Communications and Response must complete at least 30 per cent of courses through MacEwan University. Challenge examinations, transfer credit and other special assessments (for example, prior learning and recognition) are not included in the 30 per cent.
Regulations Governing Field Placement (Work Integrated Learning)
Students must achieve satisfactory performance in all field placement courses in accordance with the course learning outcomes and grading criteria. Field placement hours may include days, evenings and weekends. Students are required to arrange their own transportation for required field placement activities and any costs incurred for meals, travel and accommodation are the student’s responsibility. Students will require daily access to a vehicle for any practice experience not accessible through public transportation. Required field placements will generally be within a 150 kilometer radius of the MacEwan University site.
Students cannot attend field placement agencies as a MacEwan University student except at times and locations authorized by the field placement course instructor for the course in which the student is currently enrolled. Students must comply with the Work Integrated Learning policy regarding field placements. Students must have completed all prerequisite courses as well as all program and agency specific requirements prior to the start of any field placement course. In accordance with the Work Integrated Learning policy, the University reserves the right, at any point during a field placement, to remove a student from the placement for serious performance issues (i.e., engaging in behaviour that places a client and/or others at risk or that is contrary to the professional or safety requirements of the placement). In such cases and in consultation with the Dean, the student will be assigned a grade of F in the course. For further information, refer to the Work Integrated Learning policy.
In accordance with the Academic Standing policy, the performance of a Student in a clinical, field placement, ensemble setting, or equivalent learning activity may be reviewed at any time. If the student’s performance is inadequate relative to the standards required in the student’s program, the student may be placed on probation or required to withdraw from the program. For further information, refer to the Academic Standing policy.
Police Information Check
A student must meet the specific Police Information Check (PIC) requirements as set out in the admission criteria for the duration of the program or they may be required to withdraw from the program.
Students whose PIC status changes following program admission must self-report this change in status; this may compromise the student’s ability to complete the program requirements as they may be denied required field placements and, therefore, be unable to meet graduation requirements.
Students are responsible to obtain updated Police Information Checks as required by the field placement agency and for making these available upon request. Any costs incurred are the responsibility of the student.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of emergency and non-emergency services and processes and the significance of quality assurance as they relate to the function of the communications operator.
- Use equipment and tools common to emergency and/or non-emergency communication centres.
- Apply practical skills in call-taking and dispatching for emergency and non-emergency communication centres.
- Employ proficient verbal and written communication skills.
- Exercise a high standard of ethical and professional behaviour.
- Work effectively in teams, guided by principles of equity, diversity, Indigeneity, and inclusion.
- Engage in applied research on topics related to emergency and/or non-emergency communications.
- Use critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.