RichmondCC’s 911 Telecommunicators Degree Program Extended into the Piedmont Region of N.C.

Oct. 17, 2023 – Richmond Community College is expanding the reach of its 911 telecommunications program to the Piedmont region of North Carolina with a new partnership with Vance-Granville Community College (VGCC) in Vance County.

Both community colleges have signed an agreement that will allow students at VGCC to enroll in the online program and complete an associate degree in 911 Communications & Operations. VGCC students will complete a majority of the core courses and the work-based learning portion of the program through RichmondCC, while completing other general education requirements at VGCC.

“VGCC is pleased to partner with Richmond Community College to offer the 911 operator degree. Collaborations like these allow us to offer needed training and credentials to our community while being fiscally responsible,” said Dr. Rachel Desmarais, president of VGCC.

The online degree program provides a pathway for individuals who are interested in starting a career in this field, as well as providing skills enhancement for those already working as 911 telecommunicators.

The college curriculum program was developed when the N.C. 911 Board reached out to RichmondCC about a need for standardization in training 911 telecommunicators, plus a need to help elevate this career field. The College worked closely with the N.C. 911 Board and the N.C. Department of Information Technology to construct the online program.

“We appreciate Vance-Granville coming on board in this collaborative career training partnership to give 911 telecommunicators, who are true public servants, better educational opportunities and career growth,” said Dr. Dale McInnis, president of RichmondCC. “We look forward to working with our neighbors in the Piedmont.”

Unique to RichmondCC, the 911 Communications & Operations program enrolled its first class of students this fall semester. RichmondCC has been reaching out to other community colleges in the state to make the program and its resources available to more students.

VGCC is the fourth community college in North Carolina to create a partnership with RichmondCC on the 911 telecommunications degree. Bladen Community College, Gaston College and Stanley Community College will also be extending the program to their students.

For more information about the online 911 Communications & Operations associate degree, call RichmondCC at (910) 410-1700. For more information about VGCC, visit www.vgcc.edu.