Vance-Granville Community College has teamed up with Richmond Community College to offer a new emergency telecommunications program to local residents.
The two sister colleges recently signed an agreement that will allow VGCC students to enroll in RichmondCC’s online program to obtain an associate degree in 911 Communications & Operations. VGCC students will complete most 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 VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais.
The online degree program provides a pathway for those interested in starting a career in this field and skills enhancement for those already working as 911 telecommunicators.
Training for an essential career
The college curriculum program began after the NC 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 NC 911 Board and the NC 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 RichmondCC President Dr. Dale McInnis. “We look forward to working with our neighbors in the Piedmont.”
Unique in North Carolina, RichmondCC’s 911 Communications & Operations program welcomed its first students during the fall 2023 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 NC community college to create such a partnership with RichmondCC. Bladen Community College, Gaston College, and Stanly Community College will also be extending the program to their students.
Richmond Community College’s main campus is in the city of Hamlet, located near the South Carolina border between the cities of Charlotte and Fayetteville.
For more information about the online 911 Communications & Operations associate degree, call RichmondCC at (910) 410-1700.
To learn more about other areas of study at Vance-Granville Community College, visit vgcc.edu/areas-of-study.
