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Medical Dispatcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pro EMS

Emergency Medical Dispatcher

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$21 - $32/hr

Dispatch appropriate units according to acuity level, availability and location or provide ... medical staff at the hospitals, and with the general public. * Must have a working knowledge of the ...

TEKsystems

PART TIME Medical Dispatcher

Washington, DC

$19/hr

MEDICAL DISPATCHER (Part-Time Weekends) Washington, DC | $19USD/hour Highlight: • Industry: Hospital & Healthcare • Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire (6-months) • Location: Washington, DC ...

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Pro EMS

Emergency Medical Dispatcher

Cambridge, MA

$21 - $32/hr

Dispatch appropriate units according to acuity level, availability and location or provide ... medical staff at the hospitals, and with the general public. * Must have a working knowledge of the ...

Pro EMS

Emergency Medical Dispatcher

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$21 - $32/hr

Dispatch appropriate units according to acuity level, availability and location or provide ... medical staff at the hospitals, and with the general public. * Must have a working knowledge of the ...

Apply Early

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Medical Dispatcher information

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$33

How much do medical dispatcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for medical dispatcher in the United States is $22.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Medical Dispatchers?

Medical Dispatchers are professionals responsible for receiving emergency and non-emergency calls related to medical situations, assessing the urgency, and coordinating the dispatch of ambulances and medical personnel. They gather crucial information from callers, provide pre-arrival instructions, and relay details to emergency responders to ensure a swift response. Medical Dispatchers play a critical role in the healthcare system by acting as the first point of contact during medical emergencies, helping to save lives through efficient communication and coordination.

What are some common challenges faced by medical dispatchers during high-pressure situations, and how can they be managed?

Medical dispatchers often face the challenge of making rapid, critical decisions under pressure, especially when dealing with multiple emergencies simultaneously. Maintaining clear communication, staying calm, and following established protocols are essential for effectively prioritizing calls and coordinating emergency responses. Many organizations provide ongoing training and support to help dispatchers develop strong stress management and multitasking skills, ensuring they can handle these high-stakes situations efficiently while maintaining their own well-being.

How to become a medical dispatcher?

To become a medical dispatcher, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete training on emergency medical protocols and dispatch software. Certification in emergency medical dispatch (EMD) is often preferred, and strong communication skills are essential for coordinating emergency responses effectively.

What is the highest paying dispatcher job?

The highest paying dispatcher jobs are often in specialized fields such as airline or emergency services dispatchers, with airline dispatchers earning higher salaries due to required certifications and advanced training. Emergency medical dispatchers with extensive experience and certifications can also earn higher wages, especially in larger or private organizations. Salary levels depend on industry, location, experience, and certifications held.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Medical Dispatcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Medical Dispatcher, you need strong decision-making abilities, knowledge of emergency protocols, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent with specialized dispatcher training. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio communication equipment, and sometimes CPR certification is important for handling emergency calls effectively. Outstanding communication, calmness under pressure, and multitasking skills help medical dispatchers excel in high-stress situations. These competencies are vital for ensuring rapid, accurate response to emergencies and the safety of both patients and responders.

What do medical dispatchers do?

Medical dispatchers coordinate emergency medical services by receiving calls, assessing the situation, and dispatching appropriate responders such as ambulances and paramedics. They use communication tools and often require certification in emergency medical dispatching to provide instructions and ensure quick response times.

What is the difference between Medical Dispatcher vs Emergency Medical Dispatcher?

AspectMedical DispatcherEmergency Medical Dispatcher
CertificationsCPR, Emergency Medical Dispatch CertificationCPR, Emergency Medical Dispatch Certification
Work EnvironmentHealthcare facilities, ambulance services911 call centers, emergency response centers
Employer & IndustryHospitals, ambulance companiesPublic safety agencies, emergency services
Job FocusCoordinate medical transport, relay patient infoAssess emergencies, provide pre-arrival instructions

Both Medical Dispatchers and Emergency Medical Dispatchers handle emergency calls and coordinate patient care. However, Emergency Medical Dispatchers typically have specialized training to assess emergencies quickly and provide immediate instructions, often working directly in 911 call centers. Medical Dispatchers may focus more on coordinating transport within healthcare settings. The roles overlap in certifications and work environment but differ mainly in scope and emergency response level.

Is it hard to be hired as a 911 dispatcher?

Becoming a 911 dispatcher can be competitive due to the specialized skills required, such as strong communication, multitasking, and stress management. Candidates often need to complete training, pass background checks, and obtain certifications, which can vary by location but generally involve a structured hiring process.
More about Medical Dispatcher jobs
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Medical Dispatcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Medical Dispatcher job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,823 per year, or $22 per hour.
Emergency Medical Dispatcher FT

Emergency Medical Dispatcher FT

Armstrong Ambulance

Arlington, MA • On-site

$20.50 - $34/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Ready to launch or continue your career in Emergency Medical Dispatch / Communications? Armstrong Ambulance Service looking for an Emergency Medical Dispatcher to join our Communications team!

For over seven decades, Armstrong Ambulance has set the standard for emergency transportation in Massachusetts. We are a family-run business committed to superior medical care and dependable service.

POSITION SUMMARY: Work involves evaluating incoming calls to determine the appropriate level of emergency medical service (EMS) assistance required, dispatching units, and transmitting information and messages upon request and/or according to established procedures.Assist in all operational aspects of the Communications Center, including but not limited to; preceptor programs, data entry, ongoing training / staff meetings, vehicle utilization, customer service issues, as well as interaction with field / management staff.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Provide professional and courteous service while receiving incoming calls from the public or other public safety entities requesting emergency and non-emergency assistance, achieve and maintain control of call and provide proper interrogation to obtain necessary information to determine the appropriate response and priority.
  • Dispatch appropriate units according to acuity level, availability and location or provide appropriate information as required while simultaneously maintaining radio contact with and monitoring the status of all field units.
  • Prioritize requests for and dispatch appropriate resources for non-emergency transports based on customer relationship.
  • Maintain accurate record and log of all incidents including address of incident, times, type of response, unit number, EMT/paramedic names, patient name and disposition.
  • Maintain awareness of all field units’ status and location and assist in coordinating the activities of all field units.
  • Monitor multiple public safety radio frequencies, hospital diversions and video surveillance screens; operate a variety of communications equipment, including radio consoles, paging systems, telephones, computer aided dispatch systems and multiple computer programs/systems.
  • Communicate with other public safety agencies, hospitals, public works departments, support services and any other entity as needed to request or forward necessary information.
  • Send, receive, enter, update and disperse information by computer, telephone, cellular telephone, facsimile or other methods.
  • Interact with visitors personally and on the telephone; receive, process and record requests and complaints and route individuals to proper personnel as appropriate.
  • Manually activate interior and exterior doors from the dispatch office.
  • Test and inspect equipment as required.


QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and/or Experience

  • One year certificate from college or technical school; or three to six months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Must be able to pass the Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) program within 6 months of hire and maintain certification during employment.

Ability to:

  • Remain calm and effective under heavy workloads and in emergency situations.
  • Exercise good judgment in emergency situations.
  • Determine priorities of emergencies.
  • Obtain and act on information quickly and accurately in emergency situations.
  • Work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays to maintain 24-hour coverage of the emergency dispatch system.
  • Comprehend and make inferences from written materials such as operations manuals.
  • Learn job-related material through oral instruction and observation, and reading to effectively perform job duties. This learning takes place in an on-the-job training setting..
  • Learn street locations, station locations, and geography of the areas served.
  • Learn to operate communications equipment (multi-button telephones, base radios, and computer terminals).


COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
  • $20.50-34 per hour, depending on EMS and dispatch experience
  • Generous insurance plan includes medical, dental, vision, life, disability insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off
  • Holiday pay


Armstrong Ambulance Service is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.