If you are interested in an emergency management career, completing an Emergency Management Professional program is a good training option. This field of study will train you to manage groups of people and resources in emergency situations. Certain institutions of higher learning offer degrees in Emergency Management, such as a Bachelors degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management or a Masters program in Emergency Management Leadership. Institutions of higher learning that offer Bachelors level Emergency Management Professional programs generally follow FEMA guidelines for Basic Emergency Management training. In addition to traditional learning institutions, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offers courses for individuals who have been promoted to a management position in Emergency Management on their jobs or through elections or appointments. Here is an overview of the Emergency Management Professional program.
National Emergency Management Basic Academy
The basic level of the FEMA curriculum provides students foundational skills and knowledge about available resources; public warning and information; planning and exercise design; and the science of disaster. Prerequisites include familiarity with Incident Command system, the national response framework and fundamentals of emergency management. The prerequisites can be completed by independent study on the FEMA website. The target audience for the basic level of training is management and staff of non-governmental, academic, public and private organizations. Anyone who has been tasked with emergency management by their employing organization can benefit from the basic level of training.
National Emergency Management Advanced Academy
The advanced level of the FEMA curriculum hones the student’s leadership and management skills and teaches issues and advanced concepts related to emergency management. Complex problem solving and critical thinking are emphasized at this level. The target audience for the Advanced program is staff and management of state, local and tribal emergency management teams; managers and directors of non-profits; private sector management; and federal branch chiefs and department heads.
National Emergency Management Executive Academy
The highest level of FEMA training is the Executive level. The executive level of training is offered through participating colleges and universities. This program emphasizes critical thinking, strategic leadership, conflict resolution, decision making and policy configuration. Executive Academy training is intended for executives and senior management in local, state, tribal and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, private sector businesses and academic institutions. Though the training is provided to individuals not included in these groups, the curriculum was designed for these positions. However, if training is provided by the Homeland Security/FEMA Academy, a cohort of 40 students for each class is selected to reflect the “Whole Community composition.”
Certification from an Emergency Management professional program will ensure that you can commandeer resources and effectively manage crises in emergency situations. If you are currently employed, the DHS/FEMA programs can provide you with the training required to successfully manage emergency conditions for your organization. However, you can also pursue a degree in Emergency Management to prepare you for a future job with an agency such as FEMA/DHS or a non-governmental organization that offers emergency services.