I am very proud to be part of the University of Cincinnati’s new Homeland Security & Emergency Management certificate program, which will launch in June 2011. That is this year folks. 

 The certificate program will be five courses, out of seven courses offered. It is taught by an all star cast of faculty; I humbly include myself in those ranks, dedicated to training America’s future in emergency management. Registration should soon be announced – go to www.uc.edu/cas/firescience – graduate certificate, for more information.  

 Those considering the program may also attend the first day of each of the seven classes in 2011 without charge, for free Continuing Education.  The dates of each class are posted on above web site.  

 The program is part of the distance learning initiative for the University of Cincinnati with all the on line classes.  Students have access to the incredible ohiolink literature site to get access to the latest cutting edge literature that is normally used by techno-weenies like me. Getting unlimited access to ohiolink for one year is worth the cost of admission. Seriously though, go to http://www.ohiolink.edu/ to see all the books and articles you can get access to.

 Along with ohiolink the Homeland Security certificate program will teach the student all he or she will need to be able to move up the ranks of the EMS, Fire, Police, FBI, National Security agencies and be prepared to make command and system decisions. Yours truly will be teaching a section on evidence based decision making called, “Integrated Approach to Planning & Response for Medical Management of Terrorism and Large-Scale Incidents.” That is how to read the latest literature, planning and policies as well as apply it to your work and your system when preparing for terrorist or mass causality events.

 The program is geared to relatively experienced personnel who have worked in the trenches for a few years and want a mechanism for advancement. You do not need to have an advanced degree nor is it necessary to take the graduate school admissions tests (GRE or similar).

As far as I’m concerned if you have any aspirations for a future in emergency services of any sort, seeing my face on a podcast should be in your future.