Emergency Services Administration
Associate in Applied Science Degree (A.A.S)
PROGRAM RATIONALE AND OUTCOMES
The Emergency Services Administration degree is the result of ongoing assessments of public safety administrative capabilities as it pertains to the role of government and the response community. Discussions with leadership in the preparedness and response communities in the Lehigh Valley have affirmed there is a substantial need for practically-trained, emergency service administrators. Additionally, projections indicate viable job opportunities nationally and within the state as it relates to the overall emergency management cycle of mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. Since the events of September 11, 2001 and the formation of Homeland Security Agencies at the federal, state and local levels, additional job opportunities as it pertains to Public Safety and Emergency Service Administration are emerging. Supervisory and administrative roles in all aspects of protective services that include, law enforcement, emergency medicine, firefighting, rescue, and security are growing to meet the public safety needs in an ever-changing tumultuous world. The comprehensive course of study allows students to gather a broad base administrative background thereby qualifying them to work in many supervisory roles as an integral part of their agency or organization. This NCC degree focuses on the basics of core academic areas, and adds a strong practical administrative practices component. It prepares the graduate of this degree to be job ready to perform the vital skills needed to drive the administrative functions of public safety and protective services agencies or organizations. It is not intended for transfer though students can further their education if they desire.
An advisory group of emergency responders and local government representatives reviewed and assessed the current status of the Commonwealth’s response community. The November 2004 report to the Senate of Pennsylvania indicated sweeping changes were going to be needed to serve the communities of the Commonwealth. The capabilities and ready status of the volunteer emergency response service was examined and discussed. The report indicated that at the current rate of declining volunteerism, it seemed unavoidable that professionally staffed organizations were going to be needed in the near future. Oversight and funding of these public safety agencies and organizations are issues that will likely fall to municipal governments. Without adequately prepared administrative staff it is unlikely these organizations or agencies will be able to cope with the challenges of operation. The NCC Emergency Services Administrative degree speaks to current and projected public safety/protective services needs while it prepares graduates to function as effective emergency services administrators.
Emergency Services Administration A.A.S. Program Outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of administrative principles as it relates to accounting/finance and management.
- Apply emergency service and public safety skills as it relates to agency/organization operations.
- Acquire and demonstrate strong presentation and communication skills.
- Acquire and practice an understanding of ethics and legal responsibility as it pertains to the gravity of emergency response and public safety.
- Work effectively in both individual and team environments.
- Design and implement a cohesive administrative strategy, effectively combining all elements of successful business practice.
- Employ critical thinking and problem solving techniques relevant to emergency situations.
Program Narrative
The Emergency Services Administration Degree prepares the student to adequately and efficiently deal with the administrative challenges faced in providing fire, police, emergency medical, and emergency management services within various levels of government, institutions and industry. Graduates may be employed in positions with job titles such as emergency management coordinator, assistant emergency management coordinator, public safety director, emergency operations director, fire fighter, emergency medical technician, law enforcement official, safety professional or security coordinator.
Program Features
The Emergency Services Administration associate degree program is designed for individuals who are seeking careers that are related to the administration duties of emergency and response agencies or organizations. The primary focus of the program is to provide an educational methodology with administrative skill sets for those individuals tasked to function at an operational level within an emergency response organization or agency. It is designed to provide an interoperable approach to the total cycle of emergency management. The lessons learned in the program will assure successful outcomes as it pertains to emergency situations. Individuals employed in the private sector as safety officers, security professionals or on-site first responders can also develop and strengthen their capabilities and effectiveness by completing this program. Program and course content has been developed to be congruent with concepts established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) and local emergency planning committees.
Program Requirements
The Emergency Services Administration degree contains provisions for a free elective of three credits in addition to the General Education electives. This program can be completed in the day or evening, on a full-time or part-time basis.
Career Potential
Emergency Management Coordinators
Fire Officer
Law Enforcement Officer
Emergency Medical Supervisor
Safety and Security Director
Corrections Officer
Emergency Management Specialist
Emergency Response Manager
