Public Safety Training Program
Local Level training has been a long-standing program in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This style of training enhances the experience by focusing the training to the specific environments offered by the host agency. Training can be tailored to integrate agency or client equipment and apparatus into most lesson plans.
The goal is to achieve competency. Through practice and hands on experience the student will learn various skills. Effective methods and safe application of tools and equipment will be emphasized throughout the program. Per the agency or clients needs, additional, specialty or varied equipment can be used to supplement the program.
Courses can be requested and scheduled on an "as needed / where needed" basis. This concept of on-demand training is unique to Pennsylvania. Customized training is available for public safety organizations, institutional and industrial facilities. Staff is available to serve as facilitators for drills or practical training exercises.
For additional information on availability of services or to schedule a training exercise, please call our Emergency Services Training Department at (610) 861-5467.
Course Format and Content
Instruction consists of classroom discussion, demonstration, lecture, simulation, small group activity, practical application and exercises as needed to develop proficiency of course subject matter. All State Fire Academy accredited courses will meet the minimum standards as established by the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy. Northampton Community College accredited courses have been reviewed and approved by the NCC curriculum committee. A specialized diploma or associate in applied science degree is available for students who successfully meet the requirements of the emergency services program.
Course Lengths and Schedules
Course lengths are based on the nature of subjects being covered as well as educational concerns. Considerations and concerns include complexity of content, safety issues, classroom time, and practical exercise time. Course schedules can be flexible in regard to the needs of the requesting agency. Schedules are usually arranged by mutual consent of the instructor, the requesting organization and the college. Typical schedules are three or four hours per night, once or twice a week, eight hours a day on Saturday and/or Sunday.
Training Request
A catalog of course offerings is available by request. The courses listed in this catalog are available to be scheduled and delivered per agency or client request throughout the year by completing the Local Level Course Application. The completed application should be submitted to Northampton Community College, Att: Emergency Services, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem, PA 18020 or FAX the application to (610) 861-4127. The application should be submitted at least six weeks prior to the course starting date.
If an agency or client has a specific instructor they have contact or familiarity with and would like to use this person to instruct any course, that name can be submitted on the application form in the appropriate blank. Agency or client recruited instructors must possess appropriate credentials from the State Fire Academy or other recognized certifying agency to instruct any requested course. The College reserves the right to reject any instructor deemed ineligible to instruct any requested course. It is recommended that agencies or clients with instructor preferences contact the instructor of their choice prior to submission of the course application. This procedure expedites the process and assures instructor availability. Requested courses without agency-designated instructors will be assigned available, qualified instructional staff.
Course Enrollment Procedure and Cancellation Policy
In order for a host emergency response agency to qualify for tuition free instruction, a minimum number of students must be enrolled in the requested course. The minimum class enrollment is fifteen students for most programs. This minimum number of students can vary based on the course offered. Host organizations will be given a target number of students for the course requested. Recruitment of students can be from any other Pennsylvania emergency response agency.
Host agencies will be provided with registration forms approximately four weeks prior to the class start date. These forms are to be used to register students for the course. An alternative procedure would be to register for the course at the college registration office. In all cases registration should be completed at least ten days prior to the class. Upon conclusion of the registration period the host agency will forward all completed registration forms to the college's Emergency Services Training Department. The host agency may elect to cancel the program at this point if registration numbers are below the minimum number required. " Walk-in" registration on the first day of the course will be permitted to fill any vacancies up to the class maximum. Classes that have filled to capacity will not allow "walk-in" registration.
In order for classes to run when student count minimums have not been met, host agencies can elect to "buy out" any unfilled vacancies. The "buy out" option must be exercised at the conclusion of the registration period. Host agencies must either cancel or agree to "buy out" at least 10 days before the scheduled course start date. "Walk-in" students will be entered on class roster for a final tally of students. Agency financial responsibility will be calculated up to the class minimum. Invoices will be issued at the conclusion of class. All invoices are due and payable upon receipt. Failure to cancel or "buy out" could result in the host agency being liable for lost instructor wages and costs. Failure to pay any fees or costs will result in the agency being suspended from tuition free programs.
Host agencies can also request "agency members only" programs by agreeing to pay a fee for each student under the class minimum. This option must be stated at the time of original class request. Agency restricted classes will not be advertised or listed in promotional publications.
Fee Schedules for Classes Under Minimum Enrollment
1. Class hours 6 and under $25.00 per student under minimum
2. Class hours 7 and over $75.00 per student under minimum
Tuition
Most training courses are delivered tuition free to Pennsylvania Emergency Service Organizations. There may be a material fee or tuition fee if the minimum enrollment guidelines are not met. Unless otherwise stipulated, books and reference materials will be the responsibility of the student to supply as required.
Course Locations & Information Requests
Course sessions are usually held at local emergency service agencies. Host agencies will offer their facilities, tools, and equipment as part of the sponsoring agreement. Some courses are offered on the Northampton Community College campus or Northampton County Fire School training grounds.
Students, response agencies or clients can request information concerning course locations and times or request additional information concerning emergency programs via contact as listed below:
For Public Safety Programs you can Email or call,
Northampton Community College
Attn: Thomas Barnowski
3835 Green Pond Rd.
Bethlehem, PA 18020
Phone; 610-861-5467
For Emergency Medical Service questions you can write, Email or call,
Northampton Community College
Attn: Judy Rex
3835 Green Pond Rd.
Bethlehem, PA 18020
Phone; 610-861-5094
Instructor Credentials and Qualifications
Instructors are selected from a list of certified instructors as approved and accredited by one or more of the following certifying agencies: Pennsylvania State Fire Academy, Pennsylvania State Dept. of Health, Pennsylvania Fish Commission, American Heart Association, American Red Cross, National Safety Council or other certifying organization as recognized by Northampton Community College.
Student Responsibilities
Students are responsible for the following:
1. Material presented in class
2. Adequate performance of practical skills
3. Attendance as required
4. Books and reference materials
5. Make up of missed assignments or exams
6. Conduct in accordance with policies and guidelines of certifying agency, Northampton Community College, and Northampton County Fire School
7. Policies as stated by instructor at the beginning of class
8. Essential Functions as outlined in course requirements
Students will be suspended or expelled from class for violation of these established policies. Any fees collected or due from student or the sponsoring agency of student will not be refunded or waived.
Training and Attendance Certificates
Certificates will be either completed training certificates or satisfactory attendance certificates. The course content and requirements will determine the type of certificate to be awarded. Certificates will only be awarded to those students that have successfully completed all course objectives and attendance requirements.
Absence exceeding 10% of the prescribed hours automatically disqualifies the student from receiving a certificate, unless missed hours or sessions are made up with an approved instructor. The lead instructor of the course will supervise and approve any and all make up time. Accommodations will be considered for students with valid reason or justification for absence or incomplete course requirements.
Students completing Pennsylvania State Fire Academy courses will receive a Pennsylvania State Fire Academy sealed certificate. Students completing other courses certified by recognized organizations will receive certification documents as outlined by the associated organization. Successful students having completed courses originating from Northampton Community College will receive Northampton Community College certificates.
