Emergency Management at Algonquin College

Serve and respond with a career in the increasing complex field of emergency management.

The Emergency Management Ontario College Graduate Certificate program prepares you, both tactically and strategically, to understand and respond to the four domains of emergency management:

• Mitigation/prevention
• Preparedness
• Response
• Recovery

In today's world, threats and risks are increasingly complex due to the diversity of natural and man-made hazards. In this program, you learn to manage these threats and risks by exploring key topics:

• Legislative and policy framework
• Emergency management site operations
• Risk management
• Critical infrastructure protection
• Business continuity planning and collections

Use exercises and case studies to analyze real events to improve your capacity to respond to emergencies.

Graduates may find employment in all levels of government and the private sector in such roles as:

• Business continuity manager/planner
• Emergency management program coordinator
• Emergency management planner
• Emergency response officer

Success Factors

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Have sound critical and analytical skills.
• Work well in a fast-paced and unpredictable environment.
• Are inquisitive about research techniques and emerging trends in emergency management and operations.
• Are comfortable working with multidisciplinary professional teams.

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Develop, review and update emergency policies and programs based upon relevant legislation, standards, and procedures.
2. Conduct hazards identification and risk assessments, based on probability and consequence including the formulation of a risk profile addressing public and private sector issues and concerns.
3. Develop, implement, and maintain a business continuity plan that will ensure the continuation and recovery of normal operations of affected business and industry.
4. Develop, evaluate, and conduct training programs and exercises to test current emergency management programs.
5. Assess the integration and compatibility of various emergency policies, plans and procedures of area/regional private and public sectors.
6. Formulate, implement, and coordinate assigned projects within the community emergency management program within an allocated budget which meet or exceed legislative requirements incorporating a proactive risk management process and global best practices.
7. Perform operational functions in emergency situations.
8. Coordinate the development of, and administer public awareness and education programs, emergency information and media relations programs.
9. Liaise/coordinate with provincial ministries, federal departments, private and public sector enterprises to develop and sustain partnerships to assist with all phases of emergency management strategies while ensuring up-to-date data and research.
10. Lead emergency management teams using knowledge about the different styles of leadership and influence and their impact on behaviour in an emergency management context.

Careers

Graduates may find employment in government (all levels) and the private sector in such roles as business continuity managers/planners, emergency management program coordinators, emergency management planners, and as emergency response officers.

Program Eligibility

• Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Advanced Diploma, Degree or equivalent in the related field; OR

• Related work experience in emergency management.

Applicants who have not completed a university degree or college diploma may be considered based upon relevant emergency management work experience and/or postsecondary credits achieved.

These applicants will be assessed individually and will be required to complete an Eligibility Package.

Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).

• IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; OR
• TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with the minimum of 22 in each component: Reading: 22; Listening: 22; Speaking: 22; Writing: 22.