Academic Catalog

Emergency Services, Certificate of Proficiency (ESCP)

Effective: Fall 2023

The Emergency Services Certificate of Proficiency is designed for individuals who are seeking entry level careers that are related to the emergency services (Fire, EMS, Law Enforcement, and/or Security). The primary focus of the certificate is to provide an entry-level foundation to better prepare for a career in the emergency services. The technical core of the program focuses on the knowledge and skills required to effectively operate within the incident command system during emergency situations as well as handling of daily operations.  The competencies and course content has been developed with significant consideration of the coursework developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as well as State and local emergency services organizations.

A Certificate of Proficiency will be awarded upon completion of the certificate with a 2.0 GPA and a “C” or better in all required courses and electives.

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Identify the key concepts of the Incident Command System
  • Define the role of various emergency service leaders and their functions within the incident management system
  • Examine leadership approaches in emergency response
  • Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with the general public and with first-responder colleagues.

The College will award a certificate of proficiency to students who complete 30 credits of an approved career program. These credits will not normally include physical education, developmental, basic and/or continuing education courses and will usually consist of 24 credits in the career specialty and six credits in general education. At least 50 percent of the credits must be earned at Delaware County Community College. The student must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. At least six credit hours must be in courses that are awarded grade points.

Plan of Study Grid
First SemesterHours
EMER 105 Incident Management 3
EMER 120 Leadership and Influence 3
CS 100 Introduction to Information Technology 3
Program Electives (ADJ, EMER, EMS, EMTP, FST, or MPT courses) 3
 Hours12
Second Semester
ENG 100 English Composition I 3
COMM 100
Interpersonal Communication
or Public Speaking
3
Program Electives (ADJ, EMER, EMS, EMTP, FST, or MPT courses) 6
 Hours12
Third Semester
Program Electives (ADJ, EMER, EMS, EMTP, FST, or MPT courses) 6
 Hours6
 Total Hours30

Notes:

The program electives for the certificate align with the emergency services professions, allowing the student to develop their core knowledge and include 15-credits in the following:

  1. ADJ- Administration of Justice
  2. EMER- Emergency Management & Planning
  3. EMS- Emergency Medical Services (EMT)
  4. EMTP- Paramedic
  5. FST- Fire Science Technology
  6. MPT- Municipal Police Academy

Career Information for this Program:

Emergency Services (Certificate)

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