Schedule an Advising Appointment
Acting Graduate Program Director: Dr. Jane Lincove
Graduate Program Coordinator: Renee Decker
Available as of Spring 2025 (Online format only)
Overview
The online Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Emergency Management (HCEM PBC) offers specialized training in emergency preparedness and disaster response from a public health perspective. This program is central to the mission of the Department of Emergency and Disaster Health Systems (EDHS), preparing practitioners and leaders to support emergency health and disaster management across the spectrum of public health.
EDHS is uniquely positioned in the Emergency Management education field, focusing on the health impacts of emergencies and disasters. By integrating emergency management, public health, clinical medicine, and disaster sciences, this program addresses critical training gaps in healthcare-specific emergency preparedness. Designed for professionals in hospital administration, emergency departments, emergency coordination, EMS, public health, and regional healthcare coalitions, this certificate equips learners with essential skills to navigate healthcare crises effectively.
Program Objectives
Upon completion of this certificate, learners will have expertise in:
1. Healthcare Emergency Management Concepts
- Understanding the unique challenges and needs of healthcare settings during emergencies.
- Recognizing the role of hospitals and public health agencies in disaster response.
2. Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response
- Applying public health principles to emergency preparedness and disaster response.
- Coordinating with local, state, and federal agencies during crises.
3. Emergency and Safety Compliance Standards
- Navigating regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements for healthcare institutions.
- Implementing Joint Commission emergency management standards.
4. Developing Key Skills in Emergency Management
- Establishing preparedness frameworks, including Hazard Vulnerability Analysis (HVA) and the four phases of emergency management.
- Implementing emergency operations plans.
- Addressing six critical areas of emergency response:
- Communication
- Resources and assets
- Safety and security
- Staff responsibilities
- Utilities management
- Patient clinical and support activities
- Planning and conducting testing and evaluation activities.
- Managing recovery efforts post-incident.
5. Certification Preparation
Graduates will be prepared to pass the International Board for Certification Services and Management’s Certified Healthcare Emergency Professional (CHEP) examination.
Required Courses (12 Credits Total)
To complete the certificate, students must complete the following courses:
- EDHS 623: Public Health Emergency Preparedness (3 credits)
- Covers public health response strategies, pandemic preparedness, and community resilience.
- EDHS 624: Emergency Management for Hospitals and Healthcare Organizations (3 credits)
- Focuses on disaster planning, hospital incident command systems, and regulatory compliance.
- EDHS 625: Leadership, Risk & Crisis Communication (3 credits)
- Develops leadership skills for crisis management, risk assessment, and stakeholder communication.
- EDHS 691: Business Development and Strategic Planning (3 credits)
- Emphasizes strategic decision-making, resource management, and operational continuity in emergencies.
Who Should Enroll?
This certificate is designed for professionals in the following roles:
- Hospital Administrators
- Emergency Department Staff
- Hospital Emergency Coordinators
- First Responders / EMS
- State & County Emergency Managers
- Regional Healthcare Coalitions
- Public Health Workers
Why Choose This Program?
- Gain specialized knowledge in healthcare-specific emergency management.
- Learn from industry experts with over 40 years of emergency health services experience.
- Enhance career opportunities in hospital preparedness, public health emergency response, and disaster management.
- Be equipped to protect healthcare institutions from natural disasters, pandemics, cyberattacks, and CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear) threats.
For more information contact The Department of Emergency and Disaster Health Systems