NEWS RELEASE
NORTHERN COLLEGE
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Northern College is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) that will see increased post-secondary opportunities for the college’s Emergency Services students.
As a result of this impressive agreement, students who graduate from Northern’s Emergency Management, Terrorism and Pandemic Response Graduate Certificate will now receive credit for the majority of their first two years to attain a four-year Bachelor of Emergency and Security Management.
“What this means is that our grads can move on to complete a four-year Bachelor degree in two years completely online,” stated Sarah Campbell, Northern College’s Dean of Health Sciences and Emergency Services. “These kinds of partnerships are an incredible benefit to students, allowing them to take advantage of clear pathways to further their education from wherever they are living.”
As natural disasters and global pandemics continue to dominate world affairs, the demand for skilled, highly trained professionals in this sector is increasing, with all levels of government shifting focus to either create dedicated positions in this area, or devoting time to training existing staff to handle these unique challenges.
“This sector is growing in an unprecedented way,” stated Michelle Gervais, Northern College program co-ordinator for the Emergency Management, Terrorism and Pandemic Planning Program. “These kinds of events are increasing in their frequency and the need for those with the unique training to coordinate and plan responses is growing in step. This is an incredible opportunity for our students and a solid career prospect for those considering a career in emergency service.”
“The days of having to relocate to the other side of the country to gain an education are becoming a thing of the past,” stated Campbell. “Accessible education has become vital in the growing demand for higher levels of education and certification and we’re certainly glad to play a role in building the kinds of partnerships that allow for this kind of accessibility.”
Since there is no established provincial regulatory or governing body in this field means that students need not relocate to continue their studies.
“This partnership with NC will provide graduates of its emergency management graduate certificate with an additional opportunity to further their educations in this rewarding and growing field,” said Colleen Vaughan, JIBC Vice-President, Academic. “NC students will be able to access this educational opportunity from wherever they call home, thanks to the flexible, virtual format of JIBC’s BESMS program.”
Northern College continues to work to meet the growing demands of the workforce, forging the kinds of partnerships that continue to benefit students looking to build in demand career options and set themselves up on a path to success.
“What sets the Northern College diploma program apart from other institutions is the highly rated software and advanced integrated emergency complex where the learning takes place. One of only two of its kind in North America, a considerable investment was made by the College to acquire the assets needed to deliver this training in a manner that is second-to-none. Many professionals in the field work out of this complex as well as travel here, sometimes from far distances, to access this learning environment. We know what we offer is top of its class,” said Campbell. “This partnership is one more reason to choose to study with Northern.”
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