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The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management (DPEM) offers a unique opportunity for students and current professionals in the field that bridges the gap between academia and practice. Originating from the College of Nursing and Health Professions (CNHP), the degree has a strong healthcare component that makes it unique among disaster preparedness, emergency management or homeland security programs. Within the 120 hour curriculum
students complete both Basic and Advanced Disaster Life Support and take core courses devoted to the physical care of chemical, biological, radiation, nuclear and explosive injuries and disaster mental health; risk identification; disaster mental health and other courses devoted to the healthcare aspects of the pillars of emergency management. Many courses include practicum experiences with a strong healthcare focus; practicum experiences can be individualized to include medical centers, community care settings, government agencies, non-government agencies and others reflective of the discipline. Hospital Emergency Response is included in the degree program.

Upon graduation students have multiple opportunities for employment, certifications and/or licensures. All graduates may be eligible for certified emergency manager status, depending on the regulations in their states and the International Association of Emergency Managers. All disciplines are in need of experts in disaster preparedness. Potential employment venues include government, health care, business, education, non-government agencies as well as many others. A career path
map can be found on the DPEM web site.

Faculty are certified and licensed in multiple disciplines. They are active members of regional, national and international emergency medicine/disaster health committees and are committed to retaining disaster health as a key component of the BS in DPEM.

Program Prerequisites

1. Minimum GPA of 2.0 on all transfer work
2. Completion of the A-State admission application process with acceptance

Probation, Retention and Readmission

Refer to Probation, Retention and Readmission  in the College of Nursing and Health Professions.

Probation:

1. Grade of D or F in a discipline course
2. Semester or cumulative GPA less than 2.0
3. Failure to be accepted at a mandatory practicum site
4. Unprofessional behavior

Retention:

1. Minimum grade of C in all discipline courses
2. Minimum GPA of 2.0
3. Meet acceptance criteria for practicum site (unique to each site)
4. Professional behavior in all discipline courses/practicum experience

Readmission

1. Reapply to the program
2. Minimum GPA of 2.0
3. Faculty recommendation

Freshmen in residence on the A-State campus must take the First Year Experience. For more information about the program, go to: http://www.astate.edu/college/conhp/degrees/.

Programs

• Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, AAS
• Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, BS

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