Certificate in First Responder Health and Wellness

The Certificate in First Responder Health and Wellness consists of five (5) fully online courses. This certificate will help leaders in the fire service learn about occupational stress and trauma so they can address the mental health needs of emergency services personnel.

Courses

The certificate consists of five (5) required courses. Learners can expect to spend a minimum of three (3) hours per week on their studies for each course.

Click on each course name for more details and specific learning outcomes:

• OLCD-FIRE0036 Incident Command: Thinking and Acting 
• OLCD-HEAL0018 Foundations of Positive Psychology 
• OLCD-PALS0030 Interpersonal and Intercultural Communication 
• OLCD-PALS0031 Organizational Behaviour 
• OLCD-PALS0033 Introduction to Occupational Stress and Resilience for First Responder Leaders 

Please note: The Certificate requires a passing grade of 70% in each course. See each course for applicable tuition fees and schedule. You must register for each course individually to reserve your spot. Courses can be taken in any order. Courses can only be used towards one certificate. 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this certificate, learners will:

• gain an awareness of the types of trauma that impacts first responders;
• critically evaluate mental health supports and services, and understand implementation options within a first responder workplace;
• anticipate and be open to changes in the workplace;
• support workplace teams in working together effectively; and
• learn skills to become better managers and leaders within the workplace.

Prerequisites

The prerequisite for the Certificate in First Responder Health and Wellness is the Certificate in Fire Service Leadership. Before taking OLCD-FIRE0036 (Incident Command: Thinking and Acting), students should also take ICS 100, and ICS 200.

Language Requirement: University-level English language proficiency required in writing, speaking and reading comprehension. It is recommended that students have an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall or a TOEFL-IBT score of 90 overall for this program. Please see the following guidelines from Dalhousie University for more information: English Language Requirements For Undergraduate Admissions - Admissions - Dalhousie University.

Program Delivery

The program is delivered through the flexibility and convenience of Dalhousie's enriched and engaging online learning platform (OpenDal). Courses include group activities, live streaming lectures and project work. Course delivery is designed to provide maximum benefit and flexibility through online study.

Who Should Take This Certificate?

• Current and aspiring leaders in the fire service

Recognition of Prior Learning

It may be possible to receive advanced standing in this certificate based on your prior learning from work or life experience. We provide two types of recognition of prior learning:

• Prior Certified Learning: Assessment of prior coursework or training through a provider, that is neither a university or college, for the purpose of advanced standing. Examples of certified learning may include military courses, accredited certificates, workplace training programs, etc.
• Prior Experiential Learning: Assessment of previous work and life learning that may be equivalent to learning outcomes of university courses / programs, for the purpose of advanced standing. Relevant prior learning may come from work or volunteer experience, participation on committees or boards, independent study, etc.

To discuss how to use your prior learning to apply for advanced standing, please contact rpl@dal.ca.