Is this program right for you?
Effective communication skills are at the core of community safety in crisis and emergency situations.
The micro-credential in Crisis Communications provides professionals with practical skills to develop and maintain relevant communication tools, develop crisis communication plans and programs, develop public and media relations interview skills, and effectively manage communication to various audiences including the general public, media outlets, government authorities, elected officials and business partners.
This micro-credential program is valuable to professionals from a variety of sectors, including government, first response agencies, private companies, First Nations communities, and non-governmental organizations.
This program is ideal for individuals who are interested in advancing toward crisis communications-related positions or who have found themselves in positions where crisis communication competencies are needed and required. Skills developed in Crisis Communications can be applied in many roles, industries, and contexts. Learning outcomes can be transferred and adapted to different crisis and emergency situations. The transferability of crisis communications skills developed in this program are applicable to any sector, including:
- Government
- Emergency Management
- Educational Institutions
- Healthcare Organizations
- Tourism & Hospitality
- Private Organizations
- Communications & Marketing
- Public Relations
- Small business owners/entrepreneurs
- First Response Agencies
- Oil & Gas
- Non-governmental Organizations
The micro-credential in Crisis Communications will provide you with fundamental skills and knowledge to effectively communicate and manage information before, during and after an emergency. Learners explore the needs of different target audiences, learn to develop, maintain and implement crisis communication plans, as well as develop operational skills to serve as a spokesperson for their community or agency.
The Crisis Communications program is comprised of three courses each worth one credit. Courses are led by an instructor and will mix independent learning activities (reading, written assignments) with collaborative activities (group discussions of case studies, role-playing exercises). Students should expect to spend approximately 14 hours on coursework for each course.
- EMRG-1520 Fundamentals of Crisis Communications (1 credit)
- EMRG-1522 Developing Crisis Communications Plans (1 credit)
- EMRG-1524 Crisis Communications Spokesperson (1 credit)
View the 2024-2025 training schedule or the 2025-2026 schedule to plan your completion of the program within just a few short months.
Students who complete the program will also earn a digital badge.
To apply, create a profile through EducationPlannerBC and submit an application form to the micro-credential in Crisis Communications.
- EMRG-1520 Fundamentals of Crisis Communications ($490.39 + $6.28 = $496.67)
- EMRG-1522 Developing Crisis Communications Plans ($490.39 + $6.28 = $496.67)
- EMRG-1524 Crisis Communications Spokesperson ($490.39 + $6.28 = $496.67)
The total program cost is $1,490.01 All course material is included in the online courses.
Students must be at least 18 years of age. Complete the program application form via EducationPlannerBC.
When completing your application in Education Planner BC, you will need to indicate which term you want to take your courses.
Q: I have completed EMRG-1334 Information Officer, can I transfer that course into this program?
Yes, students that have successfully completed EMRG-1334 Information Officer can apply this course towards the micro-credential.
Students that have completed EMRG-1334 Information Officer are not required to complete EMRG-1524 Crisis Communications Spokesperson.
Q: I have completed Information Officer training through NAIT, can I transfer that in?
Students that have completed crisis communications training external to the JIBC may be able to either transfer in credit or challenge a course through prior learning assessment. Contact emdprograms@jibc.ca for more information.
Q: What types of jobs require crisis communications skillsets?
This training is useful for anyone working in a position where they may be required to communicate with the public, the media, or with external partners during a crisis. These roles include: - Public Relations Manager - Police Officer - Communications Coordinator - Disability Services Manager - Emergency Manager - Front Line Supervisor - Social Media Manager - Healthcare Outreach Advisor - Human Resource Manager - Program Director.