About the Program
The University of Washington’s Emergency Preparedness and Bioterrorism Awareness Curriculum Development Program trains health profession students in awareness of and response to public health and bioterrorism emergencies. The program is currently funded through an Advanced Education Nursing training grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
The Emergency Preparedness and Bioterrorism Awareness Curriculum Development Program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to:
- Recognize indications of a terrorist event
- Meet the acute care needs of patients and victims, including pediatric and vulnerable populations, in a safe and appropriate manner
- Participate in a coordinated, multidisciplinary response to terrorist events and other public health emergencies
- Rapidly and effectively alert the public health system of such an event at the community, state and national level
Faculty from UW’s School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Schools of Pharmacy and Nursing, and Medicine’s Physician Assistant (MEDEX) Program develop, implement, and evaluate multidisciplinary curriculum in bioterrorism and public health emergency preparedness and response. Partnerships with Washington State University’s College of Pharmacy and state and local health departments enhance the program’s work.
The program has developed and offers graduate-level courses in emergency preparedness awareness and response, student practicum experiences, disaster preparedness and response training modules on topics such as emergency risk communication for public health professionals, and a Graduate Certificate Program in Emergency Preparedness and Response.