CHARLES TOWN, W.Va., Jan. 29, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- American Public University System -- a regionally and nationally accredited distance learning institution -- has announced a partnership with Emergency Film Group of Edgartown, Mass. American Public University System will incorporate Emergency Film Group's award-winning DVDs into multimedia online training courses. The new continuing education courses will be available in January.
The University System (www.apus.edu) serves more than 20,000 students worldwide -- those in the military and in the public and private sectors -- with career-relevant online programs. It has one of the nation's leading homeland security programs. Emergency Film Group (www.efilmgroup.com) produces and distributes nationally recognized emergency response training DVDs and videos.
"We're pleased to add another premier education partner -- one that complements and enriches our online curriculum," says Wallace E. Boston Jr., president and chief executive officer.
The University System already has partnerships with the National Sheriffs' Association, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research and others. It offers these organizations' courses through its Center for Professional Development.
Agreement details
Emergency Film Group sought out a partnership with the University System because of its impressive programs and online course infrastructure.
"We contacted institutions of higher learning throughout the country because we wanted to find a way to give our clients continuing education units," says Gordon Massingham, president of Emergency Film Group.
"The University System has the expertise and ability to take our award-winning films and make them into exciting multimedia productions -- an effective training solution for individuals and organizations seeking professional development," says Massingham.
DVD segments -- such as footage of actual incidents, reenactments and procedure demonstrations -- will be incorporated into five new continuing education courses:
- Weapons of mass destruction preparedness
- Hazardous materials operations
- Decontamination
- Air monitoring for hazardous materials and weapons of mass destruction
- Counterterrorism for law enforcement
The new courses are 10 hours each and continuing education units may be awarded.
About Emergency Film Group
Emergency Film Group is an award-winning leader in video and DVD-based training. It has produced and distributed training films, videos and DVDs since 1987. Its products are of interest to the hazardous materials, counterterrorism, environmental and emergency response communities in both the public and the private sector. Emergency Film Group is a division of Detrick Lawrence Corp., the leading producer of emergency response training films.
About American Public University System
The University System, through member institutions American Military University, American Public University and The Center for Professional Development, provides relevant and affordable distance learning in more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs and continuing education programs -- taught by professors who are experienced in the real-world subjects they teach.
The University System is hosting "Homeland Security: The Ripple Effect," Feb. 6-7 at the National Press Club, Washington, D.C. (www.apus.edu/disaster). The symposium is one of the first-ever homeland security conferences to address the needs of smaller communities when catastrophe strikes.
Go to www.inhomelandsecurity.com for ongoing discussions regarding conference topics.