IPC Announces 2012 Schedule for EMS Program Manager Training and Certification

The 2012 training dates are:
Introduction to the EMS Industry and Program Management — February 27–28, at IPC APEX EXPO™, San Diego, Calif.; May 18–19, Arlington, Va.; late September, in conjunction with 2012 IPC Midwest, Schaumburg. Ill.; October 5–6, Tampa, Fla.
EMS Training II — March 1–2, at IPC APEX EXPO, San Diego; June 22–23, Columbus, Ohio; late September, in conjunction IPC Midwest, Schaumburg, Ill.; November 2–3, Tampa, Fla.
EMS Leadership Training and Certification Exam — March 1–3, at IPC APEX EXPO, San Diego; July 19–21, Columbus, Ohio; late September, in conjunction with IPC Midwest, Schaumburg, Ill.; December 6–8, Tampa, Fla.
Certification Exam only — March 3, at IPC APEX EXPO, San Diego; July 21, Columbus, Ohio; late September, in conjunction with IPC Midwest, Schaumburg, Ill.; and December 8, Tampa, Fla.

Appropriate for experienced managers, new managers and managers in training, the program covers critical topics including operations, finance, contract and time management, as well as essential leadership skills. However, the program is not just for program managers, as Paul Forker, vice president of sales for Quality Production Ltd. notes, “I took the course and it really helped me to see how operations, legal, accounting, and customer service all come together to support our customers. I have a much clearer understanding of how I can better assist my team members and coordinate resources in support of our customers’ goals.”
The first part of the course, Introduction to the EMS Industry and Program Management, is a two-day overview of EMS program management and the EMS industry, providing interactive lectures, group discussions and exercises with industry leaders. The next segment, EMS Training I, is a self-study/online tutorial that provides students with background information in basic business areas, such as customer relations, legal issues, accounting, supply chain management and more.
EMS Training II is a two-day course that expands on the basic concepts and their relevance to specific EMS situations. The final segment, EMS Leadership Training, covers effective communication practices, conflict resolution and problem-solving techniques to meet the leadership challenges presented by any customer project.
“Becoming a certified EMS program manager (CEPM) expands a manager’s expertise and cultivates necessary skills to help a company save time and money. Earning certification can also be a powerful tool for winning clients,” said Susan Filz, IPC industry programs director. “Program management means something different in every company. But by enhancing leadership skills and gaining a deeper understanding of diverse responsibilities, program managers can bring more value to their companies and their customers.”