(CIP Code: 43.0203)

Program Description:

The Blinn College Fire Safety and Health AAS degree prepares students for entry-level employment as safety professionals. This two-year degree satisfies the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP – www.bcsp.org) the educational requirements which are necessary for a graduate to be eligible for certifying as an Associate Safety Professional (ASP). ASP certifying candidates must also have at least one year of safety experience, per the BCSP guidelines. As part of the Fire Safety and Health AAS degree, a student will participate in a semester-long internship experience which is applicable to the required year of experience needed for ASP certification eligibility. Graduates who pursue and achieve ASP certification readily identify competency in their respective field.

Successful completion of this degree provides graduates with skills which allow them to perform various safety duties, such as: completing work-site assessments for risks, evaluating incident and loss records, developing emergency response and fire protection plans, managing safety programs, conducting safety and health training, and a variety of other safety functions. Professionals in this field work in a variety of settings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (www.bls.gov/ooh/), the largest employers are government entities (municipalities, universities, etc.), manufacturing companies, and construction companies.

Program Notes:

Students proceeding into the internship phase of the curriculum will be required to show proof of required immunizations and submit to a criminal background check and drug screening process. Internships are required to be eligible for graduation and as part of the requirements for professional certification.

For the most accurate information, please see the Program’s website at www.blinn.edu/twe/fire/. Advising for current Blinn students regarding this Program can be scheduled by emailing kynsie.benefield@blinn.edu.

The Fire Safety and Health AAS degree is pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).