Blinn Fire Safety and Health Program accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress

Recognition reflects the program’s stellar curriculum and 100% employment rate for graduates as industry demand for occupational health and safety inspectors grows 

November 4, 2025

The Blinn College District Fire Safety and Health Program recently earned prestigious accreditation from the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC), recognizing the program’s excellence in training the next generation of skilled safety and emergency service professionals.

The IFSAC is a nonprofit, peer-driven, self-governing system of fire service certifying entities and higher education fire-related degree programs. Blinn is now one of 38 programs nationwide to earn accreditation and the only one in the State of Texas.

“We’re extremely proud of this accomplishment and the exponential growth of this program,” Fire Science Program Director Jason Loyd said. “Being accredited by the IFSAC is a testament to the dedication of our faculty and the success of our graduates who enter the workforce as highly trained individuals ready to fill invaluable safety and occupational health positions across a myriad of industries.”

Blinn’s Fire Safety and Health AAS degree is a two-year program that equips graduates with the training and credentials needed to step directly into high-demand careers as occupational health and safety specialists. Classes include specialized instruction in accident prevention, inspection, and investigation; fire chemistry; Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations; emergency management; fire prevention codes; safety program management; and firefighter health and safety. The degree plan concludes with an emergency management internship, which allows students to network with local businesses, learn about industry standards, and gain hands-on experience applying their skills. Graduates prepare for positions in a variety of industries as safety technicians, occupational safety technicians, or environmental protection specialists.

Students also can earn their OSHA cards in general industry and construction. After gaining work experience in the field, program graduates may be eligible to take the Associate of Safety Professionals certification exam, a credential that generates additional career benefits. In addition, students can pursue bachelor’s degrees in emergency management.

“Pursuing an AAS in Fire Safety and Health can open up so many career doors for our students,” said Loyd. “From firefighters to emergency medical technicians or individuals who want to work in the private sector, this credential is a great addition and tells employers that our students have expert training. In addition, through our industry connections, our students have a direct link to potential employers that can’t be matched. The sky is the limit with this degree.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national demand for occupational health and safety specialists and technicians is expected to grow 12% between 2024 and 2034, with a median salary of $78,900.

To learn more about Blinn’s Fire Science Program, including the AAS degree in Fire Safety and Health, visit www.blinn.edu/fire-science. Commissioned firefighters may be eligible to pursue the program at minimal cost with a letter from their fire chief.