Safety management degree earns national recognition

  Wednesday, September 30, 2015 2:00 AM
  News

Pittsburg, KS

Graduates of Pittsburg State’s environmental and safety management program will now leave the university with more than a diploma.

The Institute for Safety and Health Management (ISHM) announced this week that Pitt State’s Environmental and Safety Management Program has been added to ISHM’s national board-approved programs, a distinction that carries with it benefits for the university and its students. The Environmental and Safety Management Program is housed within the College of Technology’s School of Construction.

According to ISHM, a student earning an environmental and safety management degree from a board-approved institution is automatically qualified for the Associate Safety and Health Manager (ASHM) credential offered by the ISHM.

Also, graduates from a board-approved program can earn Certified Safety and Health Manager (CSHM) status after gaining two years of work experience. Graduates from programs not approved by ISHM’s board need four years of experience before being eligible for CSHM status.

“Although our students complete at least one internship prior to graduation, their work experience will be minimal,” said Assistant Professor Ann Petersen. “ASHM can be earned by graduates in the short term, while other certifications require years of experience. Potential employers will see this designation and know the rigor of study students have accomplished.”

ASHM credentials help potential employers know that the individual has been formally educated and prepared to address safety and health issues and are ready to step into an entry-level position, according to ISHM. This credential acknowledges that the individual has a broad understanding of business and financial principles, hazard analyses, accident investigation, environmental law and other safety principles, and can apply a variety of safety tools.

Pitt State senior Zach Axton said having the ASHM certification will be beneficial to him and fellow students once they enter the workforce.

“I look forward to jump starting my career with an ASHM certification, which shows employers that I care about continuing my education throughout my career,” Axton said.

Pitt State’s program joins degree programs from more than 12 other higher education institutions in Alabama, Missouri, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Texas, West Virginia and Wisconsin that are recognized by ISHM.

“Pittsburg State provides tremendous value to students by requiring management coursework as part of its EHS degree program,” ISHM CEO Larry Curtis said. “We look forward to contributing to Pitt State graduates’ career-readiness by offering them ASHM credentials.”

For more information about Pitt State’s environmental and safety management degree program, visit www.pittstate.edu/department/construction/degree-programs/environmental-and-safety-management.dot.