TSTC’s newest program to be on display in Breckenridge

(BRECKENRIDGE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College’s newest program in Breckenridge will be on display Friday, Aug. 6.

A spotlight event for the Occupational Safety and Environmental Compliance program is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Breckenridge campus, located at 415 N. Breckenridge Ave. To register for the event, visit https://tstc.secure.force.com/events/targetX_eventsb__events#/esr?eid=a1L2M0000061mHmUAI.

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational Safety and Environmental Compliance combines two previous degrees to create a five-semester program. Classes will be taught in a hybrid format that includes both in-person labs and online courses.

“This is a specialized and unique program that trains students to evaluate work environments and design programs and procedures to control, eliminate and prevent disease or injury,” said Chris Johnson, TSTC’s lead recruiter who helped organize the spotlight event.

Instructor Teresa Purcell said some demonstrations will be available during the event, including water testers, air particle meters and a radiation detector. In addition, Purcell said current students will be available to discuss the program.

“The skills and abilities that are taught in this program allow our graduates to obtain employment as a safety and environmental compliance coordinator or director over production, manufacturing and construction job sites,” she said.

Students will take classes in accident prevention, environmental regulations, industrial hygiene, safety program management, physical hazards control and other topics. During labs, students will train with various pieces of equipment that are used in the field.

Graduates of the program will also have an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 30-hour card, an OSHA general industry and construction card, and a Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) card.

According to onetonline.org, Texas will continue to need occupational health and safety technicians for the next several years. By 2028, the website is forecasting a 16% increase for technicians around the state. The annual salary for a technician in Texas is $46,840, the website stated.

The Occupational Safety and Environmental Compliance program is also taught at the Fort Bend County and Waco campuses.

Registration for the fall semester is underway. Scholarships are available. For more information, visit tstc.edu.