Why choose a career in OHS?
Career growth
By 2031, 14,800 new OHS positions are expected to open across Canada.
Making a difference
OHS professionals protect workers, prevent injuries, and contribute to safer, healthier workplaces. In 2022, employees missed 3.99 million days of work due to work-related incidents and diseases in British Colombia alone.
High demand for professionals
Organizations with 300+ employees are required to have workplace health and safety committees, creating a steady demand for skilled OHS professionals.
About the school
The UFred School of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) offers online Associate Degrees, Certificates, Diplomas and specialized course options. Our occupational health and safety programs are designed to:
train current or future safety professionals in the industry's best practices,
help aspiring OHS professionals make their first steps in the field
open certification opportunities to experienced safety practitioners.
Learning an OHS program is an excellent path if you want to support your organization’s workplace health protocols, help protect your fellow workers from injuries and risks, or reskill before rejoining the workforce (i.e. if you've been injured yourself). With UFred, you’ll gain the knowledge and hands-on skills necessary to meet the demands for success in this essential field.
By investing in your education and acquiring formal academic and professional credentials, you can secure a competitive edge in a steadily growing field. Our health and safety programs also cover critical topics like:
risk management
workplace inspections
relevant legislation
All of which will help prepare you to meet and exceed OHS requirements.
Looking to obtain the Canadian Registered Safety Technician (CRST) or Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (CRSP) designation? Our Associate Degree in Occupational Health and Safety (AOHS) and Certificate in Occupational Health, Safety, and Environmental Systems (COHSES) meet the educational requirements for these prestigious credentials. Visit the respective program pages to learn more.
A career in occupational health and safety offers:
opportunities to protect employees
improve workplace well-being
enhance organizational performance.
At UFred, we’re committed to delivering accessible, high-quality education to help you make a meaningful impact in your career and community.
Recognized as a Top Online School by Course Compare, UFred provides innovative programs designed to prepare the next generation of safety professionals.
School of OHS Programs
Associate Degree in Occupational Health and Safety
Learn the most job-essential aspects of occupational health and safety (OHS).
AOHS Program
Certificate in Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Systems
Start your journey to occupational safety certification
COHSES Program
Diploma in Safety, Health, and Environmental Management
The Diploma for working safety practitioners.
SHEM Program
Integrated Disability Management
Develop crucial ergonomic skills to address workplace safety.
IDM Program
Certificate of Ergonomics
Help build healthier work environments and develop crucial ergonomic skills.
Ergonomics Certificate
Psychological Health and Safety
Address psychological health & safety in the workplace.
PHS ProgramAttend an online info session
Interested in learning more about our Occupational Health and Safety programs? Join one of our upcoming webinars for an in-depth look at what our programs offer.
Hear from our graduates
Saul Gabriel Merino
COHSES Graduate
“With my newly acquired knowledge, I have been able to help and connect with my employees on another level by educating, teaching, and practicing what I have learned.”
Daisy Jacobs
COHSES Graduate
“Some of the most important lessons I learned from this program were patience, structure, and confidence. My peers and instructors helped encourage me in many ways when I didn’t think it was possible to complete the program during my high-volume career with Kiewit.”
Linda Barry
MBA Graduate
“I learned that the faculty and support staff really are there to see you be successful. The support I received helped me realize that my personal support system will also help me achieve whatever I desire.”
Read More
What sets UFred's OHS programs apart?
Flexible online learning
UFred’s programs are designed to fit your busy schedule, offering fully online learning with no in-person requirements. Balance your studies with work, family, or other commitments while advancing your career.
Expert-led programs
Our safety programs are led by distinguished safety experts with extensive industry experience. You’ll gain practical insights and real-world knowledge you can apply immediately.
Pathways to certification
Our Associate Degree and Certificate programs meet the foundational requirements for CRST and CRSP designations, setting you on the path to becoming a certified safety professional.
Real-world application
Our “learn today, use tomorrow” approach ensures you can implement your workplace management skills and knowledge immediately in your current role or future career.
Tailored education
With a wide variety of program options, UFred offers learning opportunities suited to your experience level, skills, and ambitions.
Our programs are built by experts
Everything you'll study was designed by a specialized team of highly qualified professors.
Your OHS school instructors all have rich career experience in both the private sector and the academic world, bringing extensive experience in topics like incident investigation and corrective actions within safety roles across industries.
You’ll study in an environment designed for online learning success, guided by experienced professors who specialize in virtual education.
Our OHS programs exemplify our commitment to delivering quality, accessible education, offering applicable skills and a proven track record of graduate success.
Our accreditation
The University of Fredericton is a degree-granting university offering an online Associate Degree in Occupational Health and Safety (AOHS) under Section 3 of the Degree Granting Act of the Province of New Brunswick in Canada.
The AOHS program offered through UFred's School of Occupational Health and Safety is accredited by the Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission of ABET and has been fully accredited by the Province of New Brunswick since it launched.
The Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission of ABET accreditation stands in addition to the standard provincial accreditation.
Our online model
Fair pricing
Thanks to our fully online teaching environment, we can charge less for our programs while still offering you a high-value educational experience.
Freedom to learn
Online learning means having more freedom: no need to travel, no need to attend multiple classes during business hours.
Resources
All of our services are available to you digitally: a library, a bookstore, support from advisors and peers, and instructor office hours.
Global reach
Our students come from across Canada and around the world, creating a diverse network of professionals.
From student loans to employer reimbursement, explore all the ways you're able to finance your studies by visiting our funding page.
Admission requirements for UFred's OHS programs
The admission requirements vary across programs and can be found on each individual program page. See below for a high-level view of what's expected.
And don't forget: our Program Advisors are happy to help answer any questions you may have and support you in any way possible. See below for a high-level view of what's expected.
UFred tries to make the application process as easy as possible for you. Learn how to apply by visiting your application roadmap.
Elevate your career with an OHS certificate
UFred is a leading educator of OHS professionals from all walks of life across Canada.
Our occupational health and safety programs are taught by a diverse team of experienced and distinguished safety experts, each with several years in leadership roles across various organizations.
With a wide range of certifications and topics—such as fall protection, incident investigation, and fire chemistry and safety—the School of OHS offers learning opportunities tailored to your experience, skills, and career goals. Explore career paths in workplace safety, occupational hygiene, and compliance with the Canada Labour Code. With an OHS program from UFred, you’ll be well-equipped to achieve your professional goals.