Here is a comprehensive guide on how to become a toxicologist.
What is a Toxicologist?
A toxicologist is a person who studies the effect of toxic compounds and chemicals on the environment, humans, and animals.
The main role of toxicologists is to analyze the chemicals in the collected samples, identify symptoms associated with exposure to these chemicals and find preventive measures. They would also prepare a protocol to reduce the exposure to these chemicals and for the treatment.
The various tasks of a toxicologist are given below.
- Execute controlled experiments in the biological samples.
- Analyse the reports and identify the toxins in the samples.
- Interpret the data and properly document or record them.
- Consult with the police as needed, especially for a forensic toxicologist
- Write reports, prepare reviews and follow up with proper documentation.
- Assess any newly identified chemicals that can be harmful.
How to Become a Toxicologist?
To become a toxicologist, you must have the required educational qualifications, some personal skills, and a sound resume to land the job. Let’s find out more about the requirements to be a toxicologist.
Education Required to be a Toxicologist
The toxicology education requirements are as follows.
- The primary step is to get a bachelor’s degree in toxicology.
- If you do not have a degree in toxicology, the other option is to get a Masters degree in toxicology after completing the degree course in biology, chemistry, environmental science, veterinary science, immunology, physiology, pharmacy, biotechnology, microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, pathology, etc.
- Having a master’s degree in toxicology is advantageous.
- Masters Degree to become a toxicologist include toxicology, forensic toxicology, environmental toxicology, veterinary pharmacology, etc.
- You can also do certification, diploma, postgraduate diploma courses, etc in different toxicology fields.
Career in Toxicology
Once you have the necessary qualifications, search on job websites to find suitable posts and apply for the job. Don’t forget to make your resume as compelling as possible. Doing some internships or additional certification courses in related fields would make your resume stand out from the other applications.
Toxicologists work in various industries and each industry will have a separate task for them. The common industries where you can find a job as a toxicologist are,
- Healthcare such as hospital labs
- Government jobs in both scientific and home departments.
- Chemical industry
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Food industry
- Consumer industry to study the safety of various products.
- Universities and colleges as researchers or academicians.
- Regulatory bodies
Courses to Become a Toxicologist
The common courses that you can do to qualify to become a toxicologist are,
- Bsc Toxicology
- MSc Toxicology
- Bsc Forensic Toxicology
- Short Certificate Course In Forensic Medicine And Toxicology
- Universal Certification In Forensic Medicine And Toxicology
- Advanced Certification In Forensic Medicine And Toxicology
- Professional Specialised Certification In Forensic Medicine And Toxicology
- Certification In Forensic Medicine And Toxicology
- PG Certification In Forensic Medicine And Toxicology
- Certificate Course In Analytical Toxicology
- Certificate Program In Emergency Toxicology
- Certificate Program In Toxicology
- P.G. Diploma In Industrial Toxicology
- P.G. Diploma In Medical Toxicology
Conclusion
FAQs
How many years does it take to become a toxicologist?
It will be a minimum of 3 years for the bachelor’s degree or as long as 5 or more years depending on whether or not you are doing a PhD in this field to become a toxicologist.
How do I become a qualified toxicologist?
A bachelor’s or master’s degree in any field of toxicology, a certification, diploma or postgraduate diploma in toxicology are the necessary qualifications to be a toxicologist.
Is a toxicologist a good career?
Yes, a toxicologist is a good career option as you can find a job in different industries with appropriate qualifications.
Is a toxicologist a doctor?
No, toxicologists are not doctors but they are no less than physicians as they help find solutions to reduce chemical exposure, and generation, and develop preventive measures.
Who can study toxicology?
Anyone who has done biology in their 10+2, and graduates in life sciences, chemistry, pharmacology, biochemistry, chemistry, biotechnology, pathology, environmental science or related fields can study toxicology and become a qualified toxicologist.
