If you are a patient and detail-oriented individual with a passion for performing laboratory tests, you may be interested in learning what it takes to become a toxicologist. Toxicologists are scientists who study the effects that toxic chemical materials have on humans and living organisms and work in a laboratory setting. To work in toxicology, you must be a medically trained professional who is experienced in performing lab work and conducting field studies in the environment. To get the training that you need to enter this field, you will need to start by attending an accredited university. Here are the steps that you must take:
Earning a Bachelor of Science
If you would like to begin by pursuing a career in toxicology research, you will need a minimum of a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences or a related field. When you major in biological sciences, you can choose between one of several different specializations. Some of these specializations include toxicology, cell biology and pharamcology.
Earning a Master’s Degree
Once you earn your bachelor’s degree, the next step to enter into the field is to earn your master’s. By earning an accredited biological sciences undergraduate degree, you will meet the prerequisite requirements to get into a master’s program. You should major in pharmacology or toxicology to build on the foundation of skills you developed as an undergrad. While some are able to find positions with a master’s degree, in most settings you will need to possess a Ph.D.
Earning a Doctorate
You can choose between one of two post-graduate degrees to enter the field of toxicology. You will need to earn either your Doctor of Philosophy or your Doctor of Pharmacy, depending on the setting that you want to conduct clinical research in. A majority of toxicologists who work in clinical research will possess a Ph.D in Toxicology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology or Physiology. If you are planning to work in a setting where you will work in poison control, you will need a PharmD degree. Both of these degree programs are extremely intensive and will take about 4 years to complete if enrolled in school full-time.
Completing a Fellowship
Clinical toxicology positions will require experience in research settings. To gain hands-on experience under the supervision of senior team members, you will need to complete a fellowship. A fellowship will help you get specialized training in toxicology in a specific setting once you already hold a Ph.D or a PharmD. Some may actually require that you have completed a fellowship before you will be qualified to work as a clinical research professional.
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Toxicology need to have a passion for science and the intellectual fortitude to earn an advanced degree. If you are ready to enter school and willing to spend several years studying to graduate, you should consider a meaningful career in toxicology. Once you possess a Bachelor of Science, you may be able to land an entry-level position in the field. According to Academic Invest, once you earn your master’s, you can work in applied research positions. A Ph.D is necessary in some settings for upper level researchers and for anyone who wants to teach. Now that you know how to become a toxicologist, start pursuing your Bachelor of Science, then gain experience in a low level position.