Toxicologist
OFO No:
What is a Toxicologist?
Toxicologists are in demand!
A Toxicologist is a specialised scientist who can identify, control and prevent the effects of chemicals on human, animal or agricultural health.
They can assist doctors to make diagnoses so that the doctor can recommend treatment.
7 Different areas of Toxicology:
Occupational Health
- Risk assessment: These Toxicologists make sure the workers’ environment is safe to work in
Clinical
- These Toxicologists screen and test for medication in a patient that has had an overdose
Forensic
Toxicologists in this field test and screen for crime scenes and give evidence in court.
Pharmaceutical
- Pharmaceutical Toxicologists have to screen and test products to make sure they adhere to safety standards.
Cosmetic
- Cosmetic Toxicologists have to screen and test products to make sure they adhere to safety standards.
Food
- Food Toxicologists have to screen and test raw materials and products to make sure they adhere to safety standards.
Research
- These Toxicologists research the effects of toxic substances.
What does a Toxicologist do?
- identifies toxic substances
- diagnoses diseases due to poisoning
- works in laboratories
- tests and does experiments
- researches
- liaises with other doctors and medical practitioners
- attends conferences and seminars
- writes reports
- keeps up to date with modern technology
- removes and disposes of toxic substances
Are you . . . ?
- interested in physics and science?
- responsible?
- willing to work with hazardous substances?
- accurate?
- organised?
- curious?
- problem solver?
- logical?
Toxicologists can work in hospitals, government agencies, private organisations or in universities.
How do I become a Toxicologist?
It would be wise to start off our career as Toxicologist by doing a BSc degree in chemistry or biochemistry. Then follow this with an Honours degree.
From this point you can then specialise in a particular area.
TRAINING:
- CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
- Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
- To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
- TOXSA: Toxicology Society of South Africa
- SAPS: South African Police Service
http://www.saps.gov.za/careers/career_quest/red/forensic_toxicologists.htm
OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Medical Physicist or Forensic Analyst (Chemistry)
Is becoming a Toxicologist the right career choice for me?
