What Is A Toxicologist? – Forbes Advisor – Technologist

From naturally occurring toxins such as snake venom to synthetic toxicants like pesticides and byproducts of manufacturing processes, chemical hazards are always present in our surroundings.

These chemicals appear in everyday items, including medicine, food, clothing and cosmetic products. Toxicologists are responsible for identifying and mitigating the risks of toxic chemical exposure.

So what is a toxicologist? These scientists examine the adverse effects of chemicals and drugs on living organisms. Toxicology encompasses many specializations, including forensic, clinical, occupational, environmental, medical or pharmaceutical, occupational and regulatory toxicology.

The far-reaching impact of these professionals is integral to the safety and wellness of humans, animals and the environment. In this article, we discuss the primary responsibilities of a toxicologist and provide a step-by-step guide on how to become a toxicologist.

What Does a Toxicologist Do?

Toxicologists assess the effects of chemical or substance exposure to determine potential risks on living things. They investigate the cellular, molecular and biochemical processes involved in toxic reactions, aiming to understand how substances interact with biological systems.

Through their research, toxicologists provide a scientific basis for protecting the environment and its organisms. Policymakers, regulatory agencies and private industries use information from toxicologists to guide public health, environmental protection and occupational safety policies.

Toxicologists’ duties include:

• Collecting and testing samples of substances that may pose risks
• Conducting safety testing to determine exposure risks associated with substances
• Determining safe exposure limits and dose-response relationships
• Developing treatment for toxic substance exposure
• Researching the properties of chemical agents

Where Do Toxicologists Work?

Toxicologists’ expertise is valuable in a variety of industries. These professionals work in settings like:

• Academic institutions
• Government agencies
• Research and development laboratories
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Occupational health and safety organizations
• Consumer products facilities
• Environmental consulting firms
• Forensic laboratories

How To Become a Toxicologist

You can pursue several pathways to toxicology careers. Below, we outline the steps you take to become a toxicologist.

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Obtaining a bachelor’s degree in toxicology or a closely related field is the minimum educational requirement for most toxicologist jobs. If your college or university doesn’t have a toxicology program, a major in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, environmental science or another similar discipline can provide a solid educational foundation and prepare you for relevant graduate programs.

Earn an Advanced Degree

While a relevant bachelor’s degree can help you qualify for entry-level toxicology positions, such as a laboratory technician or assistant, many toxicologists hold a master’s or Ph.D. in toxicology, biomedical science or a similar field. These degrees may offer multiple specializations, so research which programs offer concentrations that align with your career goals.

Graduate-level toxicology programs often require applicants to have an appropriate educational background, typically reflected in their completion of coursework in fields like biology, molecular biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physiology, physics and calculus.

Complete Training

A significant part of a toxicologist’s training takes place while they earn their degrees or when they first find employment. Graduates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree often take on internships to gain hands-on, practical experience.

If you hold a doctoral degree in toxicology or biomedical sciences, you can gain practical training as a postdoctoral fellow in a toxicology laboratory. Most academic and research positions require postdoctoral experience. Fellowships can span several years, allowing toxicology fellows to perform research and work under the supervision of experienced professionals.

Become Board-Certified

Licensure requirements vary by specialization. For example, general toxicologists don’t need licensure, though obtaining certification can validate your competency, expertise and experience.

Other specialized professionals, like clinical and medical toxicologists, may need board credentials to get hired. The certification process typically involves a combination of education, professional work experience and passing an examination.

Toxicologist Salary and Job Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual salary for medical scientists, a broad career category that includes toxicologists, was $99,930 in 2022. The top-employing industries for medical scientists include research, medicine and educational institutions.

California, Massachusetts, Texas, New York and New Jersey employ the highest numbers of these professionals. The BLS projects a 10% growth in demand for medical scientists between 2022 and 2032—faster than the average projected growth for all occupations.

Certifications for Toxicologists

Many toxicologists pursue certification as they accrue professional work experience. Below are common certification options for toxicologists.

Diplomate, American Board of Toxicology

The American Board of Toxicology grants certification to candidates with broad knowledge in toxicology. Candidates must possess specific educational and professional qualifications and pass a certification examination. Eligibility requirements include:

• An appropriate bachelor’s degree and 10 years of professional experience
• An appropriate master’s degree and seven years of professional experience
• An appropriate doctoral degree and three years of professional experience

Candidates must pay a $325 application fee and a $400 examination fee.

Fellow or Diplomate, American Board of Forensic Toxicology

The American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT) offers fellow and diplomate certification to forensic toxicologists who pass an examination and meet the following criteria:

• Have appropriate education in chemistry, biology, pharmacology and toxicology
• Three years of full-time, board-approved professional experience in toxicology acquired after obtaining the degree

Diplomates only need a bachelor’s degree or higher in a natural or life science from an accredited institution, while fellow-level applicants need a doctorate. The application fee, which includes one examination attempt, costs $300.

Analyst, ABFT

ABFT offers certification to toxicologists who perform bench-level work under the supervision of an experienced analyst. To qualify, applicants must satisfy one of the following criteria:

• Hold an associate degree in chemistry with a minimum of two years of board-approved professional experience in forensic toxicology obtained after completion of the degree
• Hold a bachelor’s degree in chemistry with a minimum of one year of board-approved professional experience in forensic toxicology acquired after completion of degree

The application fee, which includes one examination attempt, costs $300.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Toxicologists