Education Requirements for a Toxicology Job With a Clinical Research Team

Education Requirements For A Toxicology Job With A Clinical Research Team
February 28, 2014
By BioSpace.com

Toxicology is the science of poisons. Clinical toxicology is concerned with disease caused by chemicals, drugs, and toxins and usually involves management of acute and chronic poisoning. Clinical toxicologists work in hospitals, poison centers, government agencies, industry, and academia. A clinical toxicologist's career may span disciplines from the pharmaceuticals industry to regulatory toxicology to forensics and pathology or environmental and occupational medicine. A toxicologist doing clinical research will need a graduate degree and usually subsequent specialized training or experience in toxicology research. Here are the seven stages a toxicologist may take for his or her career.

Bachelor of Science
The first step toward a career in toxicology research with a clinical team is a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in the biological sciences. Discipline specializations may include toxicology, cell biology, pharmacology, or a related field.

Doctor of Philosophy
Toxicologists working with a clinical research team will most often need a doctorate (Ph.D.) degree. Toxicologists may have doctorate degrees in biochemistry, physiology, cell biology, toxicology, or a similar biological science. Ph.D. programs involve intensive research and take at least four years to complete.

Doctor of Pharmacy
Toxicologists may work with clinical research teams in poison control centers. These positions generally require a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. A PharmD degree is a professional degree and is typically a four year, full-time program.

Master of Science
Some toxicology research positions are available to those with a Master of Science degree (M.S.) in pharmacology, toxicology, or a related field. An M.S. degree is typically a two year program.

Fellowships
Fellowship training to support a career with a clinical research team in a poison control center are available to candidates with a PharmD degree from an accredited School of College Pharmacy. Fellowships offer the opportunity for more specialized training in poison management and research. Fellowships are generally one to two years of postgraduate training.

Postdoctoral Research
Senior clinical toxicology research positions may require postdoctoral research experience. Postdoctoral research positions are paid training positions conducted after completion of the Ph.D. Postdoctoral positions may be held through universities, government agencies or private laboratories.

Medical Degrees
Toxicologists with Medical Doctor (M.D.) or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) degrees may also join clinical research teams, especially if they have prior drug-development or related experience.

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