Chemists
Special Requirements
Education Requirements:
Most research positions and college faculty positions in chemistry require a PhD. Chemists with master’s degrees may be eligible for applied research jobs or faculty positions at 2-year colleges.
Bachelor’s degree chemists usually work as laboratory assistants or in non-research jobs such as product testing, quality control, or technical sales and services. It’s difficult to advance into a senior or management position in any of these areas without a postgraduate degree. but chemists with a bachelor’s degree are in demand as secondary school teachers.
Certification: None required by the state of Virginia, however voluntary certification is available from the following:
-The American Board of Clinical Chemistry (AACC) is a not-for-profit corporation that certifies doctoral-level professionals in clinical chemistry, toxicological chemistry and molecular diagnostics. Applicants must meet educational and experience requirements and submit three letters of recommendation to take a certification exam. Typical requirements include:
· good moral character and high ethical and professional standing;
· an earned doctorate in the natural sciences or in medicine;
· acceptable chemical education including adequate graduate education in biochemistry;
· at least five years' experience in the applicant's discipline of clinical chemistry or toxicological chemistry subsequent to obtaining the doctorate, in a setting acceptable to the Board. In addition, successful applicants must pass a written examination based on all aspects of clinical chemistry and/or toxicological chemistry, and on fundamental knowledge in biochemistry and other related disciplines.
-The National Registry of Certified Chemists is an independent agency that offers certification for clinical chemists, toxicological chemists, clinical chemistry technologists, chemical hygiene officers, and environmental analytical chemists. Applicants voluntarily present their education and experience credentials to the Registry’s Board of Directors as part of an application to sit for examination. After applications are approved, candidates are eligible to sit for examination. A candidate who passes an examination is then certified by the Board for the current year and a certificate is issued in the candidate’s name with a registration number. Typical requirements for a Clinical Chemist include:
· References
· Passing a written exam
· Meeting educational requirements such as Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 6 years clinical lab experience;
· Master’s degree with a minimum of 2 years clinical lab experience;
· Or a Doctor’s degree with a minimum of 2 years clinical lab experience.
For more information see: http://www.nrcc6.org/cc.htm
-The American Institute of Chemists also provides certification as a Certified Professional Chemist (CPC) for chemists and chemical engineers. Applicants must submit documentation of academic training, and provide evidence of professional involvement including scientific publications and participation in continuing education programs and professional societies. Membership requirements as a regular or associate member include the following;
· a degree in a chemical science.
· a certification as a teacher of a chemical science
· relevant work experience.
Level of membership is determined by education level and years of experience.
For more information see: http://www.theaic.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=34
License Renewal:
American Board of Clinical Chemistry: Requires completion of 50 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years in addition to the CE renewal fee of $200 by March 1 of the appropriate year in order to remain in the directory of active Diplomates.
NRCC: License renewal required every year from the membership date based on continuing education, experience, and training reviews.
AIC: License renewal required 1 year from the date membership begins annually.
Chemistry Teachers/Professors:
Secondary School Teacher requires a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and meeting the VA Department of Education Teaching requirements. http://www.doe.virginia.gov/teaching/licensure/index.shtml
Research jobs or faculty positions at 2 year colleges require: Master’s degree in Chemistry and depending on the employer various levels of experience in research and teaching. In 2-year colleges, master’s degree holders fill most full-time positions. However, in certain fields where there may be more applicants than available jobs, institutions can be more selective in their hiring practices. Many 2-year institutions increasingly prefer job applicants to have some teaching experience or experience with distance learning. Preference also may be given to those holding dual master’s degrees, especially at smaller institutions, because they can teach more subjects.
College or University Faculty and Research positions require a PhD in Chemistry and employers often prefer candidates who have completed a postdoctoral research fellowship or have other postdoctoral experience as well.
Required Fees:
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American Board of Clinical Chemistry
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NRCC
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AIC
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License application fee:
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$400
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$150
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-Student: $35
-Member: $110
-Fellow: $150
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Typical exam fee:
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$50 per part of the exam
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$175
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-No exam required
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License renewal fee:
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$200 every two years
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$85 per year or $230 for 3 years
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-Student member: $35 annually
-Member: $110 annually
-Retired member: $70 annually
-Fellow: $110 annually
-Retired Fellow: $75 annually
-Life Fellow: One-time fee of $1,200 and if they wish to receive a subscription to The Chemist, they must pay the subscription fee of $35 annually
-Honorary Fellow: No cost
-Emeritus Fellow: No cost for annual membership but must pay $35 subscription fee to receive The Chemist subscription
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The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet28)
