A chemical technologist is responsible for giving technical support to a host of differing industries. To become one, you are likely to need a science degree from a two to four year program. Although the role of chemical technologist is closely related to that of a chemical technician, there are some marked differences in the job description. The most important one is the fact that a technologist has more responsibility. If you become a chemical technologist, look to gain certification in order to open up more job opportunities.
If you wish to become a chemical technologist, expect to be asked to work for pharmaceutical or petrochemical companies. A chemical technologist can be asked to work in a number of different environments. They are most commonly found in a laboratory or in the employ of an industrial organization, however.
You may become a chemical technologist with only a high school degree, but this is rare. When high school students are accepted into a company as chemical technologists, they are given training and gained valuable work experience. In general, however, employers expect applicants to have a degree in chemical technology or some other branch of science. Such a qualification can be gained in two years. If you are serious about becoming a chemical technologist, you may also elect to pursue a four year degree program in chemical engineering technology.
If you are looking to become a chemical technologist, it is important that you not confuse this vocation with that of a chemical technician. Chemical technologists have far more responsibility than chemical technicians. Technicians generally work in a laboratory with a chemical engineer supervising them.
As a chemical technologist, you will have more say in the design of experiments as opposed to simply taking down data from experiments organized by someone else. Chemical technicians are also more involved in the writing of reports. If you are looking for a greater degree of independence in your work, you should look to become a chemical technologist rather than a chemical technician.
It is also possible to become a certified chemical technologist. Although this is not mandatory, employers generally take a positive view of a certified candidate. To become certified, you will be asked to meet certain requirements. These are usually education and experience based.