Industrial hygienists analyze and remedy conditions that may affect occupational health and safety. They need at least a bachelor’s degree, on-the-job training, and certification exams. A master’s degree improves their chances of finding employment. They work in government agencies and the private sector and are required to pass certification exams.
An industrial hygienist works in a factory, factory or construction site to analyze and remedy conditions that may affect occupational health and safety. Experts ensure that workplaces comply with regional and national safety laws at all times. Because the job requires a keen eye for detail and specialized knowledge of potential health hazards, an individual who wants to become an industrial hygienist needs to earn at least a bachelor’s degree before entering the field. In addition, most countries require prospective hygienists to obtain several years of on-the-job training and pass certification exams before working independently.
A person who wants to become an industrial hygienist can earn a bachelor’s degree in engineering, chemistry, or occupational health from an accredited university. A four-year program in science or engineering provides the individual with a general understanding of the physical and chemical processes that occur in industrial environments. A student has the opportunity to learn about different potential health hazards, such as air pollutants and radioactive material, that can be found in a workplace.
Some private industries hire entry-level industrial hygienists who hold a bachelor’s degree, but most potential workers choose to pursue a master’s degree to improve their understanding and their chances of finding employment. Toward the end of a degree program, an individual can begin exploring schools that offer industrial hygiene degrees. By researching school websites and speaking with an advisor, a student can identify tuition costs and admission requirements for different programs. Choosing a school that offers a broad curriculum and job placement services can be very helpful in your quest to become an industrial hygienist.
Graduate programs generally last around two years and involve both classroom study and practical training. A student who wants to become an industrial hygienist can take in-depth courses on subjects dealing with environmental hazards and personal safety. The final year of an industrial hygiene program is usually carried out on an internship in a local factory, mine or factory. As an intern, a student helps experienced hygienists and learns to tackle occupational health issues. A major benefit of internment is that the employer may decide to hire a dedicated intern upon graduation.
After earning a master’s degree, an individual is usually qualified to become an industrial hygienist in government agencies and the private sector. New hygienists are usually placed in assistant or apprentice positions for at least one year to help them gain practical experience and become familiar with the various administrative tasks of the position. New employees learn how to complete and submit paperwork, implement health and safety guidelines, and conduct thorough facility inspections.
Many employers require new hygienists to pass certification exams before they can begin working unsupervised. Certification is offered by nationally accredited professional organizations such as the American Council on Industrial Hygiene in the United States. Obtaining certification can open up many possibilities for advancement and ensure that a person is fully prepared to take on the responsibilities of an independent career.
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