How to Become a Chemist

Becoming a chemist opens the door to a universe of possibilities. A chemist can contribute in many ways, at the theoretical, experimental, or applied level. A chemist can make a difference in a great variety of complex socio-economic issues.

Meticulous, curious, and precise, the chemist is at the front line of tomorrow’s discoveries. A chemist analyzes, synthesizes, and transforms materials, and develops and ensures the quality of rigorous procedures in diverse sectors:

• Food Science;
• Pharmaceuticals and bio-organic chemistry;
• Forensics;
• Bioanalysis and the environment;
• Natural products.

Becoming a chemist can change the course of your professional career. Read on to find out some of the ways.

The job of a chemist

A chemist’s work is varied and can take many forms. However, there are some constants. Here are some of the elements of a typical day in the life of a chemist:

• Analyze, synthesize, purify, modify, and characterize chemical or biochemical compounds.
• Update and run analysis programs in order to control the quality of raw substances, intermediate chemical products and finished products.
• Use programs to sample, collect and analyze data in order to identify and enumerate toxic substances.

What are the requirements to become a chemist?

Does the profession of chemist fascinate you? Check below to see if you have the necessary attributes, which meet the regulatory requirements for you to proceed:

• A bachelor degree is required in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related discipline.
• A Masters or Doctorate is very often required for chemists who pursue research work.
• A permit issued by the Ordre des chimistes du Québec.

Reference reading on how to become a chemist. 

Are you interested in becoming a chemist? Here is some further reading that will give you information you can use to refine your decision.

Information on the profession of chemist (CNP 2112)