Toxicology: A Well Paid Career

Toxicology as a profession is very important, as people are concerned about the potentially harmful effects of products they use, medications they take, and the chemicals they’re exposed to in their everyday lives. Without toxicologists we would not understand what could potentially poison or harm living things as well as the environment around us. Toxicology, the science which deals with toxic properties of substances, involves the study of the effects that toxins or chemicals have on humans, animals, plants and other living organisms. Toxicologist is one who explores the effects of chemicals on living organisms. The field studies the harmful effects of drugs, environmental contaminants and naturally occurring substances. Toxicology covers two main areas- One deals with the effects that toxic materials have on humans and the other with their impact on the environment.

Eligibility

To become a toxicologist one must take science stream for plus two. After that one can opt for a bachelor degree in botany, chemistry, zoology, biochemistry, medicine, veterinary science, pharmacy, biochemistry, biotechnology, microbiology, environmental biology or some other life science based discipline. For the student interested in entering the field of toxicology, a Bachelor of Science degree is the minimum requirement. After bachelors, one can go for master of science in toxicology i.e M.Sc. Toxicology. There are various specializations in toxicology, and each one requires a specific background in some or the other subject.

Job Prospects

As people become more health conscious; there is a greater need for those who study toxins. At present, organisations in India are unable to meet the demand because most toxicologists are attracted by lucrative positions and better research facilities in other countries. There are various fields of toxicology and hence there is potential to grow within toxicology in different ways. Many industries employ toxicologists to assist in evaluating the safety of their products. Toxicologists work as consultants in companies which deal with food, chemical or cosmetic products. Numerous career avenues for toxicologists exist in chemical, food, pharmaceutical, and environment related industries; in teaching and research, and in government organisations dealing with regulation of chemical usage. Biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries are the largest employers of toxicologists. Pharmacovigilance (monitoring and preventing harmful effects of medicines), which is gaining prominence in India, is expected to absorb more toxicologists. Toxicologists can also work for epidemiological surveys done by health authorities.

Remuneration

As there is shortage of toxicologists, qualified and experienced ones get paid well. The salary range is dependent on various factors like the geographical location, organization size and work experience. Industry positions generally pay higher than academic, nonprofit, or government positions in this field. Starting salary for a M.Sc. holder in this field can range between Rs. 25,000 to 40,000. Those with experience and specialisation can even earn up to a lakh per month. For example, A toxicologist with a veterinary or medical degree, and a postgraduate qualification can draw above Rs. 50,000 a month.

Institutes

*          University of Madras, Chennai, 044-25368496

*          Dr. B.R. (Bhim Rao) Ambedkar University, Agra, 0562-2820051

*          Bhavans New Science College, Hyderabad, 040-24750150

*          National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, SAS Nagar (Punjab), 0172-2214682

*          Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow, 0522-2621856

Healthy Career In Yoga

Yoga is an age-old art or practice of staying fit mentally and physically by means of exercises as well as mind control practices such as controlled breathing, deep meditation etc. Yoga is a way of life, an art of righteous living or an integrated system for the benefit of the body, mind and inner spirit. The word Yoga is a Sanskrit word which means ‘union’ i.e of the body, mind and spirit. This art originated, was perfected and practiced in India thousands of years ago. Basically Yoga is an amalgamation of breathing exercises and structured movement. It is an excellent tool to enhance the body’s internal health and external beauty and to achieve a higher standard of overall health and immunity. It concentrates on the emotional and psychological health of a patient along with his/her physical condition. ‘Asanas’ (physical exercises) and ‘pranayama’ (breathing techniques), the integral parts of yoga, are performed in correlation with each other. The application of these yoga practices to cure various mental and physical diseases is called yoga therapy.

Course Areas

Professional qualification in the field of yoga is imparted at both under graduate and post graduate levels. For under graduate program, one has to pass 10+2 in any stream from a recognized Board. For post graduation program, minimum qualification is a Bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognized university, although philosophy graduates are given preference. Courses are also available at degree/ diploma and certificate levels. Specific qualification is not a must, instead experience is counted in this field. Professional qualification in the field of yoga is imparted at both under graduate and post graduate levels. For under graduate program, one has to pass 10+2 in any stream from a recognized Board. For post graduation program, minimum qualification is a Bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognized university, although philosophy graduates are given preference. Courses are also available at degree/ diploma and certificate levels. Specific qualification is not a must; instead experience is counted in this field.

Career Options

Two major fields one can venture into, in yoga are in research and training, or as a yoga therapist. One can get employed in schools, health centers, fitness training centers, gyms, health clubs, yoga studios, spa and resorts, health centres and yoga schools. There are also chances of employment in TV channels where regular yoga shows are broadcasted. On a professional level, trainers can specialize in postures for women (prenatal/postnatal), kids, seniors, couples and so on. In recent times corporate firms have started recruiting yoga instructors as part of their employee welfare programme. NGO’s working in the field of mental and psychological health also employ yoga trainers. Self employment is a best career option for an experienced yoga professional. He or she can start a yoga center of one’s own and act as a yoga instructor. Many public figures like film actors or politicians appoint their personal yoga instructors.

Remuneration

This is a field that one is paid very handsomely in India as well as abroad. One can work as part time instructor as well as full time. The amount of remuneration is based on the expertise of the trainer. For a well trained personnel sky is the limit with regards to earnings. Depending on his area of work, one can earn ranging from Rs.10, 000 up to Rs.40, 000 or Rs.50, 000 per month.

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