CHAS folks,

One of the joys of being a teacher is hearing from a former student who is making their way in the world.  I was recently contacted by a 2010 Wittenberg graduate with the following query:

I am currently working as a Lab Manager at a small company. Working here I have come to realize I like the knowing, researching, and implementing the safety measures in the lab, and that I would like to do more of that. I am thinking that I would like to pursue a career in the safety field as an Industrial Hygienist and/or a Chemical Hygiene Officer.   I know that to be an Industrial Hygienist or a Chemical Hygiene Officer one needs to be certified and the steps for that are laid out in multiple places, but I'm having some issues finding information on how I could start down this path. Is it a re-education, or a few classes I can take while working, getting lucky and finding the right job? I have also seen some references to an apprentice program, but I'm not sure if it is real or not or required. So my real question, can you please advise on the appropriate education and steps I would need to explore to become an Industrial Hygienist or Chemical Hygiene Officer? 

I'd be happy to collect responses from the group and forward them to her.  

Thanks, in advance.

Dave

David C. Finster
Professor, Department of Chemistry
University Chemical Hygiene Officer
Wittenberg University
937-327-6441
http://userpages.wittenberg.edu/dfinster/index.html