Uncover the Truth: 5 Myths about Chemical Technology Careers
Careers in the chemical sciences are often seen as exclusive: unless you are willing to pursue a PhD, can you even get a job?
In reality, many chemistry career paths don’t require an advanced degree, including becoming a chemical technical professional (CTP). CTPs work in support roles in the chemical sciences and are often responsible for gathering samples, running tests, or operating equipment. They fill critical positions across industry, government, and academia.
A lot of myths persist about what CTPs do, which may discourage you from pursuing a career in this field. But the truth is that CTPs play a vital role in moving science and industry forward. Let’s dispel these myths about CTPs and see how CTPs can have exciting careers and plenty of opportunities.
Myth 1: Hands-on chemistry requires a PhD.
Reality: You can start a career as a CTP with an associate's or bachelor's degree.
You may think you need years of rigorous education and academic research to land a job in chemistry, but chemical careers are much more accessible than people believe. More than half of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) workers do not have a bachelor's degree. And many individuals also have successful careers in chemistry with a bachelor's degree but without a PhD.
The most direct route to a CTP career is a chemistry-based technology program. These 1–4-year programs offered by community and technical colleges in partnership with local employers equip students with the practical knowledge and skills to get into the workforce quickly. If there isn’t a technology program in your area, you can enroll in a standard chemistry associate’s or bachelor’s program and build experience through internships.
Myth 2: CTPs do not have many job opportunities.
Reality: There is a growing demand for skilled CTPs in just about every chemical field and job sector.
Employment of CTPs is projected to grow by 7% from 2023 to 2033, outpacing the 5% average growth rate across the entire economy. Some fields are expected to grow even faster: positions for forensic science technicians are expected to increase by 14% over the same period.
The American Chemical Society (ACS) used the 2018 Standard Occupational Classification System to group CTP jobs into four categories and calculate the projected growth rates. ACS found that there will be significant growth in sectors such as manufacturing, health care, and environmental services.
Overall, opportunities in chemical technical roles are expanding across industries and offering a bright future for workers entering these fields.
Myth 3: CTPs work only in labs.
Reality: The work environments of CTPs vary from high-tech labs to factory and outdoor settings.
If you want a hands-on job in the chemical sciences, you will have numerous options as a CTP! Here are some examples:
- Food production and biomanufacturing technicians oversee large-scale industrial processes at manufacturing facilities. Instead of working with test tubes and beakers, they operate mixing tanks and conveyor belts. They ensure everything runs smoothly, adjust chemical formulations, and troubleshoot equipment.
- Environmental field testers often trade lab coats for work boots and hard hats. They spend their days outdoors collecting soil, air, and water samples. They may hike through remote areas, wade into streams, or visit industrial sites to gather data. Instead of being confined to a single workspace, they move between field sites and labs, testing for pollution and ensuring organizations follow environmental regulations.
- Process technicians manage the pipes, reactors, and high-tech equipment at refineries. They help transform raw materials into fuels, plastics, and other chemicals used in our daily lives. These technicians analyze flow rates, regulate temperatures and pressures, and keep production running safely and efficiently.
- Water operations and maintenance technicians work in water treatment plants with massive filtration systems and chemical dosing stations. They help keep drinking water safe by testing samples and adjusting chemical treatments.
Myth 4: CTPs have limited career advancement opportunities.
Reality: There are various ways to grow and advance in your career as a CTP.
- You could move into a management role, leading a team and overseeing projects in research and production. CTPs can gain leadership skills through workshops and hands-on experience. The ACS Center for Leadership Development offers online and in-person courses to help you advance in your career in the chemical sciences.
- CTPs can dive deeper into specialized technical fields, carving out a particular area of expertise.
- Individuals with strong communication skills can transition into sales, consulting, or other business-focused roles.
- Professionals passionate about education can teach the next generation of chemical professionals.
- For those seeking a bachelor's degree while working, some educational institutions offer work-study programs that help professionals convert their associate's degree to a bachelor's degree.
- Your employer may even pay for these professional development opportunities through on-the-job training or tuition reimbursement.
Myth 5: CTPs’ work is routine.
Reality: CTPs play a critical role in innovation and problem-solving.
Although some of a CTP’s tasks may be repetitive, the work a CTP does requires a deep understanding of chemistry and engineering. Running tests and recording data might seem straightforward, but the reality is far more complex.
Technicians who analyze product samples aren’t just following a checklist: they interpret results, identify anomalies, and solve problems. Maybe a chemical reaction isn't yielding the expected results because of a subtle shift in temperature or pressure. Perhaps an impurity has crept into one of the starting materials, and it's up to the technician to trace the source. Addressing these challenges demands critical thinking, a solid grasp of chemical interactions, and the ability to apply scientific principles in a real-world setting.
Far from being monotonous, CTPs' work is intellectually engaging and tied to scientific understanding. Their expertise keeps industries running.
The growing role of CTPs
CTPs are essential in all kinds of industries. Though there are a number of misconceptions about their work, these professionals are vital contributors to the progress of science and technology.
As industries evolve and new technologies are deployed to address global challenges, the demand for CTPs is rising. If you follow this career path you can take advantage of these opportunities, enjoy job security, and make an impact.
