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Poison Control Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pharmacist Poison Center

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$57.75 - $69.25/hr

Overview UnityPoint-Poison Control Center Full-Time ONSITE Day/Evening Shifts & Every 3rd Weekend ... Answers drug information questions if beyond the scope of knowledge of a RN Specialist in Poison ...

Pharmacist Poison Center

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$57.75 - $69.25/hr

UnityPoint-Poison Control Center Full-Time ONSITE Day/Evening Shifts & Every 3rd Weekend Works ... Answers drug information questions if beyond the scope of knowledge of a RN Specialist in Poison ...

Pharmacist Poison Center

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$57.50 - $69.25/hr

Overview UnityPoint-Poison Control Center Full-Time ONSITE Day/Evening Shifts & Every 3rd Weekend ... Answers drug information questions if beyond the scope of knowledge of a RN Specialist in Poison ...

UnityPoint-Poison Control Center Full-Time ONSITE Day/Evening Shifts & Every 3rd Weekend Provides ... Maintains status as a Certified Specialist in Poison Information (CSPI). * Participates in training ...

Overview UnityPoint-Poison Control Center Full-Time ONSITE Day/Evening Shifts & Every 3rd Weekend ... Maintains status as a Certified Specialist in Poison Information (CSPI). * Participates in training ...

Overview UnityPoint-Poison Control Center Full-Time ONSITE Day/Evening Shifts & Every 3rd Weekend ... Maintains status as a Certified Specialist in Poison Information (CSPI). * Participates in training ...

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Poison Control Specialist information

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How much do poison control specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for poison control specialist in the United States is $21.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $23.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a poison control specialist?

Poison Control Specialists are trained professionals, often pharmacists or nurses, who provide expert advice and assistance in cases of poisoning or exposure to toxic substances. They work at poison control centers and respond to emergency calls from the public and healthcare providers, offering guidance on how to manage exposures safely. Their role is crucial in preventing serious health outcomes and reducing the need for unnecessary emergency room visits. Poison Control Specialists are trained to assess risk, recommend appropriate treatments, and provide follow-up care instructions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a poison control specialist?

To thrive as a Poison Control Specialist, you need strong knowledge of toxicology, pharmacology, and emergency response, usually supported by a degree in pharmacy, nursing, or related fields and relevant licensure. Familiarity with poison information databases, call center software, and clinical decision-support tools is essential. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies enable specialists to quickly assess situations, provide accurate guidance, and ensure patient safety during poisoning emergencies.

What are the typical challenges faced by poison control specialists during high-volume call periods?

Poison Control Specialists often experience high call volumes during certain seasons or public health emergencies, which can be challenging as each call may involve urgent, life-threatening situations. Specialists must remain calm, think quickly, and efficiently triage cases while providing accurate, reassuring advice to both healthcare professionals and the public. Time management, emotional resilience, and strong communication skills are essential during these busy times to ensure each case receives appropriate attention and follow-up.

What is the difference between Poison Control Specialist vs Pharmacist?

AspectPoison Control SpecialistPharmacist
Required CredentialsCertification in poison information or related trainingDoctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, licensure
Work EnvironmentPoison control centers, emergency response settingsPharmacy settings, hospitals, clinics
Employer & IndustryHealthcare, emergency response, poison control centersHealthcare, retail, hospital pharmacy
Common Search & ComparisonPoison Control Specialist vs Pharmacist

The main difference between a Poison Control Specialist and a Pharmacist lies in their roles and work environments. Poison Control Specialists focus on providing emergency poison information and advice, often working in poison control centers, while Pharmacists dispense medications and advise patients in pharmacy settings. Both roles require healthcare knowledge, but their daily responsibilities and certifications differ.

Do you have to have a degree to work as a poison control specialist?

Poison control specialists typically need a background in healthcare or related fields, such as nursing, pharmacy, or toxicology, often requiring a relevant degree or certification. Some positions may accept relevant work experience or specialized training, but formal education is generally preferred. Certification or ongoing training in toxicology or emergency response can also be beneficial.

How to become a poison control specialist?

To become a poison control specialist, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in a health-related field such as nursing, pharmacy, or toxicology. Relevant experience, strong communication skills, and certification in poison information or toxicology are often required, with some positions requiring additional training or licensure. On-the-job training is common, and familiarity with emergency response protocols is beneficial.
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What states have the most Poison Control Specialist jobs?

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Infographic showing various Poison Control Specialist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,154 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Pharmacist Poison Center

Sioux City, IA • On-site

UnityPoint Health
Hospitals • 10K+ employees

$57.75 - $69.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


UnityPoint Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 366 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

305th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview
UnityPoint-Poison Control Center
Full-Time ONSITE
Day/Evening Shifts & Every 3rd Weekend
Works under minimal supervision to respond to telephone inquiries from the general public, health care providers and others regarding poison and drug information; toxicity of drugs, chemicals, biologics, hazardous materials and other substances. Analyzes potential toxicity, determines type and severity of exposure, and recommends treatment management plan and provides follow-up care. Documents all calls and consultations on the Iowa Poison Control Center (IPCC) computerized medical record system. Preceptor for students, residents, and fellows of various healthcare disciplines. Growth opportunities available.
Why UnityPoint Health?
At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We're proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.
Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you're in. Here are just a few:
  • Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.
  • Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.
  • Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.
And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience.
Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities:
Telephone Consultation and Data Collection
  • Works under minimal supervision to provide clinical information and case management advice for telephone calls received by the Iowa Poison Control Center. Clinical oversight and medical directorship provided by physician medical toxicologists based at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.
  • Answers drug information questions if beyond the scope of knowledge of a RN Specialist in Poison Information (SPI).
  • Obtains pertinent information from the caller to assess the seriousness of the situation and the caller's level of understanding/state of mind and independently determine whether the situation can be handled by the IPCC or whether the patient should be seen by a health care provider.
  • Utilizes appropriate resources (Poisindex®, triage and clinical guidelines, reference books, on-call toxicologist) in the triage and management of poisoned/overdosed patients.
  • Provides follow-up calls with callbacks as needed to ascertain patient status, symptom resolution, compliance with recommended therapy, and where appropriate, status after discharge.
  • Delivers high quality care while demonstrating knowledge and skills of clinical toxicology in accordance with established policies, procedures and standards of care.
  • Utilizes critical thinking in making independent judgments and maintains responsibility and accountability for the knowledge required to manage the wide variety of poisonings encountered.
  • Promptly completes documentation to assure an accurate legal record of patient's care utilizing the IPCC's computerized medical record system.
  • Assures data collected is compliant with National Poison Data System (NPDS) coding requirements and allows quality assurance review of information obtained and provided.
  • Provides a high-level customer service at every level.
  • Conduct daily peer case review and uses results of quality improvement activities to initiate change.

Certification
  • Successfully completes Certified Specialist in Poison Information (CSPI) examination after meeting eligibility criteria which occurs after approximately 12-15 months of employment.
  • CSPI certification must be renewed every seven years.
  • If desired, future growth opportunity for becoming a Diplomate of the American Board of Applied Toxicology (DABAT).

Public and Professional Education
  • Participates in outreach education efforts.
  • Preceptpharmacy students and residents and provide leadership and coordination of the daily operations of the experiential programs.
  • Provide didactic lectures on poisoning/clinical toxicology topics to internal and external audiences.
  • Evaluate the academic progress of pharmacy students and residents in didactic and practice settings.
  • Writes and edits articles for monthly newsletter and may participatein research activities.
  • Assists in orienting, training, instructing and/or supervising new staff and students.
  • Prepares information for and attends required case review sessions, in-services and staff meetings.
  • Assist IPCC Medical Director with the professional development of IPCC's staff.

Qualifications
  • Education: Graduate of an accredited School of Pharmacy with a PharmD degree
  • Experience: Hospital experience considered. Experience in critical care or ER preferred.
  • License/Cerfitication: Current licensure in good standing to practice as a Pharmacist in Iowa or able to obtain pharmacist licensure in Iowa. Valid driver's license when driving any vehicle for work-related reasons.
  • Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Ability to multi-task. Demonstrate ability to quickly learn and interpret toxicology related information. Strong prioritizing and organizational skills. Critical thinking skills using independent judgment in making decisions. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to use computers and computer systems; the Internet and several simultaneous applications. Writes, reads, comprehends and speaks fluent English. Micromedex databases. Standard office, knowledge of Microsoft Windows PC environment. Computer literature search and basic data management skills. Ability to sit for long periods of time on the telephone in front of computer. Full use of upper extremities.

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About UnityPoint Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At UnityPoint Health, we provide care in nine regions throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. As the nation's fourth largest nondenominational health system in America, UnityPoint Health keeps people at the center of all we do. We are looking for dynamic and talented individuals to join our team. You'll find opportunities for every sized dream.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1995