Poison Center Call Room Staff Credentials
The nurses, pharmacists and other poison information providers who answer the emergency telephone lines undergo rigorous training to respond quickly and professionally to each call. All staff members receive formal training at the Washington Poison Center before they go on-line and then receive ongoing training. They work together as a dedicated team to handle any poisoning crisis or question.

Besides being licensed as a nurse or pharmacist, each health-degreed staff member must pass an intensive national toxicology examination to qualify as a poison information specialist. At least two years of clinical experience and meticulous study are required to successfully complete the exam.

The Washington Poison Center is unique in that it also requires non-health-degreed staff members to pass a similar certification exam. The test was developed by the Washington Poison Center and modeled after the one given to nurses and pharmacists. All staff members who are not nurses or pharmacists have a science background and extensive experience working in a health care environment. Poison information providers are supervised by pharmacists and nurses; and all staff members are supported by board-certified physician toxicologists at all times.

Meet your Poison Information Specialists:

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Poison Specialist you spoke with helped you?

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Additional Washington Poison Center Staff:

Contact the Washington Poison Center admistrative staff.

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