What's it take to become a scientist?

Scientist is a job title in most laboratories. To be a scientist depends on highest level of education achieved as well as years of work experience. You can be a "scientist" with less education if you have more years of experience. Of course, in a generic sense, a scientist is someone who works in a science-related industry. Generally the person generating the research ideas and overseeing the projects [and not the lackeys carrying out the work in accordance to the protocols]. Get a degree in a science-related field, and get to work. Sooner or later you'll claim the title of scientist. But, be forewarned it is not all it is cracked up to be...

each thinking and asking person is a scientist as child do this, we are all scientists from child hood to become a scientist in Carrier, you just take a research after PhD

CRAP!!! The real question is whether or not YOU want to call yourself a scientist or you want OTHERS to call you a scientist. The true definition of a scientist is anyone who is curious about something and then uses some sort of scientific method to investigate their curiosities. Simple. If you do that, then be cool with thinking of yourself as a scientist. (I think we can all agree that one of the greatest American scientists was Ben Franklin....and where did he get his PhD.?) Anyway, if you are interested in getting recognition as a "scientist" the contemporary view is years of study culminating in a PhD. This however is not a guarantee. The true litmus paper is/are results. I work with many "Scientists" (PhD's) that have in effect contributed nothing meaningful to science...so I have a hard time thinking of them as true scientists. At the end of the day, what is important is finding something that truely flips your switch and doing it. Don't worry for a second what your label is. Just worry about doing what you love and if science is it....what are you waiting for?

You need to study in a University and graduate with a BSC

Attend college. Try to get your doctorate. I'm studying computer media as an undergrad, but might go into science if I go to grad school. I guess you're a scientist if either you have the degree that says so, or you work in a scientific field (doing science stuff). Try to get a degree in the science of your choice. (The "Ph" in PhD stands for philosophy)

a scientist, in my definition is someone who has a Doctoral-level degree and does research. For a PhD you need 4 years of undergraduate work, then 4-5 more years of graduate work including a doctoral thesis and dissertation where you make a unique contribution to your field by doing your own research project. Find something that you love, and are extremely passionate about where you can wake up in the morning and feel good about doing your work even if you don't get paid alot.

nick,first is the love of doing "it",you have to be passionate about your career,being a scientist is just a label,not a heiarchial position

I'm a scientist. I spent 3 years at university learning about science, then worked in laboratories for 4 years. I now call myself a scientist but its not all that great, if I were you I wouldn't bother, its quite dull and the wages are rubbish

KEEP YOUR MIND CLEAR.BE AWARE OF WHAT YOU DO.THINK CREATIVELY AND INNOVATIVELY.THINK GLOBAL WORK LOCAL.IT MAKES YOU AS A SCIENTIST