If you have ever seen a television police procedural like CSI: Crime Scene Investigations, Law & Order or even The Closer, you probably have a good idea of what a forensic science technician does. Usually employed by city, county, state or federal law enforcement agencies, forensic science technicians are the people responsible for collecting, identifying, classifying, preserving and ultimately determining the meaning of physical evidence collected at a crime scene. Forensic science technicians are often required to testify in court about the nature of their discoveries and how they made them.
Forensic science technicians tend to work in police laboratories where they interact with technical experts in such things as fingerprints, ballistics, DNA, etc. With enough education, training and experience, forensic science technicians may eventually become technical experts, or even supervisors/managers, themselves.
Why consider becoming a forensic science technician? Here are some key reasons for choosing this career path:
• Secure hours. Most forensic science technicians work a regular 40-hour work week, although they are occasionally required to be “on call” should they be needed to collect evidence at a crime scene outside of normal office hours.
• Work environment. Most forensic science technicians work in indoor laboratory environments, although the nature of the work will sometimes take them to outdoor and even remote crime scenes.
• Qualifications. Most entry-level positions require that a candidate have at least two years specialized training with an emphasis on hands-on experience. To advance, you generally need a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry or mathematics. Some people even go on to get a Master’s degree in a specific area of technical expertise.
• Income Potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median hourly income for forensic science technicians in 2006 was $21.79, with half making more and half making less. In 2007, the average annual salary for forensic science technicians employed by the federal government was $40,534. Note that income potential varies significantly from state to state and from city to city depending on local economic and employment conditions, as well as the type of facility where you choose to work. For more information, please consult the Bureau of Labor Statistics and your local state labor department Web site.
• Job Prospects. Again, according to the BLS, employment opportunities for forensic science technicians are expected to increase much faster than average over the next six years. On a national level, employment for forensic science technicians is expected to rise from approximately 13,000 in 2006 to 17,000 in 2016. (Occupational growth rates are projections only, and will vary from community to community.)
• Opportunities for Advancement. Forensic science technician jobs can be the first step on an upward career path to the more specialized—and higher paying—technical specialties or managerial positions
• Nature of the Work. Finally, there is the nature of the work itself. If you like solving puzzles and discovering the solutions to often complex mysteries, forensic science can be uniquely exciting and rewarding. It does, however, require people with certain key personality traits. A good forensic science technician is highly detail-oriented, well-organized, meticulous and fanatical about following rules and procedures.
Criminal Investigations Training Offered at Everest College
Everest College is one of America’s leading providers of criminal investigations training. This training can qualify candidates for entry-level positions as forensic science technicians as well as related professions such as fingerprint technology and private investigations.
Because Everest has dozens of urban campuses conveniently located throughout the United States, men and women interested in pursuing this exciting and rewarding career can likely find a campus conveniently close to their home or work. Everest’s courses are designed to prepare students to compete for entry-level positions in just two years. Everest’s Career Placement teams work to prepare each graduate for their job search and interface directly with local law enforcement agencies* to help fill new job openings. All Everest campuses also provide financial aid services for those who qualify.
People interested in criminal investigations training should contact Everest today for information on class schedules. Program availability and schedules vary from campus to campus.
* Law enforcement may require additional training.
