Forensic Science Technician

1. Forensic Science Technician Ashley

2. Why I want to be a Forensic Science Technician. This career field intrigues me. I could see myself analyzing evidence, and investigating crimes. I would enjoy helping people and having the satisfaction that I do something I love and I would be making a difference in the world.

3. Career field. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, a forensic science technician is a person employed to "collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations.

4. Training and Education There are many ways to qualify for a job as a science technician. Most employers prefer applicants who have at least 2 years of specialized postsecondary training or an associate degree in applied science or science-related technology. Some science technicians have a bachelor’s degree in the natural sciences, while others have no formal postsecondary education and learn their skills on the job. Some science technician specialties have higher education requirements. For example, biological technicians often need a bachelor’s degree in biology or a closely related field. Forensic science positions also typically require a bachelor’s degree, either in forensic science or another natural science. Knowledge and understanding of legal procedures also can be helpful. Chemical technician positions in research and development also often require a bachelor’s degree, but most chemical process technicians have a 2-year degree instead, usually an associate degree in process technology.

5. Employment. Duties: The incumbent gathers data, assesses information, considers options, proposes resolutions, creates reports and translates data into content for forensic professionals. The incumbent will facilitate development of new knowledge through creation of online and on site continuing education courses. Responsibilities require knowledge of forensic lab processes/procedures and effective writing skills. Requirements: Requires a bachelor's degree in forensic or natural science; experience and/or training in an operational (chemistry, microscopy, forensic) science laboratory or forensic science provider, including internships; and experience and/or training in scientific and technical writing; or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

6. Income. • Forensic Science Technician Trainee: $46,815 -- $78,319

7. Job outlook The employment of science technicians is expected to grow by 12 percent during the 2008–18 decade, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

8. Summary of a Forensic Science Technician Forensic Science Technician’s investigate crimes by collecting and analyzing evidence. They specialize in areas such as DNA analysis or firearm examination, performing tests on weapons or on substances such as fiber, glass, hair, tissue, and body fluids to determine their significance to the investigation. Collection and storage methods are important to protect the evidence.

9. What I learned Forensics deals with analyzing fingerprints, bullets, DNA, teeth, and Computer files. You work with chemistry. I've learned that there is no perfect piece of evidence because it is very hard to pin point.

10. Work Cited • http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/203099.pdf • http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http:// • http://www.bls.gov/oco/pdf/ocos115.pdf