Crime lab technicians are forensic science professionals that work in a criminal laboratory to help solve crimes by analyzing evidence. Technicians collect evidence and perform a variety of tests using laboratory equipment and scientific techniques to prosecute offenders of crimes. Typical tasks include finger print analysis, ballistics, DNA examination on organic and foreign objects, written documentation among other forensic procedures. The average salary for these professionals was $55,660 in 2011, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Becoming a crime lab technician generally requires a bachelor’s degree in a science discipline.
1. Take courses in high school to prepare for attending college and majoring in a discipline related to forensic science. Courses should include biology, chemistry, computer science and advanced mathematics. These play a critical role in forensic science as crime lab technicians use biology and chemistry techniques, statistical analysis and high-tech equipment to analyze evidence related to the crime in question.
2. Ensure you have the composure, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to handle a career in forensics. Crime lab technicians often see and have access to grisly evidence and pictures. They must use strong judgment skills to ensure their analysis is correct and using the proper analysis techniques to solve a crime. Making a mistake in the crime lab can lose a case when prosecuting offenders. The job can also be stressful, as crime lab technicians often work varied schedules and are often on-call.
3. Attend a postsecondary educational program majoring in a science discipline or forensic science. The America Academy of Forensic Sciences provides a complete list of educational programs that offer forensic science as a major. Although qualifications vary greatly by employer for crime lab technicians, a bachelor’s degree in forensic science or a related discipline can increase employment opportunities.
4. Apply for openings in crime labs. After completing your education, job openings for crime lab technicians are posted on local, state and federal government agencies’ websites. Many educational institutions also work with local and national crime laboratories to help place their graduates. Work with your school to help find employment opportunities.
- For those changing careers and are interested in forensics, the same educational programs and majors on forensic science still apply. Most state and federal jurisdictions require at least an associate's degree in a science discipline to apply for crime lab technician occupations. Such coursework in criminal justice or forensic science generally increases job opportunities with local jurisdictions.
- Online courses are available on criminal justice and forensic science if you choose to study on your own time.
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