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Forensic science technicians are highly trained professionals who serve as an integral part of the criminal justice system. They help law enforcement officers solve crimes by collecting and analyzing evidence found at crime scenes. This evidence may include blood, saliva, fingerprints, semen, firearms and drugs. They also are called upon to reconstruct human skeletal remains, analyze clothing and other artifacts and use other information to determine the identity of the deceased. As a regular part of the job, forensic science technicians must preserve and store evidence, write reports, discuss evidence collection with law enforcement officers and offer expert testimony in criminal cases. Because this is such a vital service, forensic science technicians enjoy some of the best careers in criminal justice. The forensic science technician salary is high enough to provide a comfortable lifestyle. If this sounds like the job for you, now is the time to go to college and get your career training for this great profession.
Education and skills needed to earn a forensic science technician salary
If you want to earn a lucrative forensic science technician salary, the first step is to get a college degree. There are many traditional and online colleges that offer forensic science degrees. You can earn everything from a certificate to a doctoral degree, with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree being required for most entry-level forensic science positions. If you already have a job or family that requires a commitment of your time, you may prefer getting your education online.
The content of your degree program will vary from one school to the next, but you can expect to take certain courses. A quality program will be accredited through one of the agencies that are recognized by the United States Department of Education and will include such topics as physics, biology, microbiology, chemistry, medical technology and genetics. You will probably also study legal procedures and communication and will learn to use laboratory equipment and follow proper techniques. Many programs will also offer you the opportunity to complete an internship.
Earning a forensic science technician salary requires more than a formal education. In addition to your degree program training, you will also need to possess certain personal traits. First, you need strong interpersonal skills to work well with people, often under stressful conditions. You will also need excellent written and verbal communication and organizational skills, as well as the ability to think quickly under pressure. Finally, it is helpful to have excellent hand-eye coordination as you will be required to deal with very small pieces of evidence while viewing them through a microscope.
About the forensic science career
Many forensic science technicians work for crime labs at the state or federal level. As government positions, these jobs usually offer insurance, vacations and retirement plans. The pay for these government positions can vary greatly. At the entry level, state employed forensic science technicians earn an average salary of $1,900 per month. This pay can easily jump to around $3,000 monthly with experience.
Typically, government forensic science technician salary involves working a regular 40-hour week, with a chance of overtime to meet specific deadlines or handle large caseloads. Much of the work takes place in a forensic laboratory, but a great deal of time is also spent in an office preparing reports. In addition, many technicians also have to visit crime scenes and provide expert testimony in court. These aspects of the job can create a great deal of stress so it is important to be able to manage stress in a healthy manner.
This remarkable career has a lot to offer including a substantial forensic science technician salary. If you have been thinking of changing careers, there are many great colleges and universities that can help you take your place as a highly trained forensic science technician. All you have to do is find the program that is right for you, fill out an application, register and start taking classes now. It is a decision that will make a meaningful change in your life.
