Crime Lab Technician Training
A crime lab technician is an important part of the investigative team. He applies science to justice. In the crime lab, a technician does their part in solving crimes. He collects evidence at the crime scene and tests it in the lab. If you enjoy science and can pay close attention to details, then consider getting the right training to become a crime lab technician. A crime lab technician is also known as a forensic science technician.
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Education
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Though there are many ways for science technicians to land a job, forensic science technicians usually need a bachelor's degree, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). A forensic science major takes as many science courses as a student in premed, so it's important to enroll in an institution that is strong in the sciences, according to Collegeboard.com, a non-profit that connects students with educational opportunities. The Princeton Review provides a listing of some undergraduate courses forensic science major may take, including forensic anthropology, crime scene investigation, concepts of bioscience, genetics, human physiology, molecular genetics, organic chemistry, calculus, biochemistry, criminal justice and community law, criminology and social psychology.
Specialization
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According to Collegeboard.com, some programs allow students to choose a specialization, such as forensic chemistry, forensic biology or forensic anthropology. The BLS lists other areas of specialization, such as DNA analysis and firearms examination. Employment for forensic science technicians is expected to grow much faster than average at a rate of 20 percent through 2018, according to the BLS. Increasing application of specialties, such as DNA analysis, is driving the employment growth within the state and local government.
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Training
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According to Collegeboard.com, forensic science technicians spend hours in the lab and keep up with the latest technology. In class, students may receive hands-on training using the tools and technology of forensic science. Students may also gain relevant experience by interning in a crime lab.
Technology
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Forensic science technicians receive training in tools and technology frequently used in the crime lab. The Occupational Information Network (O*Net), reveals that such tools include blood, body fluids and DNA collection kits; footprint lifters; specimen containers and jars; tape measures and ultraviolet UV lamps. Technicians may use programs, such as DNA sequence analysis and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database.
On-the-Job Training
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Forensic science technicians also receive on-the-job training. The length of on-the-job training depends on how much experience a forensic science technician received in school or in an internship. According to the BLS, forensic science technicians are likely to land jobs in the local government, state government, psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals, investigation and security services, and medical and diagnostic laboratories. These industries employed the highest number of forensic science technicians in 2008, according to the BLS. A forensic science technician earned an average rate of $25.46 per hour and an annual salary of $52,960 per year, according to the BLS May 2008 Occupational Employment Statistics.
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