Forensic Laboratory Training
A crime scene can contain evidence-chemicals, human tissue, metal fragments, and many other elements-that needs to be evaluated and tested for the presence of crime-related information. A crime lab technician is responsible for compiling, and evaluating and testing this evidence. Crime-scene investigation television programs have made this type of job popular, and has maybe even led regular viewers into thinking that they could perform the technician's task easily. But, being a technician requires training, which comes from experience or college-level education.
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Types
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There are two specific types of training: formal education and experience. Colleges and Universities provide Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in Chemistry-Biology, or Forensic Science-which are accepted by state or federal agencies. Each bachelor's can lead to a Master of Science (M.S.) degree. Training that comes via experience takes place on an entry-level basis with an agency that has an active crime scene lab.
Features
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For formal training, specific courses are taken: toxicology; chemical and physical evidence identification; criminology; criminal justice practices; chemistry; physics; introductory, intermediate, and advanced crime lab operations. For the entry-level trainee, the training is similar, but it might not take place in a condensed form that is offered in a classroom setting. Training through experience, or on-the-job training, which is also taken by students, is comprised of instrument and equipment introduction and instruction on usage; material and evidence identification, collection, recording, and reporting. For those solely trained on-the-job, seminars and workshops are offered, which provide instruction that resembles what is offered in college courses.
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Cost
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College or university fees depend upon the state, but can be between $1,800 to $3,000 a semester as of 2010. On-the-job training does not require a fee, and the trainee is often employed by the agency.
Time Frame
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A Bachelor degree from a college or university takes on average four to five years to complete. Each college year is divided into two semesters, in each of which four to five months of instruction takes place. Workshops and seminars are offered by the day, ranging from two to eight hours in duration. On-the-job training and internships do not have a set training time. The agency and the trainee decide before hand on how much time is desired, or needed, to become trained in whatever is necessary.
Job Outlook and Salary
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the number of forensic lab technicians to increase by 20 percent from 2008 to 2018, a number stated as being much faster than average. The base hourly wage for a technician is between $25 and $30, and the salary between $36,000 and $60,000
Considerations
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A lab technician can also apply for a certificate, after two years of experience. Certification is offered through the American Board of Criminalistics, the International Association for Identification, or the American College of Forensic Examiners.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit lab kit image by PHOTOFLY from Fotolia.com
