Description of a Forensic Technologist

A forensic technologist or forensic scientist is a person who applies scientific methods in the assistance of solving cases in the legal system. The field of study such professionals practice is referred to as forensic science, an umbrella term that comprises several types of sciences.

Fields of Study

A forensic technologist can specialize in a variety of science fields. These include biology, chemistry, engineering, genetics, pathology, phonetics, psychiatry and toxicology.

Duties

Specifically, forensic technologists help police departments understand what happened at a crime scene. They do this by collecting and analyzing materials found there, which can include blood, hair and fingerprints.

Education

Forensic technologists typically undergo four-year programs in Forensic Science or Criminology, earning Bachelor of Science degrees in the process. Graduate programs are also available, and most employers encourage such academic pursuits.

Salary

According to PayScale.com, the median annual salary for forensic technologists is between $40,000 and $74,000 a year. Salaries depend on experience and place of work; federal agencies typically pay the highest wages.

Job Prospects

A division of the U.S. Department of Labor, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, reports that the number of forensic technologists may grow by more than 30 percent by the year 2016.

References

• Degree Directory: Forensic Scientist
• The Free Dictionary: Forensic Science

Resources

• Pay Scale