How to Become a Crime Laboratory Analyst
Becoming a crime laboratory analyst requires a considerable amount of education and training. The Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies crime laboratory analysts as science technicians who specialize in the field of forensic science. According to the bureau, there were a total of 12,390 forensic science technicians employed in the United States in 2010. These technicians earned an average salary of $55,040 per year.
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Instructions
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Complete general education requirements either at a four-year college or at a junior college. General education courses consist of a wide variety of fields such as English, speech and communication, history, math and science. In particular, any courses you can take in biology and chemistry will be helpful for a career in forensic science.
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Obtain your bachelor's degree. You can get your degree in the field of forensic science, but one in a field such as biology, chemistry or even physics can be acceptable for landing a job as a crime laboratory analyst. Minoring in a field like criminal justice can also be helpful. The Bureau of Labor Statistics points out that forensic science technicians generally need some background in legal proceedings and other areas of criminal justice.
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Gain hands-on experience by working as a laboratory technician in either a biology or chemistry lab. You can do this as a profession following the completion of your bachelor's degree or by completing an internship while still in school. The BLS points out the fact experience is generally necessary for employment, so gaining that experience prior to graduation can be essential to beating out other competitors for the job.
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Pursue work in the criminal investigation or criminal justice field to gain additional experience. Much of this experience can be gained through on-the-job training, but in the event that you do not find employment in a crime lab right away, pursuing work as a police officer or private investigator can provide you with additional experience until you get that employment offer.
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Apply for certification as a crime scene analyst through the International Association for Identification. To be a certified crime analyst, you must have three years of experience in areas related to crime scene investigation. You must also complete specialized training through the Crime Scene Certification Board, an organization affiliated with the International Association for Identification. The association requires the completion of 96 hours of training prior to certification. Certification involves passing a test that covers prominent publications in the field.
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References
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