How to Become a Crime Lab Tech

Crime lab technicians are in demand and will continue to be. Criminal investigations rely on forensic technology to help solve crimes, and this will likely increase in the future--good news for you if you are considering a career as a crime lab tech.If you possess attention to detail and intelligence, and you want to help solve crimes, then a crime lab tech career may be perfect for you.

Instructions

1. Choose your forensic specialty. Crime lab technicians may specialize in, for example, toxicology, DNA testing or ballistics. If you don't know exactly what you want to specialize in yet, don't worry. You still have plenty of time to decide. However, if you have an idea before you begin training, you can focus more time on studying the specialty. Now is a good time to think about your special interests.

2. Choose an accredited university with a good criminal justice or forensic science program. Most universities have suitable programs; check your local universities first.

3. Begin your studies at a university. Many who want to become crime lab techs major in microbiology, chemistry or a related field. In addition to science courses, you should also take criminal justice courses. The actual required curriculum may vary depending on the university. It may be a good idea, but is not necessary, to double major in a science and in criminal justice.

4. Apply for internships at a crime lab during your final year or two of study. An internship will give you hands-on experience and may make it easier to land a paying job as a crime lab tech. Some university programs may require internships.

5. Get a bachelor’s degree in science. By the time you get your degree, you should be well on your way to finding a job as a crime lab tech.

Tips & Warnings

• Ease with technology will benefit you in a crime lab setting. As a crime lab technician, you may be responsible for using and caring for high-tech machinery.

• Keep your grades up. Forensic science is a field in which proven performance really does matter. Better GPA may give you an advantage over other job applicants.

• Read as many books on forensic investigation as you can, beyond what is required for your classes.

• Beware of offers to get a quick crime lab tech degree online. While some aspects can be learned online, you must spend time in a university lab as well.

• Crime labs follow strict protocol regarding chain of evidence. Small mistakes in the lab can mean the difference between a conviction and a killer set free.

• In some jurisdictions, crime lab technicians may visit the scene of the crime to collect evidence. If you are squeamish, this may not be the job for you. However, usually it is the crime scene technicians rather than lab technicians who collect the evidence--most crime lab techs spend all their working hours in the lab.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Universities that offer forensic science and technology degrees