How Do I Become a Blood Spatter Analyst?

Blood spatter analysts use blood stains to piece together events at a crime scene.

Blood spatter tells investigators crucial details about a crime scene. For instance, by measuring the distance between spatters, investigators can tell where injuries occurred and how someone might have initiated the injuries. This helps them piece together events and may lead to the conviction of a criminal and a case closed. People who specialize in getting details from blood stains are callled blood spatter analysts. To become a blood spatter analyst, you must get an education in forensic science and then specialize in blood spatter analysis, working with recognized training organizations.

Instructions

1. Following completion of high school or GED work, enroll in an accredited academic institution. Major in general forensic science if possible -- it is not necessary to specialize at the undergraduate level, and a general forensic science degree gives you greater market flexibility, says Forensicscience.net. If your institution of choice does not have a forensic science program, major in a science-related field such as biology.

2. Enroll in a graduate program and pursue forensic study specific to blood spatter analysis. A PhD is necessary only for teaching and administrative positions, but you should have a master's degree to show expertise in your specialization.

3. Find an experienced blood spatter analyst with whom you can do additional on-the-job training. The analyst should be a registered member of the International Association of Blood Pattern Analysts.

4. Enroll in blood pattern analysis training courses through IABPA or other recognized forensic or law enforcement agency.

5. Apply to become a member of IABPA. There are four membership levels from which to choose: associate, provisional, full and distinguished. Associate membership is for those pursuing general interests, so the lowest membership level you should get is provisional. This membership level requires a letter of recommendation from an IABPA member -- you can use the person with whom you do on-the-job training -- and the completion of at least 40 hours of blood stain analysis coursework approved by IABPA. You may get full membership after being a provisional member for one year and become a distinguished member by contributing significantly to the field.

6. Get certified as a blood spatter analyst through organizations such as the International Association for Identification. Requirements for certification vary by organization, but most require blood spatter analysis coursework. You may use the same coursework you get through IABPA in some instances.

7. Apply for jobs as a blood spatter analyst through law enforcement agencies, laboratories, forensic-oriented universities and similar organizations. Once you have experience and have some standing in the field, you can work as an independent analyst -- that is, a blood spatter expert who takes cases for various agencies as needed.

References

• International Association of Blood Pattern Analysts; 2011
• International Association of Blood Pattern Analysts; Training Opportunities...; 2011
• Forensicscience.net; How Do I Become a Forensic Scientist?; 2010