If you watch TV shows like “CSI” or “Bones” and are fascinated by the technical aspect of the program, you may have thought about a forensic science career. A forensic lab technician works in a crime lab, analyzing the evidence from a crime scene to assist forensic scientists and investigators with solving a crime. It’s an integral part of the investigation process, and the results of your work may be used to successfully prosecute criminals. It’s an exciting, technical and challenging job. Here's what you need to start one of these exciting careers.
Skills for the Job
Becoming a forensic lab technician requires training in forensic science. There are several educational options available, depending on your level of interest and ambition. You also must have the personality for this career. A good forensic lab technician is detail oriented and meticulous, with excellent critical and analytical skills. You must have a passion for science and technology. Forensic science lab technicians cannot be squeamish about handling human tissue, blood samples and body parts. They are sometimes called to collect or document evidence from a crime scene. You will be responsible for making sure valuable crime scene evidence is available to law enforcement and admissible in court. You should be able to work on your own for long periods in addition to working closely with a team.
Job Responsibilities
Some of the typical duties of a forensic lab technician include the following.
- Process fingerprint evidence.
- Collect evidence from crime scenes.
- Analyze tissue, blood and other physical evidence.
- Conduct ballistic tests.
- Test for environmental pollution.
- Consult with medical professionals, medical technicians or forensic scientists.
- Prepare evidence reports.
- Care for forensic lab equipment.
- Give expert testimony at criminal trial.
Educational Requirements
Prepare yourself in high school by taking your math and science classes seriously. If you have electives, take sciences such as biology, statistics, psychology and as much laboratory experience as possible. After graduating, there are several routes you can take to become a forensic lab technician. Basic training programs are offered by community colleges, technical schools, or online programs, and can be a good stepping stone before you decide to apply to a college or university for more advanced study. Most labs prefer that you have a Bachelor’s degree, though some offer on-the-job training. Here are some of the educational paths you can take for this career:
- Certificate in Forensic Science: This offers basic training in the field with one year of coursework. It’s suitable for some entry-level crime lab technician jobs.
- Associate’s Degree in Forensic Science: This offers a general education in forensic science through two years of natural science and forensic technology courses. It may include classes in crime scene investigation or forensic computer science.
- Bachelors of Science Degree in Forensic Science or Criminal Justice: This is a four-year course of study including chemistry, molecular science, physics, biology and criminal justice. Forensic science majors can also study ballistics, trace evidence, DNA testing, fingerprints or explosives.
- Master’s of Science Degree in Forensic Science: This is a two-year graduate-level program in technical and criminal justice studies. It often includes hands-on work in a crime lab.
Training in the Lab
No matter what degree you get, you will need work experience in a lab environment. A forensic lab technician must be proficient in operating lab equipment and computers. Forensic science majors may get internships at a crime lab through their school. As a trainee, you will work under the close supervision of a senior lab technician, laboratory supervisor or forensic scientist.
Job Prospects for Forensic Lab Technicians
After graduation, you can expect a positive job outlook in the field as law enforcement is increasingly reliant on using forensic science, particularly DNA evidence. Most lab technicians work at state or federal government crime labs, though there are private labs, as well. If you are hired to work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), you will undergo further training at the Forensic Science Research and Training Center in Virginia.
After you start working in a lab, you can also decide whether you want to become a specialist in ballistics, DNA, fingerprinting or other areas of forensic science.
Salary
Recent salary reports show the average annual salary for a forensic lab technician to be $55,000. The pay scale varies depending on the type of lab and geographic location. For instance, the average salary for technicians employed by the federal executive branch is $96,290 while local government labs, which hire the most forensic technicians, pay $54,660. Forensic science technicians in Illinois make more than those in Texas ($72,990 versus $45,510, respectively).
The popular television series about crime labs may glamorize forensic science, but if you are looking for a job that involves science, criminal justice and technology, then becoming a forensic lab technician is a good choice. The field offers many opportunities for advancement, and job prospects look promising.