How to Become a Forensic Lab Technician

By: Mary Ziegler

Last Updated: Dec 19, 2018

Forensic lab technicians apply their knowledge and background in lab science to further the reach of the law. By using the latest laboratory techniques to analyze physical evidence from crime scenes, these professionals help to solve crimes and successfully prosecute criminal offenders. Forensic lab technicians work in sophisticated crime laboratories that are located in federal agencies, state or local agencies or independent facilities.

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In addition to meticulous lab skills, this career requires the ability to summarize lab findings in written reports and to testify in court. Forensic lab technicians are sometimes called on to testify on physical evidence ranging from DNA to fingerprints to spent shell casings. In court testimony, they must describe their laboratory processes and findings, and explain their qualifications and experience, sometimes under aggressive questioning.

A job as a forensic lab technician enables lab techs use their unique combination of laboratory, analytical and oratorical skills to advance justice. Their lab work and expert testimony help to correctly identify and prosecute criminal offenders who might otherwise go scot-free.

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Lab technicians work directly with other scientists and supporting lab staff. The workweek is typically a standard one, although in some cases lab techs are called upon to do emergency or time-sensitive analyses during nights, evenings or weekends.

Hover over any state to explore local income and job growth data.

Forensic lab technicians make a median wage of $56,750, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The bottom 10% make a median income of $33,860, while the top 10% make a median $97,400 per year. Advanced education and experience bring higher salaries. Jobs with federal or state agencies also tend to have better-than-average benefits.

Because of advances in technology and the increased use of forensic evidence, employment for forensic lab technicians is expected to grow at a very fast rate of 27 percent through 2024, according to the BLS. It must be noted, however, that the relatively few number of these technicians in our country means the total number will grow by just under 4,000 by 2024. Due to media exposure, what was once a hidden aspect of law enforcement has moved to center stage and more people than ever are interested in this growing field. Technicians with at least a bachelor’s degree and some experience stand the best chance of employment.

To obtain a job in a crime laboratory, aspiring forensic lab technicians should have a four-year bachelor’s degree, preferably in one of the life sciences, forensic science or criminal justice. Certificate programs (about one-year) and associate’s degrees (about two years) in forensic science are also available, but these qualify graduates for lab assistant positions that are primarily entry level. To get the best education and preparation, students should find an accredited program. A list is available at the AAFS Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission.

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Because the results of their work contribute to a verdict of guilt or innocence, forensic lab technicians undergo meticulous and thorough training before working independently. This training is provided by a senior technician or scientist. Depending on the specialty, training takes six months to more than a year, especially for new graduates.

Forensic lab technicians are not required to have a license or certification, but they do need to pass proficiency tests on occasion. They must stay well informed of advances in the field by attending conferences, seminars or additional training classes.

Their background and experience make forensic lab technicians ideal crime scene investigators. A love of lab work leads some into technician or technology roles in medical or clinical labs. American Medical Technologists is a good resource for checking out similar lab tech careers. Obtaining a master’s degree also leads to exciting advancement and leadership opportunities.

In order to work as a forensic lab technician, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree. There are several possible pathways that will qualify you for entry-level lab jobs:

• Major in biology, chemistry, or a related natural science
• Major in a natural science with a concentration or minor in forensic science
• Major in forensic science

Undergraduate forensic science programs are usually offered at four-year universities. When choosing a program, look for a curriculum that emphasizes laboratory experience and hands-on analysis. Opportunities for field experience and internships are also desirable.

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The American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) provides voluntary accreditation for forensic science programs at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. An accredited program has met the basic educational standards set by educators and experts in the field.

At the bachelor’s level, forensic science students complete a series of general education courses in writing, the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. (In some programs, these must be completed successfully before applying to the forensic science program.)

The bachelor’s-level forensic science curriculum is usually broad based so that you can explore a variety of areas. Expect to take classes in:

As an undergraduate, take as many lab-based courses as possible in order to improve your observation and note-taking skills. In addition, AAFS recommends taking elective courses in math, statistics, and writing that go beyond your degree requirements.

With a master’s degree in forensic science, you’ll be able to work on more complex cases using advanced techniques. A master’s can also open doors to management, teaching, and research.

There are only 16 AAFP-accredited forensic science master’s programs in the United States. All of them are housed at four-year research universities and medical schools. Programs may be generalist or focused on a specific discipline like toxicology.

Ideally, your forensic science master’s program should blend coursework with hands-on experience. Classes at this level go beyond pure science to show you how your role fits into a larger legal context. Common courses include:

The best master’s programs also offer opportunities for internships, fieldwork, and research. Master’s students are encouraged to participate in scholarly activities like symposia, conferences, and journal clubs.

There are many voluntary certifications available to forensic lab technicians. Some are generalist while others focus on a specific discipline.

Before investing time and money in certification, talk to your boss or mentor. Not all credentials are valuable or well recognized in the forensic science community. Make sure that the credential you’re interested in is likely to advance your career.

A few examples of forensic lab science credentialing programs include:

The American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) offers Diplomate (entry-level) and Fellow (advanced) credentials in forensic lab science. To successfully certify, you must hold a bachelor’s degree, meet the experience requirements for your specialty, and pass an exam. Available specialties:

• Comprehensive criminalistics examination (CCE)
• Molecular biology (MB)
• Hairs and fibers (HF)
• Paints and polymers (PP)
• Drug analysis (DA)
• Fire debris analysis (FD)

The American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT) certifies forensic lab technicians at the diplomate (D-ABFT) and fellow (F-ABFT) levels. Certification requires a bachelor’s and doctoral degree, respectively. You’ll also need to meet experience requirements and pass a test. Diplomates can certify in the following areas:

• Forensic toxicology
• Forensic alcohol toxicology
• Forensic drug toxicology

The International Association for Identification (IAI) offers certification in a variety of specialties. To qualify, you’ll need to meet the education and experience requirements for your area and sit for an exam.

IAI certifies forensic lab technicians in:

• Bloodstain pattern analysis
• Footwear
• Forensic art
• Forensic photography
• Forensic video
• Latent print
• Tenprint fingerprint
• Crime scene analysis