Crime scene technician training programs prepare students for work in the forensic science field.
Crime scene technicians, also called crime scene investigators or forensic science technicians, collect and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations, according to Education-Portal.com. They often specialize in areas such as DNA analysis or firearm examination, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. Crime scene technician training programs give students the skills they need to succeed in this growing field.
Degrees
Many employers prefer crime scene technicians who have a bachelor's degree in forensic science or forensic science technology. A four-year degree in a field such as natural science also can help students gain an entry-level position in this industry. At many colleges such as Arkansas State University, forensic science bachelor's degree program students can choose to focus on areas such as chemistry or biology. Other colleges offer certificate and associate degree programs in the field. Students who are interested in filling a supervisory or management role or advancing in the field can complete a master's degree in crime scene investigation as well. Some programs also allow students to complete an internship in forensic science.
Certification/Licensing
Crime scene technician training prepares students to be certified. The International Association for Identification (IAI) and the American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) provide voluntary certification for crime scene investigators. The IAI's three levels of certification include certified crime scene investigator, certified crime scene analyst, and certified senior crime scene analyst. Crime scene investigators must have one year of field experience, analysts must have three years of experience, and senior analysts must have six years of experience. Each higher level also requires a higher number of completed instruction hours.
The ABC offers two certification levels--the diplomate and the fellow certifications. Diplomates must have a bachelor's degree and two years of experience in the field, and they must also pass an exam. Fellows must have at least two years of experience and pass an exam and proficiency test. In addition, most states require private investigators to be licensed, which involves passing an examination and meeting age and background check requirements.
Courses
Classes in crime scene technician programs cover topics such as general chemistry, organic chemistry or biochemistry, biology/microbiology, criminal justice, forensic anthropology, and crime scene investigation. Classes also teach criminal procedure, psychology, statistics, genetics, physics, and evidence and toxicology. In addition, students might study forensic entomology, microtechnique, mass spectrometry, forensic computing, and even radiation safety. Graduate courses might include analytical chemistry, biostatistics, pharmacology, biotechnology, and DNA analysis.
Job Prospects
Students who have completed crime scene technician training programs can work in forensic science laboratories, which include government crime scene labs and private labs that provide forensic science services. Crime scene technicians can also work for federal agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration or the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Outlook
Employment of forensic science technicians is expected to grow by 20 percent from 2008 to 2018. Median hourly wages of forensic science technicians in May 2008 were $23.97. More education results in higher earnings.
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