FORENSIC SCIENTIST TECHNICIAN

The real CSI:

By Marissa O'Hair

Forensic Scientist TechnicianWhy’d I Pick It?

Like CSIIntriguingExcitingMysteriousBrings justice

What Do You Do?

ExamineRemakeTestConnectReport

In courtOn file

What Do You Use?

Work in laboratoriesUse Microscopes, Computers, DNA

ReadersWear protective clothingUse multiple methods

High School Courses and Abilities

Any Science classesPublic SpeakingTechnical Writing

Education Required

Bachelor’s DegreeTakes 4-6 yearsMajors in scienceMinimum requirement

Master’s DegreeIn Forensic ScienceBachelor’s degree is required2 years plus Bachelor’s

$$ Salary $$

National average -$43,200Entry level national

average -$32,420Experienced national

average -$84,260Promotion= More money

A FST’s Schedule

Work 40 hours per weekOn call 24/7

Work nights and weekendsMust put in extra laboratory

hours

Promotions

Correct completion of certification examination

From American Board of Criminalists

Tests for proficiencyTransferring By getting “reclassified”

Assistant Director

Related Jobs

Law Enforcement and Security officersProtect lives and propertyEnforces lawsInvestigate crimes

Perks of The JobLike an episode of Crime

Scene InvestigationBrings criminals to justiceNo two are similarVariety of analysis procedures

Downsides of the Job

Must be very particularAlways constant pressureCourt appearances take away

laboratory timeCan be sad or gruesome

Works Cited

“Criminalists (Forensic Scientist Technicians).” Labor Market Information. Employment Development Department, 2002. Web. 13 May 2011.

“Forensic Science Technicians.” WISCareers. Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, 2011. Web. 13 May 2011.