Being a forensic science technician is one of the best science jobs. Compared to other jobs based on science, it covers a wide application of science in big and notable institutions. As laboratory instrumentation and procedures have grown more complex with the advancements in technology and science, the role of forensic science technicians have expanded from research and experimentation to product development. In addition to the routine laboratory and research tasks, various scientific technician positions offer freedom to formulate and make use of new methodologies to adapt with the increasing demand of laboratory and research work. Hence, a technician must develop an expert knowledge on the latest modern equipment to be able to adjust, maintain and determine or do the necessary repair on the equipment that he use, within company specifications. For somebody who is BIG in science and applied mathematics and who is not afraid of challenges, physical science jobs such as being a forensic science technician or scientific technician can give all the thrill and excitement that you re looking for.
Forensic science technician jobs have broadened its range. Now, there are a number of classifications or occupational titles that go with this technical position, which seem to follow the same career structure that is applied for scientists. Under the classification of biomedical science jobs, an individual can become an agricultural and food science technician, biological technician, environmental science and protection technician, forensic science technician and forest and conservation technician. For under the classification of physical science jobs, there are the chemical technicians, geological and petroleum technicians and nuclear technicians. The occupational titles depend on the technician’s field of expertise or specialization.
While most of a technician’s job is indoors, they may work in a variety of conditions. For instance, production technicians can work in an 8-hour shift around the clock, inside a laboratory. On the other hand, agricultural, forest conservation, geological and petroleum, environmental protection technicians have their work laid out outdoors, and sometimes, in remote locations. But with the advancements in the robotics, automation and information technology, working as a scientific technician has become a breeze.
The only downside of the job is the possibility of being exposed to hazardous chemicals and radioactive isotopes. As a forensic technician, the places where evidence, observations or data are gathered are often distressing and unpleasant. They may also be inevitably espoused to dead human bodies, handle various body fluids and firearms. Thankfully, along with the advancement in science, forensic science technicians have also devised certain ways of protecting themselves on the job. This is one of the factors that make the job even more challenging.
To become a forensic science technician, having a formal education background will be of great advantage. Individuals who have completed a 4-year course earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology or forensic science or those who have an associate’s degree in applied science and science related technologies are very much in line this job. It usually requires a bachelor’s degree. Technicians with a high school diploma usually begin working as trainees, under the direct supervision of an experienced and professional technician. The employer’s preferences may vary. Some companies prefer hiring technicians with a formal educational background or technician training. Some may qualify college undergraduates or high school graduates, provided that they have the appropriate experience doing the job.
For somebody who dreams of becoming a forensic science technician, having a hands-on training in school or on the job will be an advantage. A 2-year formal training may be enough career preparation for such a technical position. Also, getting an internship to pharmaceutical companies, being given the responsibilities that are analogous to those handled by a professional technician also makes an excellent reference background for the job. Anybody who is interested of becoming a forensic scientist can start their career preparation as early as high school, by taking as many high school science and math courses as possible. Beyond high school, taking a college degree that is laboratory oriented or puts emphasis on bench skills is advised. Earning a solid background in applied chemistry, physics and math is vital.
In 2006, science technician jobs have held about 267,000 jobs. 50% of the technician’s population is accounted to chemical and biological field applications. The employment for scientific technician or forensic science technicians is projected to increase; however, the demand for technicians would vary depending on the field of specialty. Having earned a scientific technical background may also qualify a person to other equally appealing jobs as in engineering technicians, broadcast and sound engineering technicians, health technologists, clinical laboratory technologists/technician, diagnostic medical sonographers and radiology technologists/technician.