One of the largest subspecialties in forensic nursing is sexual assault nursing. When a victim of sexual assault is brought to the hospital, forensic nurses can help the victim calm down, collect necessary evidence for the police, and protect the victim from pregnancy and STDs. Other forensic nurses may examine and collect evidence from dead bodies or help shape policies that affect victims of criminal justice. In addition, forensic nurses often work at crime scenes or police stations to help preserve crime scenes or interpret medical reports.

Forensic Nurse Job Description

You can plan on working long hours as a forensic nurse! Hospitals and criminal justice agencies often do not have multiple forensic nurses on staff at any given point, so you may need to work on-call hours in addition to your typical work schedule. Many forensic nurses work traditional daytime hours to process evidence, act as a witness in court cases, and help overworked doctors with crime victims. However, when victims come in after hours, the forensic nurse is the one that hospitals turn to. This may mean that you work more than 40 hours per week or that your schedule changes on a weekly basis to accommodate patients’ needs.

According to Yahoo! News, forensic nurses need a strong mind and the ability to stay calm in the face of disturbing crimes. Since much of your time may be spent working with victims of violent crime, you must be able to listen to their ordeals without getting overly emotional or worsening their situation. This is often a trait that is developed on the job, so you may become more resilient the longer you work as a forensic nurse.

Of course, just like any nursing profession, forensic nursing requires a great deal of experience and education. If you’re interested in this career path, it’s important to begin preparing and planning early in your training. This can allow you to get the proper work experience to get into forensic nursing.

How to Become a Forensic Nurse

Before you can even start taking forensic nursing classes, you must be a bachelor’s-level registered nurse. This involves four years of school, covering nursing practice and general education. You may take courses like Fundamentals of Nursing, Nursing Care of Adults, and Nursing Care of Children. These courses and the practical experience you gain in them can help you develop the patient communication skills you need to become a successful forensic nurse.

Once you have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, you’ll likely need to spend at least one or two years working as a registered nurse. Most graduate programs in forensic nursing have a work experience requirement. At that point, you can begin your master’s degree in forensic nursing. You can plan on spending about two years in school if you attend full-time.

The curriculum of your forensic nursing program will be intensive and multifaceted. Common courses required early in the degree include Forensic Approaches to Blunt Force and Firearm Injuries, Crime Scene Preservation, Death Investigation in Health Care, and Courtroom Testimony by the Health Care Specialist. Other courses you take may include Forensic Approaches to Domestic Violence, Forensic Approaches to Human Abuse Injuries, and Sexual Assault Nursing. If you specialize in a field like accidental death or sexual assault, you may take courses that are geared towards your field of study.

To legally work as a forensic nurse, you must maintain a valid nursing license in your state. Since this is considered a nursing specialty, you may need to apply for an advanced practice nursing license. Typically, this involves taking a state-mandated exam in forensic nursing and maintaining your license with a certain number of continuing education credits. You will likely also need to renew your license annually or biannually to continue practicing.

Forensic Nurse Salary and Career Outlook

According to O*Net, the demand for specialist nurses is expected to increase faster than average when compared to other professions. They indicate that the average salary for a nursing specialist is $81,220 per year (O*Net, 2022). As you gain experience and become more knowledgeable about different types of forensic nursing, your earning potential may increase. Furthermore, salaries vary significantly from state to state. In Texas, the average salary is fairly close to the national average at $79,830 per year (O*Net, 2022). California nurse specialists earn an average income of $132,660 per year (O*Net, 2022). Salaries in Florida are slightly lower than the national average; the average nurse specialist claims an income of $77,710 per year (O*Net, 2022).

Keeping on top of changes in the field and new types of technology may improve your job outlook. The International Association of Forensic Nurses offers additional certifications, chapter networking events, and an annual international conference.

Forensic nursing is different from other types of nursing because there is a focus on patient interaction and advocacy. While nurses in other specialties do interact with patients on this level, forensic nurses may spend several hours with just one patient. By helping one patient at a time, you can help victims heal and give law enforcement professionals the help they need.

2022 US Department of Labor salary and employment figures contained here reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2023.

If you’re ready to learn more about this career path, contact the schools in our directory to find out more today.

Forensic scientists are, first and foremost, scientists. They apply their knowledge of chemistry, biology, physics, and other sciences to gather, test, and analyze information from crime scenes and other locations. Their analysis might be used to help apprehend criminals, determine a cause of death, help locate a missing person, determine who is at fault in a car accident, or provide evidence about whether the discharge from a manufacturing plant is likely to cause biological harm, among other things.

• What is forensic science?
• What does a forensic scientist do?
• Salary and job outlook Information for forensic scientists
• How to become a forensic scientist: education and experience requirements

What Is Forensic Science?

The American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) defines forensic science as any science that is “used for the purposes of the law.” More specifically, forensic science is the application of science and the scientific method to recognize, identify, and evaluate evidence (usually physical evidence) for legal purposes, for both criminal and civil law.

Forensic scientists are the experts who can explain to investigators and juries the “science of the evidence,” such as how blood splatter patterns occur, what skid marks mean, what DNA indicates, why a walkway failed and killed pedestrians, or how trace evidence provides the tiniest details about a crime scene.

The AAFS also emphasizes that forensic science is not just a tool for law enforcement: It is an objective search for the truth and can be used on all sides of an investigation for any legal matter.

Note that although many people use the terms forensic scientist and forensic science technician synonymously, these are different jobs. Forensic scientists work mainly in labs and generally need a post-secondary degree in a science. Forensic science technicians go to locations to gather evidence. They do testing and analysis, they are skilled and trained, but they don’t need as much in-depth scientific knowledge as forensic scientists do. Usually a bachelor’s degree is all that’s required to become a forensic science technician.

Another source of confusion is about how forensic science relates to criminology. Many criminology departments and programs include forensic science degrees, and both require strong analytical and problem-solving skills, but they are different fields. Criminology is the scientific study of the nature, causes, consequences, and prevention of criminal behavior. It’s based in the sociological and behavioral sciences. Forensic science, on the other hand, is factual analysis rooted in the natural sciences such as physics, biology, and chemistry.

Finally, confusion sometimes arises from the use of the terms “criminalistics” and “criminalist.” Despite sounding so much like a part of “criminology,” criminalistics is the analysis of physical evidence from a crime scene, and a criminalist, who gather and analyzes such evidence, is one type of forensic scientist.

What Does a Forensic Scientist Do?

Forensic scientists typically work in laboratories utilizing skills in physics, chemistry, and biology. They might also specialize in computer and digital forensics, or they may focus on vehicular accidents or infrastructure issues. While forensic scientists don’t usually conduct in-person crime or accident scene investigations, some may do on-site analysis to get more information about a case. Because forensics is involved in many criminal and civic legal cases, forensic experts might be called upon to testify in court to lay out the facts they found in a case.

While popular television shows usually focus on forensic scientists’ involvement in crime scenes and murder investigations, the field is much wider than that. Forensic scientists are involved in any investigation that would be considered a legal matter, including civil disputes (such as divorce cases) and civic cases (such as a company being sued for violating clean air standards). Forensic engineers may determine what caused a bridge to collapse and who is responsible. The handwriting expert who determines whether a signature is correct is one type of forensic scientist; the odontology expert who evaluates bite marks is another. Almost any kind of expertise can be applied through the scientific method to test material forensically if the need arises.

Duties of a Forensic Scientist

Broadly, forensic scientists work in laboratory settings to perform biological, chemical, and other tests on evidence that has been collected. They work with reports from the crime or accident scene, with other investigators, or with other forensic scientists.

Some specific duties might include:

• Preparing solutions and other formulations needed for laboratory work
• Operating and maintaining laboratory equipment
• Testing evidence
• Interpreting laboratory findings or test results to identify and classify evidence collected at crime scenes or other locations
• Identifying drugs or poisons found in biological fluids or tissues
• Preparing reports
• Testifying in court about investigative or analytical methods and findings

Where Do Forensic Scientists Work?

Forensic scientists work in a variety of settings. The better-known forensics positions are within law enforcement agencies or county/state forensics laboratories. However, forensic scientists also work within the federal government agencies including the Department of Justice (such as within the FBI), the Department of the Treasury, Health and Human Services, and the Postal Inspection Service. These agencies typically require high-level technical forensic specialties.

Forensic scientists also work at hospitals, often alongside social workers and counselors who work with victims of crimes who seek treatment at the facility. Someone with a medical or nursing background and forensics training may be sought out for these positions.

Specialty Areas

There are many specialty areas in forensics. Because these positions often require a high level of expertise, a master’s degree or higher is usually needed to specialize. Following are just a few examples of forensic science specialty areas:

• Forensic psychologist: Studies how and why criminals commit crimes
• Forensic pathologist: Examines corpses to determine cause of death; usually a medical doctor
• Forensic anthropologist: Studies human remains using techniques such as skeletal analysis and carbon dating in order to identify bodies and help determine cause of death
• Forensic artist: Creates free-hand or digital renderings of a suspect or victim
• Forensic serologist: Analyzes bodily fluids (e.g., blood, saliva, semen, urine, etc.) found at a crime scene
• Forensic toxicologist: Tests and analyzes bodily fluids and tissue samples to identify substances (e.g., poison, drugs, etc.) that might be present in the body
• Forensic digital expert: Examines data generated by computers, mobile phones, tablets, and other devices, as well as media captured by audio, photography, and video recording devices, such as security cameras
• Forensic engineer: Reconstructs crimes and accidents to help determine causes and responsibilities

Forensic Scientist Salary

The salary of forensic scientists can vary depending on specialty, education, and location. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics provides the following median annual salary information (2022):

• Forensic scientist: $63,740
• Forensic toxicologist (medical scientist): $99,930
• Forensic pathologist: $252,850

This wide range of salaries is partly based on level of education: becoming a forensic scientist requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree, while forensic toxicologists and pathologists generally need a master’s or doctorate degree.

Forensic Scientist Career Outlook

Career outlook also varies depending on your specialty and education. However, advances in evidence-processing technology and high crime solve rates due to forensics all indicate that forensic science is an up-and-coming career.

For forensic science technicians, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 13% growth rate through 2032. Although the job description is different from that of a forensic scientist, this figure is an indicator of general growth in the field.

Every branch of forensic science offers opportunity for personal growth, career advancement, and increased financial compensation.

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures contained here reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2023.

How to Become a Forensic Scientist

Following are the general steps to becoming a forensic scientist. We’ll go into more details below.

1. Complete a comprehensive degree program
2. Engage in on-the-job training
3. Pursue certification

Get Your Degree

To pursue a career in forensics you’ll need a degree in either forensic science, one of the natural sciences (e.g., chemistry or biology), or engineering — it all depends on the type of forensic science you plan to work in. Although becoming a forensic scientist requires at least a master’s degree — and usually a doctorate — schools other degree programs that can help you determine the specific career path you want to follow.

• Associate degree: Associate programs introduce the fundamentals of forensic science; they also generally include courses in science. Although this degree is often a stepping stone to getting a bachelor’s, you may be able to find positions such as laboratory assistant, laboratory technician, and evidence custodian.
• Bachelor’s degree: Bachelor’s programs in forensic science dig deeper into the fundamentals of forensic science, and they focus heavily on math and the sciences. In addition to lectures, bachelor’s programs include laboratory classes and possibly internships in crime laboratories. This degree is often the minimum requirement for many entry-level forensic science positions.
• Master’s degree: If you’re interested in specializing in a specific area of forensics or becoming an expert in the most advanced forensic technology, you’ll need a minimum of a master’s degree. Examples of positions that typically require a master’s include computer forensics, toxicology, and forensic microbiology.
• Doctorate degree: Some areas of forensic science require a doctorate, usually due to the need for medical training or experience with highly-specialized scientific research tools. Some examples of specialties that require a doctorate include forensic anthropology, forensic psychology, forensic pathology, and forensic dentistry.

Engage in On-the-Job Training

On-the-job training in forensic science is a requirement in the field. While academics can help you learn about the different techniques and gain specific skills, it takes putting those skills into practice to develop expertise. Because forensic investigations can involve an infinite number of situations, exposure to many different scenarios will help you hone your deductive, critical thinking, and analytical skills.

Look for opportunities to jump into new tasks and learn about innovative techniques. Seek out professional development opportunities to take full advantage of on-the-job training and development. Get involved with organizations such as the Young Forensic Scientists Forum to learn about opportunities and become part of the forensics community.

Pursue Certification

While most careers in forensics don’t require certification, there are advantages to honing your skills in this way. Pursuing certification can help you go beyond the coursework from your degree program and focus on a specialty in forensics. Additionally, being certified shows your dedication to advancement in the field. Not only can certification lead you to better jobs, but it could also lead to leadership positions.

Certifications are often offered by university and college programs accredited by the Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board (FSAB). Established with the support of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS), the National Forensic Science Technology Center (NFSTC), and the National Institute of Justice, the FSAB oversees the quality of forensic science certificate programs. You can find a list of FSAB-accredited programs on the website of the Department of Justice.

Online Programs

New technologies have made it possible for forensic science programs across the country to be available online — you can find associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs online, many of which are accredited by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS). However, note that some of these programs involve a hands-on component that cannot be competed online — especially at the master’s degree level.

Online learning formats offer convenience and flexibility. You can take courses as they fit into your schedule, and if you’re already working in forensic science you will have the chance to apply what you learn to your job. However, some people miss the in-person interaction with peers and professors that come with on-campus programs. In addition, you need a certain amount of self-discipline to stay motivated.

To decide whether an online program is right for you, consider whether or not the field you are interested lends itself to online learning. For example, a degree with a focus on computer forensics may fit with an online format, but specialties that require a great deal of laboratory work may work better in an on-campus program.

Spotlight: Featured Forensic Scientist Degree Programs

Many schools have excellent master’s programs in forensic science. The following is a list of programs that we think particularly shine, based on factors including reviews, cost, and accreditation.

Pennsylvania State University

The Eberly College of Science at Penn State offers an interdisciplinary forensic science master’s program that combines studies in core crime scene, research, and laboratory topics with electives in areas such as anthropology, criminal justice, or geology. The program requires 40 credits and allows you to concentrate in forensic biology, forensic chemistry, or criminalistics. The institution emphasizes career preparedness and discipline exposure by creating opportunities for students to interact with criminal lawyers, defense attorneys, forensic scientists, and investigators. Learners can also apply for several departmental grants, scholarships, and awards to offset costs.

Degrees offered:
Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) in Forensic Science
Also offers Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Forensic Science

Tuition:
In state: $766 per credit hour
Out of state: $1,282 per credit hour

Marshall University

From its home base in Huntington, West Virginia, Marshall University provides a Master of Science in Forensic Science that maintains accreditation via the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission. If you enroll at Marshall, you can elect to either write a thesis or follow a non-thesis option that requires a capstone project. Areas of emphasis include DNA analysis, forensic chemistry, crime scene investigation, and digital forensics. All told, Marshall’s degree requires 38 credits and takes five semesters of full-time study. The department maintains professional relations with the West Virginia State Police to give students access to state crime laboratory facilities. You can also use the campus-based DNA laboratory. Students can acquire a separate graduate certificate in digital forensics.

Degrees offered:
Master of Science in Forensic Science

Tuition:
In state (West Virginia): $373 per credit hour
Out of state: $934 per credit hour

Florida International University

The master’s in forensic science at Florida International University (in Miami) incorporates an interdisciplinary curriculum that prepares graduates for positions in government agencies, research firms, laboratories, and consultancies. The program takes approximately two years of full-time study and incorporates traditional semester-based classes and shorter workshop-style classes. FIU’s program meets criteria provided by the American Academy of Forensic Science and the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission. If you’re interested in administration, the school also offers a professional science master’s in forensic science. If your primary area of interest is biology or chemistry, there are two specialized Ph.D. programs that include a forensics emphasis.

Degrees offered:
Master of Science in Forensic Science
Professional Science Master in Forensic Science
Master of Science in Forensic Science/Ph.D. in Biology
Ph.D. in Chemistry and Biochemistry, Forensic Track

Tuition:
In state: $380 per credit hour
Out of state: $520 per credit hour

Virginia Commonwealth University

If you’re looking for a program that offers many different educational tracks for a master’s in forensic science, Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, might be the school for you. This institution offers concentration tracks in forensic biology, forensic chemistry/drugs and toxicology, forensic chemistry/trace, and forensic physical evidence. You’ll earn 27 credits in core topics before moving into 15 credits devoted to specialization areas. VCU’s program is full-time and takes two years to complete. Members of the Virginia Division of Forensic Science Central Laboratory teach some of VCU’s classes, giving you access to expert practitioners and opportunities for networking.

Degrees offered:
Master of Science in Forensic Science
Also offers Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science

Tuition:
In state: $701 per credit hour
Out of state: $1,234 per credit hour

Michigan State University

Michigan State, in East Lansing, Michigan, is the oldest forensic science program in the nation, but it’s also recognized for its cutting-edge curricula and laboratory facilities. You can expect to gain both theoretical and practical knowledge from MSU’s master’s in forensic science program, which includes concentrations in forensic chemistry and forensic biology. The department maintains an active research arm and encourages degree seekers to participate in ongoing studies and create their own projects. This program typically appeals to individuals who want to work in research or academic roles, as it requires a thesis. The school also offers a Ph.D. in forensic anthropology.

Degrees offered:
Master of Science in Forensic Science
Also offers Doctorate in Forensic Anthropology

Tuition:
In state: $755.50 per credit hour
Out of state: $1,485 per credit hour

University of Illinois

The Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Illinois (in Chicago) offers a master’s in forensic science with a broad curriculum of topics ranging from biochemistry and entomology to toxicology and dentistry. The department doesn’t offer any specializations, but you can use your elective hours to take courses in related subjects from outside departments. Core courses include studies in trace evidence analysis, expert witness testimony, and environmental contamination testing. Students also participate in a residency/internship to gain real-world experience with industry experts. To graduate, you must submit a thesis.

Degrees offered:
Master of Science in Forensic Science
Master of Science in Forensic Toxicology

Tuition:
In state: $486 per credit hour (based on 12 credits per semester)
Out of state: $996 per credit hour (based on 12 credits per semester)

Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University, in Huntsville, was the first school in Texas to offer an accredited master’s of science in forensic science. Here, you can personalize your plan of study to meet specific career aspirations. The program requires 44 credits and mandates an internship and thesis to qualify for graduation. The department provides scholarships and assistantships to exceptional students demonstrating financial need. SHSU boasts that 90% of its graduates have received job placements in forensic science laboratories and related research institutes.

Degrees offered:
Master of Science in Forensic Science
Also offers a Ph.D. in Forensic Science

Tuition:
In state: $435 per credit hour
Out of state: $850 per credit hour

George Mason University

George Mason University, outside Washington D.C., offers a master’s program in forensic science that exposes you to theoretical approaches and practical applications. You can select a concentration in crime scene investigation, forensic chemistry analysis, forensic biology analysis, or forensic/biometric identity analysis. GMU’s forensic science faculty all possess extensive experience in the field, giving students an insider’s perspective of the discipline. The Washington, D.C. location provides exceptional access to leading government and corporate forensic science labs, and unique opportunities to see forensic science in action.

Degrees offered:
Master of Science in Forensic Science
Master of Science in Digital Forensics
Also offers Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
Also offers graduate certificates in Forensic Science and Forensic Accounting

Tuition:
In state: $589 per credit hour
Out of state: $1,447 per credit hour

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Forensic Toxicologist Job Description

This job can be fairly challenging, since you must know about all sorts of different chemicals and how they work in the body. Your knowledge must extend to illegal substances, like heroin, cocaine, and meth, as well as legally-prescribed drugs that may lead to death when taken incorrectly. After being provided with a sample of blood, urine, or another bodily fluid, a forensic toxicologist can begin looking for telltale signs of foul play or poisoning. When it’s suspected that the victim ingested or was given something that led to their death, toxicologists must identify the substances in the victim’s body. From there, they can determine how long the substance has been in the body, how much was taken, and whether or not it could have caused death.

When you’re considering a job that requires this much intensive knowledge, you should prepare to meet strict educational standards. Before you can be considered for forensic toxicologist jobs, you’ll need to complete an in-depth training program.

How to Become a Forensic Toxicologist

Working in the field of forensic toxicology requires a comprehensive understanding of many different scientific specialties, as well as intensive knowledge of the criminal justice field. While you may be able to obtain criminal justice training on-the-job, you must be formally trained in the natural sciences. At the bachelor’s degree level, you can earn a degree in toxicology, chemistry, or biology. Toxicology is a fairly uncommon college major; if it’s not available to you, then chemistry or biology are acceptable alternatives. Regardless of which degree you decide to earn, you must spend lots of time in the laboratory, perfecting your lab skills and learning how to work with sensitive materials. At the undergraduate level, your curriculum may include courses like Pathophysiologic Principles of Human Disease, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Laboratory Techniques in Pharmacology and Toxicology, and General Genetics.

With a bachelor’s degree, you may have all the training and education you need to start an entry-level job in forensic toxicology. Certain hiring agencies may require a master’s degree or PhD. For example, crime investigation agencies in large cities may have a huge range of substances that come through their lab, so they may only want to hire toxicologists with graduate-level education.

If you opt to earn a master’s degree, you can study forensic science or toxicology. Your curriculum may include courses like Criminal Evidence and Investigation, Analytical Chemistry, Criminalistics, Pharmacology, and Forensic Pathology.

Those who go into forensic toxicology may be interested in obtaining certification. It’s important to note that certification is not currently required for you to start a career in this specialty. The American Board of Forensic Toxicology has a certification program for toxicology specialists. However, you must first complete three years of work experience after earning a bachelor’s degree. Your degree must provide you with adequate training in chemistry, biology, toxicology, and pharmacology to qualify you for licensure.

Forensic Toxicologist Salary and Career Outlook

In coming years, the nationwide need for forensic toxicologists may increase slightly. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 13% increase in job openings for forensic science technicians through 2030. This growth rate is faster than average, compared to all other professions. A lot depends on what part of the country you live in and how common crime is in your area. If you take on work for multiple agencies or police departments, you may have a more promising job outlook than those who will only work close to home.

The average annual wage for forensic science technician is $63,740. In many parts of the country, salaries for forensic scientists are significantly higher. For example, in California, forensic science technicians earn an average annual salary of $93,630. In other areas, salaries tend to be lower; forensic technicians in Arkansas bring in a median income of $46,500 (CareerOneStop, 2022).

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures contained here reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2023.

Working as a Forensic Toxicologist

This job requires a lot of mental acuity and strength, since you may spend days trying to figure out why a test read a certain way or why a specific chemical was found in a victim’s body. Forensic toxicology can be a solitary job; toxicologists often spend their entire shifts in crime labs, treating samples or running tests on vials of bodily fluids. However, you may work with other forensic professionals in your lab to figure out difficult-to-read results or put your results together with existing evidence. It’s important to note that forensic toxicologists have fairly limited authority in a courtroom or other legal settings. While you can find out what’s in a victim’s body, how long it’s been there, and how it got there, it’s up to investigators and crime specialists to rule cause of death and come up with theories.

Forensic toxicology is an extremely important field, especially if you want to bring justice to victims of horrible crime. KPC News reports of a fire in Indiana that appeared to lead to the death of a 23-year-old woman and her 3-year-old daughter. However, thanks to the work of a toxicology lab, it was found that both victims were dead prior to the fire starting. This finding allowed investigators to begin treating the deaths as homicides. Your education and experience in toxicology may lead to faster and more effective investigating throughout your state.

Don’t wait to learn more about entering the field of forensic toxicology. Contact the schools in our directory to request information about program in your area today!

Latent Print Examiner Job Description

Working as a latent print examiner is more than just pressing people’s fingers into ink and filing prints away for examination. Latent print examiners typically spend most of their time lifting fingerprints from other surfaces. You might gather prints from cars, guns, door frames, and any other surface at a crime scene. Then, these prints are electronically enlarged to compare prints among existing databases.

To succeed as a fingerprint examiner, you must be extremely careful and detail-oriented. Treating or processing a fingerprint incorrectly can lead to damaged evidence, which may hinder a case and police efforts to crack down on crime. In addition, you should be willing to work with new types of technology. As new types of fingerprint identification technology are created, it’s likely that they’ll be incorporated into your career and used to bring people to justice.

The evidence gathered by latent print examiners can be used to put criminals behind bars, bring peace to grieving families, and make the streets a little bit safer for everyone. The Federal Bureau of Investigation reports that Christopher Dolan, a latent print examiner, helped solve a cold case that led to the brutal murder of one man. He used latent print examination to help investigators track down the man responsible after almost 30 years.

How to Become a Latent Print Examiner?

Typically, latent print examiners are hired through police departments and local investigative agencies. Since there may be multiple police departments within each city or within each neighborhood, hiring requirements may vary from place to place. Police departments with large fingerprinting departments or police stations that process lots of crimes may have more intensive hiring requirements than smaller police stations.

In Fort Worth, Texas, prospective fingerprint examiners can qualify for this job with experience or education. If you have an associate degree in fingerprint comparison or if you’ve completed a program that covers fingerprint comparison, you may be on the right track. You also need two years of related job experience. If you do not have any education beyond the high school level, you need at least four years of work experience in fingerprint comparison to apply for a latent fingerprint examiner job.

While you may not need a four-year degree to become a fingerprint examiner, you may need to go to an accredited fingerprint training course. The International Association for Identification offers latent print certification. You must attend 80 hours of Board-approved training to become a Certified Latent Print Examiner. In addition, you must have two years of full-time work experience in this field. After passing a rigorous exam that challenges your ability to compare and identify fingerprints, you can receive a five-year license.

There are several types of educational institutions that offer training in fingerprint identification and capture. The Federal Bureau of Investigation offers a variety of fingerprinting classes in West Virginia. If you are hired by an authorized law enforcement agency, you may be able to attend these training courses. You may take hands-on fingerprinting courses like Classifying Fingerprints, Scientific Basics of Fingerprints, and Advanced Comparison for Tenprint Examiners. These courses last between 16 and 40 hours.

Latent Print Examiner Salary and Career Outlook

Per O*Net, latent print examiners fall under the category of forensic science technicians. They note that the demand for latent print examiners is expected to grow much faster than average when compared to all other occupations (O*Net, 2022). Although there is a faster than average demand, the projected job openings through 2032 is only 2,260 positions, which means you may need to be highly qualified to be considered for competitive job postings in this field.

Due to the highly specialized knowledge and experience required in this career, latent print examiners may earn very lucrative salaries. The average latent print examiner earns $63,740 per year (O*Net, 2022). You should consider the cost of living and typical salaries in your area, as well. For example, Florida fingerprint examiners claim an average income of $59,090 per year (CareerOneStop, 2022). Salaries are similar in Texas, where fingerprint examiners report an average salary of $56,970 per year (CareerOneStop, 2022). You may earn more in a state like New York; in this area, the average annual salary is $79,140 (CareerOneStop, 2022).

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures contained here reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2023.

Forensic Accountant Job Description

Forensic accountants use a variety of tools to get a full picture of someone’s financial activities and habits. You may use accounting software to track spending patterns, look for red flags, and combine information from multiple financial accounts. This job also requires you to work closely with other criminal justice professionals. Your findings may be used by attorneys in a court of law. It’s likely that you’ll also work together with police, investigators, and other law enforcement personnel to help them try to get to the bottom of investigations.

Forensic accounting jobs are often less physically demanding than other criminal justice jobs. Since this job mostly centers around information gathering, interpretation, and analysis, you may spend most of your time sitting at a desk. However, while this job may not be physically demanding, it can be very mentally demanding. You may have to weed through dozens of financial reports, looking for trends and marking items for further investigation.

Common crimes forensic accountants investigate include money laundering, tax evasion, misappropriation of funds, and corruption. For example, in April of 2018, an accountant for the city of Dunbar in West Virginia was arrested for embezzling over $200,000 from the city government. Forensic accountants spent two years putting together a case against her.

You must have quite a bit of education and experience to become a forensic accountant. You’ll likely need a graduate degree in this field, as well as several years of accounting experience. It can take several years to become a forensic accountant, but all your hard work can lead you to a very rewarding career.

How to Become a Forensic Accountant

If you’re considering becoming a forensic accountant, you should know that there are several educational requirements at most employers. You’ll need to start with a bachelor’s degree in either criminal justice or accounting. Since both fields are incorporated into a forensic accounting career, you can choose whichever one is most appealing to you. Note that this is only for students that are planning to pursue a master’s degree after completing a Bachelor’s degree. If you plan on stopping after a bachelor’s degree, you’ll likely need an accounting degree to be considered for forensic accounting positions.

There are many forensic accounting graduate programs in the United States. Quite a few employers require applicants to have specialized training in forensic accounting. You may learn how to detect fraud, develop an understanding of common financial fraud schemes, create programs and systems that catch fraud early, and put together evidence for court cases. You may take courses like Fraud Examination, Fraudulent Financial Reporting, Fraud in the Governmental Environment, and Digital Forensic Analysis.

Several forensic accounting programs prepare you to get your CPA license. This is a crucial part of working as a forensic accountant. The vast majority of employers may require you to get your Certified Public Accountant license before you can be considered for a position.

There may be work experience requirements at many employers. For example, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission requires applicants to have at least one year of specialized work experience in accounting. Other employers have even more intensive requirements, as they look for applicants with three years or more of accounting experience. Some of these requirements may be partially met by a student internship experience.

Forensic Accountant Salary and Career Outlook

According to O*Net, the demand for fraud examiners and fraud investigators is expected to grow between 5% to 8% through 2032. This is faster than average when compared to other careers.

Salaries vary quite a bit in this field. The national average salary is $73,810 per year as of 2022. The average salary in California is similar; fraud investigators in this state earn an average of $76,130. Florida fraud examiners may earn lower salaries, as O*Net reports that the average salary in this state is $52,930 per year. In many states, salaries are significantly higher. In New York, the average fraud examiner earns $90,570 per year.

In some cases, forensic accountants are hired by the federal or state government. Working for the government may allow you to claim a higher salary and excellent benefits. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission offers salaries of up to $222,650 per year with additional pay based on location in some cases.

2022 US Department of Labor salary and employment figures contained here reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2023.

Learn more about becoming a forensic accountant today. Contact the schools near you to find out which criminal justice program can help you meet your goals!