Modern Money: Five Careers Coming to the Forensics Field

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Thanks to a host of TV shows and movies, forensics is now one of the hottest careers in the country. More and more people are choosing to study forensic science and criminal justice in college in the hopes of joining this trendy, yet rewarding field after graduation.

The forensics field itself encompasses a variety of individual careers that all play an intricate role in putting criminals behind bars, and helping victims get justice. You can become a forensics professional yourself by choosing from among these newest careers in the industry.

Crime Scene Investigator

Criminal scene investigators have long been a part of this industry. However, today's CSIs must stay abreast of all of the latest technology and changes made to their field. They no longer rely solely on gumshoe tactics while gathering evidence and looking for clues. This career now requires that CSIs now how to use computer equipment and mobile technology to help solve crimes.

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Forensic Odontologist

A forensic odontologist specializes in identifying victims of crimes with dental records and unique orthodontic and dental work. When a victim cannot be identified by visual confirmation or even fingerprinting, an odontologist is brought into the forensics mix to examine the victim's teeth and match them with records from dentists and orthodontists.

Forensic Scientist

Both criminal defense attorneys and prosecutors rely significantly on forensic scientists to explain how and when a murder, rape, or violent act occurred, how and when a victim died, or outline other important details of a crime. Along with working in a lab to identify blood samples, DNA, body fluids, fibers from a crime scene, and other evidence, scientists also appear regularly in court to give testimony for or against a defendant. These scientists often are key to making a case become clear.

Forensic Psychologist

Forensic psychologists help design prison systems and methods for interrogation, as well as help decide if or when a criminal should be let out on parole or probation. These professionals work closely with caseworkers, therapists, and correctional specialists to ensure that criminals receive fair punishment for their crimes.

Forensic Nursing

A forensic nurse plays an important role in helping victims of violent crimes build cases against their attackers. These nurses perform rape kit examinations, take pictures, and carry out other tests to verify that a person has been the victim of a crime. They are also called to testify in court on occasion.

Forensics is one of the hottest careers in the U.S. right now. In this line of work you will collaborate with people across fields from the medical, legal, and scientific communities. You can stake your own claim in this field by choosing from among these newest forensics professions and finding connections everywhere from a local hospital or lab to a criminal defense lawyer in Lowell. Once you have your education and background solidified, the rest will fall into place.

By Brooke Chaplan

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Author Bio - 33rd Square contributor Brooke Chaplan is recent graduate of New Mexico University where she studied journalism. She loves to hike, bike, run and explore around her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She also enjoys blogging about health, fitness, fashion and many other topics.