Forensic medicine is a bridge that connects the health care sector with the law
and the judiciary. Forensic experts also train in some aspects of medicine to work
as forensic scientists. The forensic scientists usually work in close coordination
with the police and other law enforcing authorities to help them to identify the
evidences that they have collected from the scene of the crime. Clues and other
exhibits are collected to add evidence in a criminal case and the inspection of
these evidences are usually conducted by the forensic scientist.
Eligibility
An undergraduate degree in science is the most preferred qualification, however,
a masters in science are ideally suited as the job is very highly sophisticated.
A high level of scientific knowledge is essential. Today to facilitate job opportunities
sin this sector, some of the educational institutions and universities conduct the
undergraduate and the postgraduate degrees in forensic sciences. Even those who
have completed their medical degrees can opt for a job in forensic sciences and
become a forensic scientist. Specialization programs in different areas of expertise
can also be taken up after the undergraduate level. Medical graduates are also eligible
to apply for a job related to the forensic medicine.
Required Skills for a Career Option in Forensic Medicine
Apart from the academic qualifications the essential skills that a forensic scientist
must possess include:
- High level of judgmental skills
- Decision making capabilities to make decisions based on the evidences
- Think critically and logically to narrow down on to the decisions
- High level of computer skills
- Knowledge of the use of all the machinery and equipment related to the laboratory
testing of evidences.
How to become a Forensic Scientist?
After acquiring a degree in forensic sciences it is best to work as an assistant
or accept a role in the residency program. This will help the candidate to get hands
on knowledge and then once a high confidence level has been achieved, the candidate
can look out for jobs in which they can work independently.
Job Description
There are many roles that the forensic scientist can take up depending on the specialization.
And the job description would depend on the role taken up. For example a specialist
is one who needs to analyze the sample, the evidences and find out the results of
the examination. Similarly, there are the toxicologist, the nurses, the Forensic
odontologists, and various other positions. Each of them has different roles and
responsibilities to undertake.
Career Prospects
Most of the job opportunities for a forensic scientists lie in the government sector
as it concerns the law. The government agencies like the police, the judiciary,
the Investigative department and those of the Central and the State investigative
department are places where most of the job opportunities for the forensic scientist
lie.
Salary
An extremely lucrative salary can be go to the top positions in the investigative
agencies especially, if it is a government agency. Similarly, the law agencies also
pay the forensic scientists a hefty salary.