Tag Archives: Job Outlook

Becoming a Forensic Biologist

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Forensic Biologists visit the crime scenes, inspect the spots to garner evidences, which include blood, saliva and hair samples. They examine all evidences collected from the crime scenes to identify victims. That is the most important part of any criminal investigation process. They conduct the examination in a laboratory or any research facility. They are required to testify in courts as part of the investigation process.

The Forensic Biologists mostly work for the government agencies. They are also known as Forensic Science Technicians. They need to be flexible when it comes to working hours.

Education Requirements:

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree in a forensic or natural science is must for aspiring Forensic Biologists. Coursework in mathematics, biology and chemistry helps them understand the techniques used in forensic labs. In addition, they are needed to learn forensic pathology, genetics, molecular biology and DNA analysis.

2. Obtain a Master’s Degree: A Master’s Degree in forensic biology boosts the profiles of aspiring Forensic Biologists. The coursework generally includes biotechnology, molecular biology and ethical issues in criminal investigations.

3. Certification: The American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) offers certification in molecular biology at two levels, Diplomate (D-ABC) and Fellow (F-ABC). Details are available on the website. Certification is necessary, as many states in the United States require that while hiring Forensic Biologists.

4. Work Experience: On-the-job training in forensic science may serve as an added advantage for aspiring Forensic Biologists. They are also advised to attend workshops on professional development, biochemistry and lab analysis methods. They can also opt for 6-12 months of DNA analysis training.

Salary & Career Outlook: The job outlook for a Forensic Biologist is not very good, as it remains below average. The projected job growth is 6% during the period of 2012-22. The average annual salary of a Forensic Biologist is $52,840 per year.

Becoming a Medical Illustrator

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Medical Illustrators get extensive training in medicine, science, communication and technology to create visual materials, which help in keeping record and tracking the progress in medical and scientific operations. Their task is complex and risky, as they are responsible to provide accurate and useful visual message always. They belong to a small group of highly specialized professionals. According to the Association of Medical Illustrators (AMI), only 1,200 Medical Illustrators are present in all of North America.

The Medical Illustrators translate complex medical and biological information into captivating images by using their skills, knowledge and competencies. People having genuine interest in illustration, biology, science and medicine, may choose this career as an option.

Education Requirements:

  1. Obtain Bachelor’s Degree in Pre-Medical Illustration: The pre-medical illustration programs may include biological, scientific and biomedical visualization. They help students prepare for graduate coursework. They are mostly related to human and animal anatomy, medical terminology and artistic techniques. These programs typically last for four years. The key subjects may include basic art design, digital drawing, human and animal biology, human physiology and developmental biology principles.
  2. Earn Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Illustration: After completing pre-medical program, the aspiring Medical Illustrators must go for a four-year bachelor’s degree program in medical illustration that combines traditional artistic methods with computer technology and biology. Students learn drawing, painting and digital creation of images of human and animal anatomy apart from 2D and 3D designs. Computer animation remains an integral part of the degree program.

Salary & Job Outlook: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for Medical Illustrators remain good, as that is expected to grow at 8% during the period of 2010-2020. The average annual salary of Medical Illustrators was $54,000 in May 2012.