How does a week look for a blood splatter analyst?

Take as many science and math classes as you can in high school. If you have a strong science and math background, your college coursework will come much easier, and you’ll have a better chance of winning scholarships or earning admittance to top universities. Also, seek out extracurricular activities related to science or criminal investigation, such as your school’s science club or summer programs for aspiring biologists or forensic investigators.

Pursue an undergraduate degree. Many law enforcement agencies and crime labs require only a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions. Since you’ll primarily be working with blood, you should study both biology and forensic science. You can complete a double-major in both specialties or choose one as a major and one as a minor.

Complete an internship. Many law enforcement agencies prefer applicants with experience, even if it’s just an internship. You’ll learn the theory behind blood spatter analysis, as well as gaining experience in the techniques and equipment used in most crime labs. The Ames Laboratory, a research facility owned by the U.S. Department of Energy and operated by Iowa State University, offers undergraduate internships during the summer and academic year. Students examine and analyze bloodstains and apply their findings to real-world scenarios.

Pursue advanced training. Supplement your college education with more intensive training in blood spatter analysis. Professional associations such as the International Association of Bloodstain Pattern Analysts offer seminars and workshops in specific areas of blood spatter analysis such as latent bloodstains and math and physics for bloodstain pattern analysis.

Obtain certification. While you don’t need certification to work as a blood spatter analyst, it can improve your employment prospects and earning potential and make it easier to advance to supervisory roles. You can also use your credentials to establish yourself as an expert and testify at criminal trials or work as a consultant. The International Association for Identification offers certification in blood pattern examination and requires candidates to complete a 40-hour workshop and earn at least 75 percent on the certification exam. To be certified you must also have at least three years of experience in bloodstain pattern identification. In addition, you must complete a 40-hour photography workshop and training in other aspects of forensic investigation such as crime scene investigation technology and evidence recovery.