5 answers
Updated
796 views
What requirements do you need to work in the Healthcare/ Forensics field?
I want to study forensics or nursing when I go to college.
Login to comment
5 answers
Updated
Bhavna’s Answer
Hello Toni,
In the United States, the specific requirements for working in the healthcare and forensics field vary greatly depending on the type of job you are looking to pursue and the state in which you intend to practice.
For nursing, most states require you to complete an accredited nursing program and become licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN). Depending on your specific career goals, you may also need to earn advanced nursing certifications and/or a master’s degree in nursing.
For a career in forensics, you may need to earn a bachelor's degree in a field such as criminal justice or forensic science. You may also need to complete special courses in crime scene investigation, crime scene photography, and evidence analysis in order to gain employment in this field. In some cases, additional certifications or a master's or doctoral degree may be required.
I hope this helps. Good luck.
In the United States, the specific requirements for working in the healthcare and forensics field vary greatly depending on the type of job you are looking to pursue and the state in which you intend to practice.
For nursing, most states require you to complete an accredited nursing program and become licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN). Depending on your specific career goals, you may also need to earn advanced nursing certifications and/or a master’s degree in nursing.
For a career in forensics, you may need to earn a bachelor's degree in a field such as criminal justice or forensic science. You may also need to complete special courses in crime scene investigation, crime scene photography, and evidence analysis in order to gain employment in this field. In some cases, additional certifications or a master's or doctoral degree may be required.
I hope this helps. Good luck.
Updated
Rita’s Answer
If you want to be a forensic pathologist, you will need to go to medical school. You need to finish college (4 years), medical school (4 years), residency--I'm not sure how long forensics is but I think pathology is 5 years.
Updated
Dan’s Answer
Hey, T'oni. The field of Forensics encompasses a number of different disciplines. A bachelor's of science in Forensics would be ideal, but not a lot of accredited colleges offer that as a major. You could consider a degree in Chemistry, because a lot of crime scene & evidence processing involves chemicals such as phenolphthalein, small partical reagent, etc. Worst case scenario, get a good management degree & take the Forensics courses once you get the job.
Updated
Mistie’s Answer
Hi T'oni. Forensics is a broad field that encompasses many sub-fields. It completely depends on what route you take. I can only speak to the Forensics field. If you want to work in the crime laboratory, there are crime scene investigators that conduct fieldwork and forensic scientists (may be called something different) that conduct scientific analysis of evidence. Education requirements will be based on the agency. However, typical requirements for CSI are either an associate's or bachelors in a criminal justice discipline, while forensic scientists typically require a hard science bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, etc. As I wasn't sure which route I wanted to take, I got my Associated's in a CJ-related discipline, and then my bachelor's in Biology, which gave me the ability to work in either area. There are other options, like medical examiners or pathologists, who manage the investigation of bodies. These are going to have specific requirements as well. I would suggest researching your agency to see what is required, reaching out and speaking with someone in the field you are interested in, and start assessing the different types of jobs in the field of Forensics. Good luck!
Updated
M Jean’s Answer
Nursing is a great field as you will always have a job. You can also get a masters degree in various specialties and further your career. These include a nurse practitioner, a nurse anesthetist, infectious disease, and informatics. You will need a BS in nursing before you can obtain one of these masters programs.