NCJ Number
106482
Journal
Journal of the Forensic Science Society Volume: 27 Issue: 3 Dated: (May/June 1987) Pages: 199-205
Date Published
1987
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This paper outlines the preprofessional curriculum requirements necessary to earn the degree Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Professions and presents a strong case for considering medical technology graduates as potential beginning forensic scientists.
Abstract
Faced with continual expansion in United States crime laboratories, manpower needs for forensic scientists have become critical. At present only a few universities graduate individuals at the baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral levels with an emphasis on criminalistics. Many also tend to specialize, a trend that is counterproductive since crime laboratories must employ criminalists who are generalists. To demonstrate medical technology majors' potential as an alternative manpower source, the paper describes a 5-year-old teaching program comprised of upperclassmen from vastly dissimilar major course backgrounds. The discussion shows how students in medical technology, in contrast to ones from criminal justice, have the proper blend of scientific and analytic skills needed in forensic science. Moreover, a pool of medical technology graduates can be identified through voluntary, national certification examinations. Tables and 3 references. (Publisher abstract modified)