Career Question: Forensics or Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS)

[Jesusfreak97]

I am a sophomore biology major and am starting to narrow down the fields I am interested in having a career in. As I look past finishing my undergrad, and try to decide about grad school, internships, and future career, there are two areas I am interested in pursuing.The two areas I am considering pursing are becoming a Forensic scientist or a clinical laboratory scientist (CLS). Does anyone have any knowledge or experience in either of these fields? What are the average salaries of each career? What are the differences similarities between the two? What are the general schooling requirements for each. From what I've seen, the two seem somewhat similar in that you are working in a lab testing different samples, however, any information on the fields would be fantastic! Even if you can only partially answer the questions, please do! Any knowledge is greatly wanted.
Thanks so much!

[bjcheung77]

Those two are similar, yet very far apart, here's an example: And this will range in duties from assistant, technician, technologist, up to scientist.
Forensic Scientist - Think of CSI (Crime Scene Investigation), where the autopsy is performed by a forensic specialist to find cause of death.
Medical Lab Scientist - Cancer Research, where one does scores of testing and documentation of possible alternatives to treatments for patients.
I believe the educational level would be the same for the first two, even third year of studies. The major/difference would be the final year.

[april004]

I would think that a forensic scientist would have their undergrad in purely biology or chemistry. You have to love the sciences to be a forensic scientist first and foremost, not just love how it is glamourized on shows like CSI. The science part has to come first. I have a couple people in my Masters program who did their undegrads in CLS. They can hit the ground running after getting their bachelors in the work world but you will still be doing other peoples work. Running diagnostic tests. Etc. You'll make a good living though and definately be employable. Bio or chem undergrad degree, I am pretty sure you'd have to get your masters or most likely a phd if you want to be a forensic scientist.

[sanantone]

CSI is different from being a forensic scientist. In very small departments, you might have one person doing lab work and field work, but most CSIs do very little lab work. The job doesn't require an extensive scientific background. Many police departments will train officers without a science degree to become an evidence tech which is the same as CSI. CSIs are just evidence collectors. I would recommend a degree in biology or chemistry to get into forensic science, but a forensic science degree might suffice. You don't need a graduate degree in most cases.

CLSs typically need a degree in chemistry, biology, or something similar plus work experience or an internship. They can also get a degree in CLS or MLS, which should include the internship for certification.

Forensic scientists mostly work with CJ agencies while CLSs mostly work with medical organizations. Autopsies are performed by MDs or DOs with pathology training; they are not performed by forensic scientists.

[bjcheung77]

For the OP: Here's a few links with more info from Wikipedia and also Study.com
Forensic Science - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forensic_science
Medical Lab Scientist - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_la..._scientist

Forensic Scientist - Forensic Scientist Education Requirements and Career Info
Forensic Science Major Requirements and Degree Program Options
Forensic Scientist: How Do I Start a Career in Forensic Science?
Forensic Science Tech - Forensic Science Technician Education and Training Requirements

Medical Laboratory Degree Program Overviews
Medical Laboratory Scientist: Salary, Requirements and Career Overview
Clinical Laboratory Science Major: Information and Requirements
Clinical Laboratory Science Professions
Medical Technologist: Job Description, Duties and Requirements
Career Info for a Clinical Laboratory Science Degree