Career Question: Forensics or Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS)

[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.