OFO No: 311901

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – All about Forensic Careers

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Forensic Technician?

A Forensic Technician may also be called a criminalist.

They specialise in collecting physical evidence from crime scenes.

Forensic Technicians work alongside forensic scientists in a laboratory. 

What does a Forensic Technician do?

• collects physical samples from crime scenes
• follows strict rules and regulations
• performs experiments in laboratory on the samples
• analyses experiments and data
• determines what happened at the crime scene
• prove or disprove a suspect was at the crime scene
• writes reports
• helps police and other legal professionals
• appears in court if necessary as an expert witness

Are you . . . ?

• interested in crime scenes?
• interested in science?
• observant?
• detail orientated?
• a person with a strong stomach? (some crime scenes can be extremely traumatising)
• reliable?
• responsible?
• inquisitive?

How do I become a Forensic Technician?

There are many ways to becoming a Forensic Technician.

PATH 1

• Learnership: NQF Level 5 – Forensic Science

PATH 2

• National Certificate in Forensic Biology

PATH 3

• National Diploma in Forensic Pathology Support

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Forensic Analyst or Toxicologist

Is becoming a Forensic Technician the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is a Toxicologist? 

Toxicologists are in demand!

A Toxicologist is a specialised scientist who can identify, control and prevent the effects of chemicals on human, animal or agricultural health.

They can assist doctors to make diagnoses so that the doctor can recommend treatment.

7 Different areas of Toxicology:

Occupational Health

• Risk assessment: These Toxicologists make sure the workers’ environment is safe to work in

Clinical

• These Toxicologists screen and test for medication in a patient that has had an overdose

Forensic

Toxicologists in this field test and screen for crime scenes and give evidence in court.

Pharmaceutical

• Pharmaceutical Toxicologists have to screen and test products to make sure they adhere to safety standards.

Cosmetic

• Cosmetic Toxicologists have to screen and test products to make sure they adhere to safety standards.

Food

• Food Toxicologists have to screen and test raw materials and products to make sure they adhere to safety standards.

Research

• These Toxicologists research the effects of toxic substances.

What does a Toxicologist do?

• identifies toxic substances
• diagnoses diseases due to poisoning
• works in laboratories
• tests and does experiments
• researches
• liaises with other doctors and medical practitioners
• attends conferences and seminars
• writes reports
• keeps up to date with modern technology
• removes and disposes of toxic substances

Are you . . . ?

• interested in physics and science?
• responsible?
• willing to work with hazardous substances?
• accurate?
• organised?
• curious?
• problem solver?
• logical?

Toxicologists can work in hospitals, government agencies, private organisations or in universities.

How do I become a Toxicologist?

It would be wise to start off our career as Toxicologist by doing a BSc degree in chemistry or biochemistry. Then follow this with an Honours degree.

From this point you can then specialise in a particular area. 

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
  

• TOXSA: Toxicology Society of South Africa

http://www.toxsa.co.za/

• SAPS: South African Police Service

http://www.saps.gov.za/careers/career_quest/red/forensic_toxicologists.htm

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Medical Physicist or Forensic Analyst (Chemistry)

Is becoming a Toxicologist the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 314101

Other names for Life Science Technician:

What is a Life Science Technician?

A Life Science Technician studies living organisms.

These living organisms can be:

•     Micro-organisms
•     Plant
•     Animal
•     Human

A Life Science Technician studies organisms to try and improve our quality of life. They could develop a cure or improve the quality of food we eat or develop ways of preventing the extinction of certain animals, etc. 

They can work in the following industries:

•     Agriculture or food science
•     Medical or pharmaceutical

Life Science Technicians can specialise in many different fields. There are approximately 60 or more that they can specialise in, from neuro-science to botany to pathology to zoology. 

What does a Life Science Technician do?

•     they do tons of research
•     work in laboratory
•     experiment and test
•     carry out field work
•     document information
•     write reports
•     teach or lecture
•     share information with various organisations /companies etc
•     attend conferences
•     keeping up to date with technology

Are you . . . ?

•     scientifically minded?
•     accurate?
•     patient?
•     self-motivated?
•     curious?
•     passionate?
•     dedicated?

How do I become a Life Science Technician? 

PATH 1

National Diploma in Life Sciences

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Tshwane University of Technology
• University of Johannesburg
• Vaal University of Technology

PATH 2

National Certificate in Life Sciences (NQF Level 5)

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Biotechnologist or Optometrist

Is becoming a Life Science Technician the right career choice for me?

What is a Chemical Pathologist? 

If you have a  Medical Degree, you might consider a career in pathology.

A Chemical Pathologist studies diseases in humans and animals. They work in a laboratory. Some Chemical Pathologists also teach students in universities.

A Chemical Pathologist will analyse a specimen (sample) and diagnose the disease. This report will go to the doctor who will then prescribe the necessary medicines or treatment.

A Chemical Pathologist can also perform autopsies. They try and find the reason why the person died. They might have to give evidence in court.
Chemical Pathology is also known as Clinical Biochemistry or Clinical Chemistry.

What does a Chemical Pathologist do?

• studies and researches diseases
• analyses samples to determine the disease
• writes reports
• performs autopsies
• teaches
• appears in court

Are you . . . ?

• scientific?
• inquisitive?
• patient?
• thorough and methodical?
• detail orientated?
• willing to work with dangerous diseases and/or dead people?
• a good communicator?

How do I become a Chemical Pathologist?

You start by doing a regular Bachelor of Medicine degree / Bachelor of Surgery.

Then you do an internship and your community service training.

You must get an accredited University qualification such as UCT’s M.Med. (Chem Path)

You must spend at least 4 years in an approved training post

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
  

• HPCSA: Health Professions Council of SA – You must be registered with them

http://www.hpcsa.co.za/

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Immunologist or Geneticist

Is becoming a Chemical Pathologist the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 213104

Other names for Biochemist:

What is a Clinical Biochemist?

A Clinical Biochemist studies our body chemistry. Biochemistry also falls into the area of pathology.

Clinical Biochemists carry out complex analytical studies by analysing the results of the patient’s specimens (samples). They can, with very modern technology and equipment, detect changes in the chemistry of our body fluids.

What does a Clinical Biochemist do?

• works in a laboratory and organises the experiments
• performs tests, analyses and identifies the problems
• uses high-tech equipment
• writes reports
• solves problems
• conducts research
• trains staff
• attends conferences

Are you . . . ?

• scientific?
• inquisitive?
• methodical and accurate?
• a good communicator?
• self motivated?
• analytical?
• logical?

How do I become a Clinical Biochemist?

PATH 1

You will need to complete a Bachelor of Science degree at:

• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
• University of KZN
• University of Pretoria
• University of Stellenbosch
• University of Venda
• University of Zululand
• Walter Sisulu University

PATH 2

• Complete an Honours degree in the field of specialisation

• Register as a Professional Natural Scientist with the SACNASP

• 3 years relevant workplace experience

• Designation: Only scientists registered with the SACNASP can use the title: Professional Natural Scientist (Pr.Sci.Nat)

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

• SOUTH AFRICAN ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTRY

http://www.saclinpath.co.za/

• HPCSA: Health Professionals Council of South Africa

http://www.hpcsa.co.za/board_radiography.php

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Chemical Pathologist or Veterinary Microbiologist

Is becoming a Clinical Biochemist the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – All about Forensic Careers

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Forensic Analyst (Biology)? 

Do you watch CSI? Do you watch Law and Order? If you do, you might have noticed actors playing the roles of Forensic Analysts!

Forensic Analysts (BIOLOGY) usually work on crime scenes. They analyse the biological evidence by studying DNA – human or animal tissue, hair, dental records, fluids like blood and saliva etc. They can also analyse plant samples.

By studying all these different elements, they can then determine how a crime ‘went down’ and give evidence in court. Their job is very precise and extremely important. Their research can solve a crime and send a person to jail or not – so their work has to be 100% correct.

What does a Forensic Analyst do?

• helps police departments
• analyses DNA and biological samples
• identifies humans through samples
• proves whether a person (perpetrator) was present at a scene of a crime or not
• attends post mortems (autopsies)
• gives evidence in court
• writes reports
• maintains data base

Are you . . . ?

• interested in science?
• a problem solver?
• inquisitive?
• methodical and accurate?
• detail orientated?
• persistent?
• reliable?
• willing to work unusual hours?

How do I become a Forensic Analyst (BIOLOGY)?

To work in the forensic department of the police – you must have a BSc Degree or equivalent qualification majoring in one of the following subjects:

• Biochemistry
• Microbiology
• Zoology
• Physiology
• Genetics
• Molecular biology is compulsory

After your BSc – you will be given SAPS internal training in:

• Forensic biology case work
• Body fluid identification
• Forensic molecular biology course
• Forensic trichology
• Forensic anthropology

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

• SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICES

http://www.saps.gov.za/careers/career_quest/red/forensic_biology.htm

Forensic Analysts work for the Forensic Science Laboratories of the SAPS: Detective Services.

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Bodyguard or Dental Technician

Is becoming a Forensic Analyst (BIOLOGY) the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – All about Forensic Careers

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Forensic Analyst (Chemistry)?

Do you watch CSI? Do you watch Law and Order? If you do, you might have noticed actors playing the roles of Forensic Analysts!

Forensic Analysts (Chemistry) usually work on crime scenes. They analyse the chemical-related evidence.

Forensic Analysts (Chemistry) examine objects from fires, toxicological and drug related investigations. They are also responsible for removing and disposing of hazardous chemicals and waste from a crime scene.

By studying all these different elements, they can then determine how a crime ‘went down’ and give evidence in court.  Their job is very precise and extremely important.  Their research can solve a crime and send a person to jail or not – so their work has to be 100% correct.

What does a Forensic Analyst (CHEMISTRY) do?

• helps police departments
• analyses chemical-related samples
• proves whether crime was committed or not
• visits crime scenes
• removes and disposes of toxic chemicals and waste
• gives evidence in court
• writes reports
• maintains data base

Are you . . . ?

• interested in science and chemistry?
• a problem solver?
• inquisitive?
• methodical and accurate?
• detail orientated?
• persistent?
• reliable?
• willing to work unusual hours?

How do I become a Forensic Analyst (Chemistry)?

To work in the forensic department of the SAPS – you must have a BSc Degree or National Diploma qualification majoring in chemistry.

 After your qualification – you will be given internal SAPS training in drug analysis.

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
  

• SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICES

http://www.saps.gov.za/careers/career_quest/red/forensic_biology.htm

Forensic Analysts work for the Forensic Science Laboratories of the SAPS: Detective Services.

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Gas Practitioner or Chemical Engineer

Is becoming a Forensic Analyst (CHEMISTRY) the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 211101

Other names for Medical Physicist:

What is a Medical Physicist? 

A Medical Physicist is a specialised medical professional.  They apply medical physics to health related issues.

There are 5 areas of medical physics:

Radiotherapy:

• Medical Physicists are responsible for planning the radiation treatment of the patient and ensuring that the prescribed dose is accurately delivered.

Radiology:

• Medical Physicists are responsible for ensuring that x-ray equipment meets safety standards and that it’s used correctly. This is to ensure the best patient care and that patients and radiation workers are exposed to as little radiation as possible.

Medical Imaging:

• Medical Physicists make use of technology to take images of the inside of the human body. These images are used in diagnostics, as teaching tools, and in routine healthcare for a variety of conditions.

Health Physics:

• Medical Physicists study how radiation affects living systems. This area of medical physics is NOT the study of how radiation works to create energy, or to fight cancer, but rather it’s the study of how to manage radiation safely.

Nuclear Medicine:

• Medical Physicists help nuclear medicine physicians to develop techniques, for example for evaluation of the functioning of the heart or kidneys. They try to improve the methods of computer-assisted image processing and are also responsible for the safe handling of radiopharmaceuticals.

What does a Medical Physicist do?

• uses highly specialised and technical equipment
• assists doctors and specialists in treating and preventing disease
• does research
• writes reports
• attends conferences and seminars
  
• lectures

Are you . . . ?

• interested in medicine?
• curious?
• goal orientated?
• dedicated?
• hard worker?
• scientifically inclined?
• intellectual?

How do I become a Medical Physicist?

You will need a BSc degree majoring in Physics. This can be done at ANY South African university. Once you have your BSc you can then specialise in an area that suits you.

• SOUTH AFRICAN MEDICAL PHYSICS SOCIETY (SAMPS)

http://www.saapmb.net/samps.html

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Clinical Biochemist or Toxicologist

Is becoming a Medical Physicist the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is a Physiologist?

A Physiologist generally works in a field of medicine. They are not doctors but researchers. They work mostly in laboratories. They may work with some patients if they are testing a certain medicine or disease.

There are 4 main areas of physiology:

• Human biological functions
• Non-human animals
  
• Plants
• Cellular studies
  

What does a Physiologist do?

• works in a laboratory
• performs experiments and tests
• analyses data
• writes reports
• works on specific projects / diseases / medicines etc
• researches
• compares data
• liases with medical staff and other specialists
• keeps up to date with information relevant to their field
  

Are you . . . ?

• interested in science and biology?
• interested in research?
• inquisitive?
• detail orientated?
• patient?
• thorough and systematic?
• dedicated?
  

How do I become a Physiologist?

You will need to complete a Bachelor of Science degree with majors in Physiology.

• University of Pretoria
• University of KZN
• University of Witwatersrand
• Stellenbosch University
• University of Limpopo
• University of Johannesburg
• University of the Western Cape
• Nelson Mandela Metrop0litan University
• Rhodes University
• University of Cape Town

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Chemical Pathologist or Biomedical Engineer

Is becoming a Physiologist the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is a Medical or Clinical Laboratory Technologist?

A Medical or Clinical Laboratory Technologist works in a laboratory.  They work alongside pathologists and conduct tests and experiments to provide information to the doctors and specialists.

Medical or Clinical Laboratory Technologists play an important role in the prevention and diagnosis of diseases, such as cancer, diabetes and AIDS.

There are 3 main areas of medical and clinical technology:

• Diagnostic (determining the disease by identifying disease-causing organisms, parasites, fungi or viruses)
• Research
• Preparation of vaccines

What does a Medical or Clinical Laboratory Technologist do?

• sets up and sanitises the equipment
• tests and conducts experiments
• analyses and identify diseases
• works with high tech equipment
• consults with doctors and specialists
• writes reports
• attends seminars and conferences

Are you . . . ?

• interested in medicine?
• accurate?
• a person with good vision?
• responsible?
• organised?
• detail orientated?

How do I become a Medical or Clinical Laboratory Technologist?

Your will need a 3 year National Diploma in Medical Technology or Biomedical Technology.

• CPUT: Cape Peninsula University of Technology

• DUT: Durban University of Technology

• TUT: Tshwane University of Technology

• NMMU: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

Minimum requirements:
Grade 12 with Mathematics, Physical Science and Life Sciences

After qualifying you will be required to work for a year in a laboratory which is registered with the HPCSA (Health Professions Council of South Africa). Once this is completed you will write your final exams.

For more information, see below:

• HPCSA

http://www.hpcsa.co.za/board_medtech_education.php

• THE SOCIETY OF MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGISTS OF SOUTH AFRICA

http://www.smltsa.org.za/

• PATHCARE STUDENT MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN PROGRAMME

http://www.pathcare.co.za/PathcareAcademy/Pathcare.php?text=PA_MedLabStudent&image=StudMedLabTech2.bmp&Id=0

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Immunologist or Veterinary Technologist

Is becoming a Medical or Clinical Laboratory Technologist the right career choice for me?