With the popularity of television shows like CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, careers in those fields have also become more popular and have left many wondering “how do I become a crime scene investigator?” While being a real forensic investigator isn’t quite as exciting as the portrayal on TV, it can still be a rewarding career that allows you to give back to the community and help those in need.

Real crime scene investigators do much of what is seen on television, including processing and documenting a crime scene and collecting evidence, but depending on the size and location of the agency, a crime scene investigator might do more or less. Most often, however, crime scene investigators are given three main tasks: scene recognition, scene documentation, and evidence collection. Scene recognition is simply a preliminary search of a crime scene. Scene documentation requires investigators to take photos, draw sketches and make notes about the scene that they are investigating. After those steps are completed, investigators collect evidence which will be processed later at a lab.

The amount of education needed to become a crime scene investigator varies by position. For instance, a technician working out in the field will need less training than a Criminalist who is processing evidence in a lab. Some departments require a four year degree (usually in science or Criminal Justice) while others may want a certificate program or a high school diploma/GED. Since every agency’s requirements are different, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with their expectations before applying.

While a degree in science (like Biology) or criminal justice is an excellent place to start, there are other paths that can make you marketable to agencies looking for crime scene investigators. There are many colleges and universities that offer Forensic Programs and Crime Scene Investigation programs outside of the more general sciences and Criminal Justice. Community colleges and respectable online programs are also available for those interested in Crime Scene Investigation training. Depending on the program, you can earn a full degree or a certificate in the field. These programs usually take less time than a traditional four-year university. Be sure to research any program, especially if it is online, to make sure that you will be getting a legitimate degree. These programs may help supplement an existing degree, or they may be able to stand alone as qualification, based on the agency’s requirements.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor, crime scene investigators who work in the field as technicians typically make between $51,200 and $63,440 per year. A Criminalist can expect to make somewhere between $65,640 and $102,190.

To find a job in the crime scene investigation field, start by searching the employment pages of local police agencies. Make yourself familiar with their requirements. Once you know you fulfill those requirements, prepare for the interview by studying up on the agency and the job requirements. Agencies will appreciate applicants that have done their homework both about the position and about the community that they serve.

So you’d like to add a little excitement to your life? Maybe derive a deeper purpose from your career? Perhaps you’ve decided that average is a better description for the middle of a group of numbers than it is for a job description. If this sounds familiar, you’ve probably also thought at one point, “How do I become an accountant?”

Accounting is a profession that’s been around since the dawn of numbers and has only become more complex and complicated over time. If you want to become an accountant here’s what you can expect from a daily perspective. You will generally work at your headquarters location, but occasionally can be sent on assignment to the client’s location. Hours are generally rigid at first, but become flexible as you progress through the ranks. Plan on 50-60 hour weeks at more established firms as you start out. Your life will mostly consist of running equations in spreadsheets and checking for balance totals. You will have to prepare summaries of data sets, and vouch for the accuracy of figures and statistics. It’s detail oriented work that keeps you busy all day long.

Most major accredited universities have a specific Accounting major. The major will include many classes that can help one become an accountant, but there might be additional general education requirements if completed at a formal four year university. Core accounting classes revolve around math, statistics and a few economics and business principles. Although a degree is not necessary for employment, discriminating employers whittle down a highly competitive field of new hires by comparing degrees. Without a degree, an individual will need to take and pass a variety of tests depending on which specialization of accountancy they want to focus on. Certified Public Accountants are licensed at the state level and focus on serving the public at large. A Certified Internal Auditor will usually become an accountant so that they can work exclusively with companies as an internal auditor. An individual with a Certificate in Management Accounting will usually have more experience at the individual and business levels and commonly works with payroll and employment related accounting. All classifications of accountants will find benefit in being versed in current communications and business ethics and will frequently need to employ aspects of marketing, networking and public speaking.

Applicants that want to become an accountant should be aware that accountants will always be in demand. The high demand has led to increased competition at the top of the field and makes the lower end of the market a bit more challenging to survive in. Jobs with the big four accounting firms tend to be located in densely populated metropolitan centers of business and politics, and will usually be able to offer a competitive starting salary that supports the higher cost of living of those city locations. $100,000 in salary plus benefits is a great starting sum for accountants. Many mid-level firms can usually handle around $40,000 to $60,000 of annual salary on an initial offer. Below that there are some hourly wage support positions in various accounting departments of large companies.

As you go through your daily Internet browsing, you might be struck by a particularly impressive website design. You might wonder how such websites are created and even ask yourself, “How do I become a web designer?” Web designers create all the websites you see on the Internet today. Web designers also work behind the scenes to code the design and ensure browser compatibility. Many web designers also perform regular maintenance on a website, constantly making sure it is functional for all visitors.

Web designers spend most of their day in front of their computer. If you become a web designer, most of your time will go towards creating and coding new website designs. Your clients may be famous brand names or the little barbershop around the corner. Your design skills are as important as your interpersonal skills because your job relies on receiving customer feedback. Ultimately, it is your customer’s opinion on your design that matters the most when it comes to completing a successful assignment. Additionally, web designers need to spend time learning the latest advances in the website design business. Coding standards are constantly changing as web browsers evolve.

Although anyone can become a web designer through self-directed learning, most successful web designers have relevant training and experience. Web design companies are far more likely to hire you if you have a degree. Most colleges offer degrees in a variety of relevant fields, including graphic design. A degree in graphic design will give you the skills to manipulate digital graphics and photographs to make a visually pleasing design. Students will learn how to use computers and software to create designs. Students will also learn about color theory, fonts and many other elements of a good website layout. A good artistic vision is necessary for a successful website design career.

If you are planning to become a web designer, taking as many web design classes in college as possible is the best way to land a job later. Having a degree in graphic design will help you get your foot in the door, but you need the technical skills to back it up as well. Web designers also need a solid understanding of the coding languages that power website layouts. Many advanced designers know additional computer languages so they can write their own powerful website scripts.

Typical job opportunities for web designers include working for a company or freelance opportunities. Company work involves either working in an in-house web design division for a large corporation or working for a web design company. This type of work is consistent and doesn’t require you to seek out your own clients. These types of web designers can expect to make about $30,000 a year when first starting out. Most web designers must show an impressive portfolio and have a college degree to get a job with a company.

Additionally, if you become a web designer, you can also choose to freelance. Freelance web designers must market themselves to find new work and rely on positive feedback from current customers to get paid. Freelance designers are free to work their own hours and set their own hourly rates.

Many people are asking, “How do I become a parole officer?” A parole officer is a professional who is trained to supervise criminals who are on parole. The main goal of a parole officer is to provide parolees with the resources and treatment that they need so that they do not go out and commit the same crimes.

What is it like to be a parole officer?

A career as a parole officer can be an exciting one. Parole officers play an important role in rehabilitating criminals and deterring crime. They also help convicts become functional members of society. Parole officers help criminals find employment, housing, education services and health care.

Because parole officers work directly with criminals, this job can be very dangerous. Thousands of parole officers are hurt or killed on the job each year. That is why they are required to carry firearms when they are working.

How do you become a parole officer?

A bachelor’s degree is the minimum education that is required to become a parole officer. Students typically earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, psychology, or a related field. Once students graduate from college, they must pass a psychological examination, background check, drug test and background check. Some states may also require that a person have prior experience in the field of counseling or corrections. Additionally, all states require that parole officers be at least 20 years old and possess a driver’s license.

It is important to note that parole officers who want to get a federal job will have to have a master’s degree. Parole officers who work for the federal government are also required to be between the ages of 21 and 37.

There are a number of important skills that people who want to become a parole officer need to have. Parole officers need to have excellent communication skills because they work with criminals, police officers and other correction treatment specialists. They should also be organized and have excellent critical thinking skills. This job is very stressful, so people who are interested in this field should be emotionally stable. Parole officers are also required to write detailed reports, which is why excellent writing skills are another pertinent skill for this field.

Salary and job opportunities for a parole officer

The median salary for a parole officer is around $50,000 per year. New parole officers typically start off making less than $30,000 per year. Seasoned parole officers can make over $60,000 per year. The highest paid parole officers are usually the ones who work for the federal government. Their salary ranges from $ 71,000 to $91,000 per year. However, it is important to note that most people would say that they did not become a parole officer solely for the salary.

The job opportunities for a parole officer are expected to be plentiful. In fact, this field is growing slightly faster than the national average. There are a number of alternative forms of punishment available for criminals and that is increasing the demand for parole officers. Parole officers can work for the department of corrections, youth correction centers, state criminal justice department or a federal justice department.

If you are looking for a rewarding career within the medical field, consider becoming a medical assistant. The processes involved in becoming this type of assistant are not very lengthy. In fact, you can become one in as little as one to two years. If you have further questions in regards to “how do I become a medical assistant”, continue reading below.

The Life of a Medical Assistant

Before you decide to become a medical assistant, you should understand what is involved in this type of profession. On most days, you will be completing clinical tasks, as well as administrative duties. Generally, these duties will include answering the phone, making appointments, greeting patients, phoning in prescriptions to pharmacies, and more. When you are performing clinical duties, in most instances, these will always be performed under the supervision of a doctor or registered nurse. Some of the most common types of clinical tasks that you may perform include removing sutures, changing dressings, and performing post-surgical aftercare.

Becoming a Medical Assistant: Educational Requirements

Preparation to become this type of assistant can start as early as high school. It is best that you complete classes during this part of your life that relate to biology, chemistry, math, and any type of medical course. The more knowledge you have about the medical industry, the easier it will be for you to complete your formal education. In the United States (US), in order to become a medical assistant, you will need to obtain a one to two year college education at some type of post secondary school. Many people choose to complete their formal education to become this type of assistant at a vocational or community school. In addition to a formal education, you will most likely need some type of certification as well. If you want to become a medical assistant that draws blood from patients, most states will require that you have formal training in phlebotomy, such as obtaining a phlebotomy certificate. There is also a high possibility that you will have to obtain on the job training in order to become a medical assistant.

Salary and Job Outlook

In today’s society, the employment outlook for medical assistants is excellent and growing. You will find it very helpful to become part of a professional medical assistant organization, as this will help you network and find a job easily. During the 2000s, the average annual salary for a medical assistant was around $25,000. The exact requirements to become this type of assistant vary and are based on where you will be performing your services at. Always make sure you check to see which exact requirements you need to fulfill. Remember, if you obtain licensing or certification within one state as a medical assistant, you may have to become re-certified to perform the services in another state in the event that you move. You should also keep in mind that the length of time to become a vocational nurse is about the same as becoming a medical assistant, and vocational nurses tend to have a higher income.

Forensic nurses provide care to victims of crime. Their job is twofold: first, they must treat the victim with the same level of compassionate care given to any patient, and secondly, they must collect evidence and be prepared to testify at trial. As need increases in this growing nursing specialty, you may be asking yourself, “How do I become a forensic nurse?”

What’s it like to be a forensic nurse?

The critical care function of forensic nurses is similar to those of any trauma nurse. They treat patients who are victims of violence, sexual assault and abuse or neglect. Their primary role is to take care of the victim and attend to their physical and emotional needs. However, forensic nurses are trained to identify and preserve evidence that may be found during treatment. This evidence can include bodily fluids and objects inside the victim, or can consist of documentation of bodily conditions. Lastly, forensic nurses may be called upon to testify in court regarding the evidence they collected or witnessed.

Education requirements

To become a forensic nurse you must first meet certain educational requirements. While the standards for forensic nursing specialization vary from state to state, all require a valid nursing license. Registered nurses typically spend 2-4 years in school to receive a nursing degree. Students completing a bachelor’s degree in nursing may wish to choose electives related to the field of forensic nursing. Classes in psychology, criminology, and legal studies are particularly relevant to the future forensic nurse. After the completion of nursing school, those who desire to become a forensic nurse should plan to spend extra time becoming completing a certification in forensics. The Certified Forensic Nurse (CFN) designation is the most recognized program. Forensic nursing certification programs usually include classes in evidence, criminology, criminal procedure, and teach the techniques of evidence collection related to different crimes including sexual assault, child/elder abuse, and even homicide. The clinical component of these programs allows nurses to gain practical skills while treating patients under supervision. This allows nurses to learn how to spot evidence of crimes that may otherwise go undetected. After certification, nurses will need to remain current on best practices and attend continuing education programs related to nursing, criminal investigation, and legal procedure.

Salary and job opportunities

The demand for forensic nurses continues to grow. Most forensic nurses work for hospitals, but forensic nurses may also work as independent contractors for law enforcement, legal services agencies, or health care providers. Some forensic nurses may work on an “on call” basis, while others’ may work regular shifts. Salaries for this specialty vary widely, in part due to the career flexibility within the field. Pay may also vary depending on the nurse’s educational level and experience as a forensic nurse. For full time nurses, salaries begin around $50,000 and can grow into the six-figures. While this is higher than other nursing jobs, those hoping to become a forensic nurse should consider the extra time and expense required for certification.

Staying healthy is an important aspect of life because there would be no existence without good health. Science has shown that there are two major things that we can do to maintain our health: exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet. Many health professionals believe that diet is even more important than exercise in staying strong and disease-free. If you are interested in nutrition, you are probably wondering: “How do I become a dietitian?”

What Do Dietitians Do?

Dietitians are certified nutritionists that are gurus of food and nutrition. Their jobs require them to be food advisors. Dietitians help people choose what foods to eat in order to maintain general health or to reach a more specific goal. They may be responsible for preparing meal plans or even recipes to be served. Using their vast knowledge of the components of certain foods and their properties, dietitians will be asked to select food choices that are most appropriate for a certain target group. For example, schools may employ dietitians to plan healthy menus for children who aren’t getting enough protein or vitamins. Nursing homes may also hire dietitians to prepare food that is appropriate for older adults.

Education Requirements

If you would like to become a dietitian, you will generally need to complete a 4-year undergraduate program in dietetics. This program will require that you take a combination of classes in health and nutrition as well as introductory courses in a variety of other subjects. Some of the subjects you will learn might include: biology, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, human nutrition, anatomy and physiology, and more.

Although it’s not that difficult to become a dietitian if you put your mind to it, you will have to endure plenty of challenging courses, labs, internships, and licensing exams to get your bachelor’s degree in dietetics. First, you should focus hard on getting the best grades you can in all of your classes, especially those that are related to your major. Try to ace all of your science classes along with every writing and math class that you take.

Some courses will have a required lab portion that helps to illustrate the ideas brought up in the lectures. These labs will also give you hands-on experience so that you become familiar with the lab setting. Nutrition labs will probably require you to devise meal plans for fictional patients. You may also complete case studies that will bring up a problem and ask you to find a nutritional solution.

Supervised experience is essential for you to become a dietitian. Real-world experience is critical because it will help you to become familiar with how things flow in a real work setting. You will have to complete an internship lasting several hundred hours before you are qualified to take your licensing exam. Licensing exams usually vary by state so do your research to find out how to proceed with the test. Passing the state exam qualifies you to practice as a dietitian in that state.

Job Outlook

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, dietitians earn about $53,000 per year. About 12,000 dietitian jobs are expected to open from 2010 to 2020. This job growth shows that there is a high demand for dietitians so it is a good time to become a dietitian.

Dietitians work in all types of environments from hospitals and nursing homes to restaurants and schools. Some dietitians open up their own practice to serve the general public. Dietitians can play the role of health advisor or nutritional consultant, meal planner or cook, and a number of other roles depending on where they work.

Many people are attracted to the perceived glamour of working for the Central Intelligence Agency. However, in reality, jobs at the CIA range from the mundane to the exciting. Even if the job isn’t exactly similar to the way that books and movies portray it, you still might wonder, “How do I become a CIA agent?” The job of a CIA agent is challenging and may send you far away from home. It’s an opportunity that few achieve and none forget.

The daily life of a CIA agent varies depending on your job. No matter what your rank and job, the ultimate goal of a CIA agent is to aid in protecting and defending the United States from international threats. Some CIA employees monitor and analyze foreign communications. Others are participate in top-secret missions throughout the globe. Many CIA employees work with computers, tracking data and intelligence. If you become a CIA agent, your job at the agency will ultimately depend on your skills, experience and standing in the agency. You will quickly find that this job is not a standard nine-to-five position.

The CIA does not require a degree for all jobs, although some advanced jobs require one. However, a degree in a related field is worth pursing to increase your chances of employment. Relevant degrees include intentional relations, law, political science, criminal justice, psychology and economics. Advanced degrees in these fields are also a good way to improve your chance of getting hired at the CIA. Additionally, maintaining good grades throughout college is a must, as the CIA typically only hires graduates who sustained a 3.0 grade point average throughout college. Professional experience is also a great way to complement the educational requirements. Some members of the military, for example, fill positions in the CIA after leaving the military.

Fluency in a foreign language is also looked upon favorably by CIA recruiters. Knowledge of foreign languages is very useful if you are trying to get a clandestine job or stationed overseas. You should have near-native fluency in your chosen language. The languages spoken in political hotspots are the languages most desired by the CIA. This list currently includes Arabic, Russian, Chinese and others. The more languages you can master, the higher you can climb within the CIA.

All individuals who wish to become a CIA agent must apply directly through the agency’s website. The entire process may take more than two months to complete. The CIA runs vigorous background and character checks on all qualified applicants. Due to the highly sensitive nature of the CIA’s work, these background checks will analyze just about every part of your past. The CIA will investigate any criminal history in your past, including any drug use. You will need to undergo further testing to check your physical and mental well-being before you can become a CIA agent.

If you successfully become a CIA agent, you will have a period of training dependent on which position you are given. After training, you will begin your new career with the possibility of advancement as you prove your worth. The average starting salary for a CIA employee is around $50,000, but this varies by position and location.

You may wonder, “How do I become a probation officer?” To be eligible to be probation officer, you need to get a college degree and get a certain amount of work experience in a corrections institution. Although a degree and practical experience won’t guarantee you become a probation officer, it can give you a chance of being considered for probation officer positions. It can be a dangerous, tiring and stressful job to be a probation officer, but you can help former offenders to change their lives for the better.

Featured Criminal Justice Programs

1. American InterContinental University – Bachelor (BSCJ) – Corrections and Case Management
2. Rasmussen College – Criminal Justice Bachelor’s – Client Services/Corrections
3. Walden University – B.S. in Criminal Justice – Crime and Criminals

Probation officers, also known as parole and corrections officers, often have to work long hours in offices, dealing with deadlines and paperwork. They are often on call 24 hours a day and work closely with parolees to ensure that they are following the conditions of their paroles. They are responsible for finding jobs or drug treatment programs for former offenders. Probation officers sometimes have to go to workplaces, halfway houses or homes to check on parolees, which can put them in dangerous situations. Those who want to become a probation officer need to be able to communicate effectively with others, make tough decisions quickly and act rationally in hostile situations.
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An occupational therapist works in a variety of settings in order to help people who have experienced an illness, injury or disability that interferes with their ability to function independently in their daily activities. Occupational therapists work with other medical personnel to develop and carry out treatment plans. If you have a compassionate nature, read on to discover the answer to the question, “How do I become an occupational therapist?.”

What’s it like to be an occupational therapist?
Most occupational therapists work with clients and patients in a hospital, school or nursing home. They work with doctors and patients to develop a treatment plan that includes special activities and exercises that will help the patient to develop the necessary skills needed to perform their daily routines. In order to become an occupational therapist, it is important to be aware that a great amount of patience is required, as recovery from an illness or injury can often take a long time for some individuals. Many occupational therapists work with young children who are just beginning to learn adaptive techniques for disabilities. Although the responsibilities of being an occupational therapist are sometimes challenging, most therapists find that helping someone to achieve their highest potential can be quite rewarding.

What type of education is required to become an occupational therapist?
In order to become an occupational therapist, a master’s degree is required after the completion of a bachelor’s degree. This typically takes around four to six years to accomplish. Most occupational therapists find that studying science related courses such as psychology, biology and anatomy during their undergraduate education lays the groundwork for their post-graduate education. Upon completion of your master’s degree, you will then be expected to pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy exam in order to become a licensed occupational therapist.

Many occupational therapists also decide to complete post-graduate education courses in different areas of specialization in order to learn techniques for providing therapy to special populations. For example, someone interested in working with elderly patients in a nursing home, might decide to pursue further study in topics related to age-related injuries. Because new research is constantly providing new information regarding the best ways to treat injuries and illnesses, most occupational therapists are required by their licensing agency to take continuing education courses in order to stay up to date.

What types of job opportunities are available?
Occupational therapy is quickly becoming one of the fasted growing health care careers. If you decide to become an occupational therapist, then you can expect to be able to find a career in the setting of your choice and work within your area of specialization. The aging population has created an especially strong need for occupational therapists in nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. The salary for occupational therapists ranges from $45,000 to $70,000, depending upon education and experience. In order to practice their therapy skills and get hands-on training, most occupational therapists participate in an internship program while they are completing their education. This allows for them to graduate from their degree program with the types of experience they need to be able to successfully help their patients to overcome their adversities and reach their maximum potential.