Forensic Science Education: Forensic Science Trainee Program
VIFSM was founded in 1999 to aid the forensic training and education of forensic scientists, forensic pathologists, and other professionals interfacing with the criminal justice system. The purpose of the Forensic Science Trainee Program is to mentor (to proficiency) the forensic examination processes and the presentation of testimony in a court of law. Forensic Science Trainees are mentored under the tutelage of experienced career forensic scientists and medical examiners/forensic pathologists.
Highlights of VIFSM’s Forensic Science Trainee Program
A key component of VIFSM's work for justice exists in its recruitment and management of post-graduate Forensic Science Trainees. The selection process is competitive and aimed at a national audience. VIFSM reserves the right not to select a Trainee for a subject area if the review panel feels applicants are not fully qualified.
Program Highlights:
- VIFSM Forensic Science Trainees study in the disciplines of Firearm and Toolmarks and Forensic Biology.
- VIFSM has overseen the successful completion of more than seven dozen Forensic Science Trainees.
- VIFSM's Forensic Science Trainees work under the guidance of Commonwealth of Virginia forensic scientists in the nationally accredited Virginia Department of Forensic Science, and with pathologists working in the nationally accredited Commonwealth of Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Current Forensic Science Trainee Opportunities
Firearms & Toolmarks: (Currently recruitment is closed)
Trainees will be taught to interpret results and report findings for use by the criminal justice system culminating in court testimony as an expert witness.
Forensic Biology: (Currently recruitment is closed)
Trainees will be taught to interpret results and report findings for use by the criminal justice system culminating in court testimony as an expert witness.
General Information About the Forensic Science Trainee Program
VIFSM does not award degrees or certification directly. The institute is allied with leading academic and governmental agencies to provide supplemental forensic training opportunities leading to certification or accreditation, including:
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Department of Legal Medicine
- Virginia Department of Health
- Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia
- Department of Criminal Justice Services
- Commonwealth of Virginia's Department of Forensic Science
The Forensic Science Trainees are mentored and trained by forensic scientists and pathologists throughout their course of study. Trainees are selected by a panel of faculty and staff. The standards listed here may change in accordance with new standards recommended by national or international certifying bodies (i.e., American Academy of Forensic Sciences or International Association for Identification) in the forensic field and specific forensic sub-disciplines.
Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Virginia Institute of Forensic Science and Medicine directly at (804) 786-0073 or may email VIFSM at info@vifsm.org.