Forensic Anthropologist Careers
What is a forensic anthropologist?1 Whenever a body or a skeleton is found, it is likely that a forensic anthropologist has been called in to identify it.1 They are also called to identify the bodies of people killed in disaster such as plane crashes, explosions, fires, and other that result in mutilation of bodies.
Forensic anthropologists are very important because the identification of the dead is important.1 The first step in a homicide investigation is to identify the victim.1 This will concern the relatives of the deceased as well as judicial authorities who need to know about someone's death to process wills, estate settlements, and so forth.1 The law enforcement needs to know in the case of finding bones if they are human, or not.1
Forensic anthropologists are skilled in identifying skeletal materials.1 They also try to document age, sex, structure, race, and other characteristics of the specimens, as well as types of injuries.1 They may with a forensic pathologist to determine the cause of death.1 Forensic anthropology training may include archeological methods to help them assist law enforcement with the initial investigation of crime scenes.1 Some are also skilled in facial reproduction.1 They model how the face may have looked on the living subject.1 They may also have skills in determining the time elapse since the person died through entomology and body decompositions.1 How to become a forensic anthropologist:
Forensic anthropologists usually earn a PhD in anthropology with an emphasis on the study of human osteology and anatomy.1 There are a few forensic anthropologist schools.1 The American Board of Forensic Anthropology was created to certify persons in the field.1 To gain board certification, a PhD is required as well as passing a written and practical exam.1 You will also have to demonstrate your experience as judged by case reports.1 A forensic anthropologist salary can be expected to start at $25,000-$31,000 a year.