Published on: 17 March 2021
Last Updated on: 27 December 2024
The Scrum Master is a bridge between a planner and an implementer. So, you can say everyone is on the same tier. But a software developer has some special technical skills that help him become a Scrum Master easier than others.
Moreover, an excellent Scrum Master has all the skills and capabilities to lead the team to achieve their goals effectively. Hence, if a Developer wants to become a Scrum Master, he/she needs to achieve the following things.
Scrum Master Training:
No matter how skilled a Developer you are and how much practice you have done as a Scrum Master, you still need to get the Scrum Master training.
The training will help you learn the basics of the Scrum Framework and other fundamentals that help build leadership quality. Being a Software Developer, you already have some skills. So, it will be easier for the Developer to achieve the training and be a Scrum Master.
Organization Skills:
Another essential skill that a Software Developer needs to gain to become a Scrum Master is organization skills. This will help to learn the strategy building and implementing the team in the right direction. Moreover, it helps the individual to keep everything organized and up to the mark.
A Software Developer cum Scrum Master will get the plus point in having these skills, so they do not need to pass through particular training to learn these skills. The Scrum Master will be responsible for leading the team and managing the projects easily. With these capabilities, you will be able to step towards the Scrum Master successfully.
Technical Formalities:
The most crucial role of the Scrum Master is to find real-time and better strategies to divert the team in the pathway of achieving the goals. That’s why it is crucial to learn some technical formalities before you take your step towards the Scrum Master. But if you are a Software Developer, you already have the skills of technical formalities. The technical formalities will strengthen the team. This will also help learn how to develop the software that helps lead the Agile team more easily.
Soft Skills:
It’s easy to keep a check on the hard skills. Soft skills are also essential for the Software Developer, from finding the right resume to building the characteristic that is difficult to define. Besides that, Soft Skills will also help in becoming the best Scrum Master. The skills may include the following things, which are as follows:
Coaching and Teaching Skills:
A large part of the Scrum Master is based on teaching and coaching skills. This will help the team learn the skills essential for leading the team which is new to the Scrum Master field. Learning the teaching skills will also help in understanding the weakness and strengthening point. Moreover, this will help me to become a great coach as well.
Conflict Simplification:
The Scrum Master can resolve the conflicts between the team. If any disagreement arises in the team, the Scrum Master will help to fix them on time. This will be potentially helpful in progressing the team and achieve the team goals accurately. With the right type of learning and coaching from the Certified Scrum Master course, a Developer can learn the skills and achieve the goals accurately.
Learn the Capability to Lead the Team:
The Developers who gain the Scrum Master training will have the best leadership quality in them. Moreover, they will be able to make a decision quickly and efficiently. This will help to keep things organized and improve the productivity of the team as well. Leadership is all about managing the entire team and implementing the skills to perform best. Being a Developer, you already have this quality in you. With these essential skills, you will be able to become a Certified Scrum Master.
Conclusion:
A Certified Scrum Master plays a unique role in leading business organizations. They have the capability of team development and are the Product Owner at the same time. It’s a capability of self-management. That’s why a Developer can also be a Scrum Master because they already have half of the skills, making them the best leader and leading the team productively.
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In recent days, remote working is a common thing all over the world. Thanks to the technology and the pandemic for that. Although sometimes it is pretty hard to manage all the work with the co-workers while staying at home. And without using some remote working tools, it is next to impossible.
We need some best technology for working remotely. We require tools that will help us in communicating, video conferencing, or online chatting.
So, let's check out the top 5 useful apps that you must use to get the benefit of working remotely.
Remote Work In 2022: 5 Must-Have Tools:
From online chatting to project management or record streaming video—in recent days, some tools are necessary to work from home.
1. Tools for communication
Online chatting tools are now an integral part of many companies and the people working remotely. These apps help communicate with the entire team by sending a simple message. They are a good replacement for in-house emails.
»Slack—is one of the most-used apps that has started to gain popularity among remote workers. The simple setup and useful features make it a must-have app in the corporate sector. Features include direct messaging, document sharing, screen sharing, and voice calls.
»Workplace—is another collaborative software tool by Facebook. And one of the most expensive and competitive apps in the chatting industry.
Features include instant messaging, instant translation, online group work, and video conferencing. It can also integrate with the apps like Zoom and Google drive.
»Google Hangouts—Yes, this one is also on the list. The best thing about this app is its superb network connectivity—you don't need to worry about if you are in a cafe or at home.
It is the best tool for making videos or sending voice calls via desktop or mobile with other google users.
2. Remote working tools for video conferencing
A face-to-face conversation is a must when you have to work from home. And undoubtedly, some video conferencing apps should be on your device—if you work with a team or with the customers for some business purpose.
»Zoom—I guess you know about this app already and must have used it for your work. This user-friendly app comes with excellent audio and video quality.
The screen sharing feature, large meeting capacity, and the recording option make it a beneficial tool during the pandemic. Moreover, it consumes low data in comparison to other video conferencing tools.
»Skype—talking about video conferencing apps and not mentioning Skype is impossible, right? Skype is the first and most famous video calling app in the market.
Use it for group calls and sending messages, and all come with using fewer data. And the best part? Good quality virtual meetings are free of cost.
»Cisco Webex—is a popular video conferencing tool and reliable one that is used by governments and big companies across the world. It is user-friendly and free of cost.
Moreover, one can host and join any meeting via laptop, mobile, or tablet for having cross-device compatibility.
3. File storage apps
You will find plenty of file storage apps available on the market. These tools are essential for your personal use, working with any company, or for business purposes as well.
»Google Drive—is the perfect choice for people using Google Workspace regularly. It will automatically save your content on Google docs or sheets. What's more? Google Drive is one of the most used apps in androids and tablets—super easy for storing your documents in the cloud.
»Dropbox—is not just an app for cloud storage, but it contains some other features also. It can integrate with other tools also, such as Slack and Zoom. It also comes with monitoring or tracking features that will be helpful for the admin to keep an eye on the documents.
»Microsoft Onedrive—all Microsoft users—is a must-include storage app for you. With the subscription to Microsoft 365—you will get a huge storage space of about 1 TB, with no extra charge.
4. Remote working apps for project management
Working from home is difficult when it's all about organizing your work properly. But don't worry. Some management tools are there for you to track your work.
All you have to do this keep an eye on the online dashboards. It will manage all your work, like the projects assigned to you, the status of your work, and tasks related to your project.
»Trello—is a lightweight, user-friendly, and simple project monitoring app for all remote workers. In Trello, there are lists, cards, and boards. Cards are nothing but the tasks you need to do divided into lists. And the projects are performed on the Kanban board.
»Proofhub—is a famous tool that can help organize, plan and keep an eye on the tasks. Features contain workflows, discussions, calendars, Gantt charts, and task lists. It is a great app for freelancers as well as companies to work with clients.
5. Employee recognition software
If you are an employer, you might know about these tools. These tools help the companies to operate recognition-based activities. These apps are useful for creating a good environment where people appreciate others' quality and efforts.
»Vantage Circle—is a beneficial app that enhances employee engagement. It features peer recognition, including awards and appreciation for the employees. In a word, this app is for recognizing the strength and efforts of the worker who works remotely.
»Blueboard—is a unique platform that will help you give rewards and recognition to workers. And these rewards are unique, surprising, and full of fun experiences. It can be trekking, scuba diving, kitesurfing, or in-home activities.
Related Resource: How to Keep Remote Employees Productive in 2022
Bottom line
Remote working is a new normal for most of us. After the pandemic, corporate sectors, IT companies, and many big companies have started growing interest in these apps. And they have initiated employing people to work remotely.
Using the tools for your work is essential to manage the task properly. Most apps come with the free trial version, and some are free of cost. So, try them out and select the ones ideal for your work.
Read Also:
5 Of the Highest Paid Remote Jobs
What No One Tells You About Working Remotely
8 Tried and Tested Secrets of a Productive Home Office
5 Ways to Get a Better Work-Life Balance for Remote Employees
The title "physician assistant" may evoke images of someone whose job it is to run professional errands for doctors to someone with little knowledge of the health sector. Physician assistants (PAs), however, are highly skilled individuals who are authorized to diagnose, track, and provide medication to patients.
Though the responsibilities of PAs and doctors frequently overlap, the degree of autonomy that each enjoys at work varies. Although PAs normally require a doctor's supervision to treat patients, doctors are legally permitted to practice independently.
There are other options for pursuing an advanced career in healthcare besides attending medical school or nursing school, as evidenced by the growing demand for PAs.
This article covers the steps involved in becoming a physician assistant, as well as typical specializations, salary ranges, and employment prospects for this field.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Physician Assistant?
Are you interested in becoming a physician assistant? Do you know how to become a pa? Are you wondering how long does it take to become a pa? Did you just google "What bachelor degree do I need for physician assistant?" This article will explain everything to you in detail.
Who Is A Physician Assistant?
Physician assistants, or PAs for short, are certified medical professionals who assist doctors in delivering care. They provide care as well as keep an eye on the health of patients alongside doctors.
While some states permit physician assistants to operate autonomously, the majority mandate that they remain under the direct supervision of physicians. PAs perform physical examinations, write prescriptions for medication, and administer tests. Additional duties for PAs are as follows:
Obtaining the medical histories of patients
Placing as well as evaluating diagnostic test orders
Assisting with medical operations
Directing patients to appropriate experts
Creating therapy programs
Offering patients preventive care advice
Track the advancement of your patients.
Carrying out clinical research
Physician assistants are employed in a variety of locations, including surgery rooms, outpatient clinics, hospitals, and doctor's offices. In addition to working in medical settings, PAs are employed by military institutions, sports teams, and educational institutions.
The majority of PAs have full-time jobs with flexible schedules that sometimes include weekends and holidays. Similar to physicians, they might have to work long shifts on short notice and be on call. PAs should be physically fit and have strong interpersonal skills because spending hours interacting with patients and coworkers can get tiresome.
How To Become A Physician Assistant?
Here are the steps to take before you can become a physician assistant.
Get Your Bachelor's Degree
Getting a bachelor's degree from a recognized university is the prerequisite for working as a physician assistant. Applications from a variety of backgrounds are usually accepted into PA programs, but a science-focused major is advised as it will enable you to apply undergraduate credits toward your PA requirements.
Acquire Patient Care Or Healthcare Experience (PCE) (HCE)
Prior to applying to graduate school, prospective physician associates (PAs) are advised by the American Academy of Physician Associates to obtain experience in healthcare or patient care. HCE describes employment, whether paid or unpaid, in which you may still interact with patients but are not directly in charge of their care. PCE, on the other hand, necessitates direct patient treatment.
At least 1,000 HCE or PCE hours are needed for most PA programs, and these hours are normally obtained after working in the health industry for about a year. A medical technician, paramedic, surgical assistant, dental assistant, hospice worker, physical therapy assistant, and phlebotomist are among the positions that satisfy the need for clinical experience.
Enroll In A PA Program With Accreditation
You can acquire the advanced knowledge required to pass the national certification exam and start working as a physician assistant by enrolling in a PA graduate program. Clinical anatomy, clinical therapeutics, histology, as well as medical principles are among the subjects covered in a PA program. Additionally, you might participate in clinical rotations or clerkships, which entail observing certified PAs.
For those who cannot attend in person, several colleges offer online PA programs. Concentrations are a common feature of these PA programs, enabling students to customize their degrees to meet their professional objectives. Moreover, geriatrics, family medicine, women's health, pediatrics, psychiatry, and general internal medicine are among the common specialties of PAs.
Through the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA), students can submit their admissions applications. PA applicants must submit HCE and PCE records, college transcripts, recommendation letters, resumes, and personal statements to CASPA.
Before applying, make sure the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) has approved the program of your choice.
Obtain Certification
Graduates from ARC-PA-accredited programs are eligible to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) is responsible for administering the exam.
The PANCE is a five-hour multiple-choice test designed to evaluate candidates' knowledge of medicine and surgery. To obtain a PA license in any state in the United States, one must pass the PANCE. States may have different requirements for other particular licenses.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Physician Assistant?
Usually, it takes at least seven years to finish all of the steps above. You will need four years to complete your undergraduate studies, followed by a year to obtain experience in healthcare and two years to finish a PA program. If you need more time to study for and pass the PANCE, or if you want to gain experience when moving from undergrad and grad school, then the path to becoming a PA may take longer.
Salary Of A Physician Assistant
As of May 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the median annual salary for physician assistants was $126,010. The industry, degree of experience, and place of residence all affect an individual's compensation.
Certain regions of the United States, such as Connecticut, New York, North Carolina, Nebraska, and Montana, have the highest concentrations of physician assistant jobs, putting them in great demand. According to BLS projections, employment for these professionals will grow by 28% between 2021 and 2031, which is nearly six times the projected growth rate for all U.S. jobs and three times the projected job growth rate for other health practitioners nationwide.
Specializations
Similar to nurses and clinicians, physician assistants can choose to specialize in different areas of healthcare based on their areas of interest as well as strengths. Moreover, the types of patients PAs work with, as well as the range of salaries they can earn, depend largely on their specializations.
The majority of PA programs provide elective courses and some mandate that students finish supervised clinical practice across several specializations. Before starting graduate school, we advise you to select your PA specialization so that you can enroll in a program that offers comprehensive instruction in your field of interest.
Here are some typical specializations for PA professionals and students.
Emergency Practice
In this specialization, PA aspirants learn how to assess, stabilize, and treat patients with life-threatening conditions. Students specializing in emergency medicine also gain skills for collaborating with urgent care teams and for presenting cases to physicians.
Pregnancy And Gynecology
PA students who choose this concentration will graduate with a thorough understanding of childbirth, midwifery, and the female reproductive system as a whole. They get training in giving women prenatal and postpartum care as well as family planning counseling.
Pediatrics
By providing ambulatory care for infants and children, pediatric PAs assist pediatricians. Students specializing in the pediatrician field gain the ability to assess typical pediatric issues, provide prophylactic care, and explain treatment regimens to patients' guardians.
Surgery
PA students can assess and oversee surgical patients through the surgery specialization. They gain knowledge on how to care for surgical patients both before and after surgery.
Mental Wellness
The treatment and support of patients dealing with mental health issues is the main focus of this specialization. Students in this specialty gain knowledge on how to perform mental assessments, track patients' progress, as well as recommend individuals to behavioral health professionals.
Certifications
Furthering your experience, profile, as well as career certifications helps you gain credibility. Here are a few you can check out.
PA-C
The primary certification for PAs is the Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) credential, for which you must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination. Three hundred multiple-choice questions, given in five blocks of sixty questions each, make up the five-hour PANCE exam. Between sessions, candidates can take 45-minute breaks.
Those who wish to take the PANCE must complete a program approved by the ARC-PA before taking it. Potential PAs have 180 days from the date of graduation to apply for the exam; however, they can only take the test beginning seven days later. After submitting an application and paying a $550 fee, NCCPA will email you an acknowledgment along with more details.
Additional Qualifications
NCCPA provides optional credentials for ten PA specialties in addition to the PA-C:
Cardiovascular and thoracic surgery
Dermatology
Emergency medicine
Hospital medicine
Nephrology
Orthopedic surgery
Pediatrics
Palliative medicine and hospice care
Psychiatry
Obstetrics and Gynecology
These qualifications are known as certificates of additional qualifications, or CAQs. They give PAs credit for their specialized knowledge.
Professional Organizations
While it's not necessary, becoming a member of a professional organization can help PAs become more credible and open up more career development opportunities. The two professional associations that were established to aid physician assistants are highlighted below.
The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) is the preeminent national organization for PA professionals. It was established in 1968. It encompasses more than 168,000 PAs in each of the 50 US states. The AAPA gives its members the tools they need to grow professionally and enhance patient care.
Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA) is the national organization for PA education. It helps academic programs attract and hold onto talented faculty members and PA students. Additionally, it offers a range of study resources for PA certifications.
Wrapping Up
Additional motivations to become a physician assistant include demand, high pay, work-life balance, autonomy, and job security. If you have the desire and passion to become a PA, then the amount of time it takes is unimportant. Your clinical experience and self-assurance will enable you to lead health care forward and improve patient health and well-being with the Physician Assistant Studies Program.
If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask how long does it take to become a physician assistant, then please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!
Learn More About:
The Future Of Healthcare: Adapting To An Aging Society
Healthcare Jobs That Will Be Most In Demand 2020–2025
Is Medical Specialities A Good Career Path? – 12 Best Jobs
When you hear the term "detective," you might think of the fast-paced, well-groomed characters from television series. True detective work demands extreme patience, rigorous investigation, and unwavering ethics; it is very different from the glamorous portrayals in the media. The process of solving cases can take months or even years, during which time a lot of time is spent sifting through files, documents, and photos.
On top of that, solving cases may expose investigators to potentially dangerous people and situations. Notwithstanding the difficulties, though, working as a detective can be fulfilling because it offers the intense sense of accomplishment that results from cracking cases and giving victims closure.
Despite the overlap in their areas of expertise, private investigators (PIs) and police detectives are two different professions. Police detectives usually obtain investigative experience through their work in law enforcement and become detectives as a promotion through the agency. This is according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2022).
At work, they might interview witnesses or suspects, look through documents, gather and meticulously record evidence, write reports, watch subjects at work, secure crime scenes, obtain arrest warrants, assist in apprehending offenders, and also testify as experts in court.
In contrast, private investigators, or PIs, are citizens who usually require state licensure. They gain experience in obtaining legal, financial, and personal information about their clients through surveillance and background checks. They also participate in missing person tracking, snooping for hints in documents, and speaking with relevant individuals. Detectives can focus on corporate malpractice, insurance fraud, computer forensics, and other areas.
There are a hoard of professional courses you can do, and your scope is equally varied. Keep reading to learn about the salary detectives draw and the qualifications, training, and personality needed to enter this field. Here is everything you need to know about how to become a detective.
Skills To Become a Detective
Most prosperous detectives are inquisitive, meticulous, and diligent. Perseverance may also be crucial because solving crimes isn't always a straight line or a quick process. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the following abilities are critical for successful detective work:
Communication skills: When speaking with witnesses, victims, and possible offenders, detectives need to pay close attention to what they are saying, ask the right questions, and be aware of nonverbal cues.
Decision-making skills: Detectives need to be able to make decisions quickly and calmly, especially when someone's life is in danger or when acting quickly can lead to the discovery of information that can help solve a crime.
Curiosity: Skilled investigators possess an innate ability to solve puzzles and can consider potential reasons behind a crime as well as determine the means of commission.
Perseverance: As mentioned earlier, solving a crime can take several months or even years. Crimes go unsolved occasionally, turning into cold cases that may be reopened years later, particularly with the development of forensic technologies like DNA testing.
Resourcefulness: Although detectives always need to be quick on their feet and adhere to protocol, they also need to be able to solve crimes by using their intuition and the resources at hand.
How To Become a Detective?
There are several ways to become a detective or private investigator (PI), but they all involve a consistent mix of classroom learning and real-world investigative experience. If you want to know how to become a detective, then this is one standard way:
Step 1: Complete your four years of high school
At this point, prospective detectives are advised to cultivate critical thinking, deductive reasoning, and inductive reasoning. To obtain practical experience in the field, some students might look for volunteer opportunities. They can do it through their local police departments, community organizations, or federal agencies.
For instance, high school students who are interested can enroll in the FBI's week-long Future Agents in Training (FAIT) program. Similarly, eligible high school and college students can apply for the Pathways Internship Program offered by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
Step 2: Complete degree program in criminal justice, criminology, sociology, or related field
Many police academies require at least some college to qualify. Whereas some police academies may be able to accept prospective police detectives directly. Eileen Carlin is a state coordinator for Rasmussen College's School of Justice Studies and a 20-year law enforcement veteran. According to him, most departments prefer detectives with two- to four-year college degrees.
Step 3: Complete a police academy and gain investigative experience
The next step for someone who wants to work as a police detective is to enroll in a police academy. This is an option that can be more profitable than working as a private investigator (PI).
The qualifications for a police academy differ depending on the department and area, but applicants must be US citizens, be at least eighteen years old, have a driver's license, have never been convicted of a felony, and have some college experience.
Note that most state as well as federal agencies require a minimum of four years of undergraduate study. Typically lasting six to eight months, police academy programs provide specialized training in the use of firearms, patrol procedures, ethics, self-defense, writing reports, CPR and first aid, physical fitness, and emergency response.
Aspiring detectives can enhance their resumes by pursuing advanced training and responsibilities in investigative units after graduating from the academy. Homicide, surveillance, fraud, cybercrimes, financial crimes, and missing persons are among the different investigation branches.
Step 4: Private investigator's (PIs) licensure and on-the-job investigative experience
Prior to receiving a license, private investigators frequently need to have investigative experience gained through on-the-job training. Before being issued a license to operate, a prospective PI must first fulfill the eligibility standards of their home state, pass an exam, and finish additional state-mandated requirements. The number of hours required for this type of work varies depending on the state.
After receiving their full license, the PI may choose to focus on specific investigation fields, such as litigation support, insurance claims, cybersecurity, and criminal investigations. An online resource for investigators, Pursuit Magazine (2022), notes that 46 states (as well as certain cities) require a license for private investigators to practice, and it offers a useful table of state-by-state private investigator licensure policies.
Step 5: Police detective exam for professional certification
Both private investigators and police detectives can obtain certifications. For investigators with a focus on criminal defense or negligence, the National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI) offers the Certified Legal Investigator (CLI) credential.
Candidates for the CLI program must pass an exam with a minimum score of 70%, finish a 1,000-word research paper on investigations, and have at least five years of full-time experience (or qualify through appropriate academic coursework). Every three years, CLIs must complete 50 hours of continuing education (CE) to keep their certification.
For investigators who specialize in security, ASIS International offers the Professional Certified Investigator (PCI) certification. Candidates must have five years of investigative experience (two of which must be in case management) and a high school diploma to be eligible. People's knowledge of case management, investigative techniques and procedures, and case presentation is tested on a 140-question exam.
Step 6: Local credentialing
State-specific requirements may differ for becoming a detective. The procedures to enter the state's detective division may differ as well. Because most states have distinct standards for becoming police officers.
Generally, some police departments only accept a GED or high school certificate. Others demand a two- or four-year college degree, as well as certain college courses. For instance, you need a high school degree or GED to work in the Los Angeles Police Department Detective Bureau. Here, the first promotion after completing officer training is detective or sergeant.
However, candidates must have completed two years of military service or 60 college credits to be considered for employment with the New York Police Department. Candidates from Dallas, Texas, between 21 and 44, must have a 2.0 GPA and 45 semester credits (college-level).
In contrast, candidates in Miami, Florida, must obtain a GED or a high school diploma and pass the Florida Basic Abilities Test (FBAT), a law enforcement exam. To put it briefly, state requirements for becoming a detective differ greatly. Moreover, it is advised that prospective candidates check their eligibility by contacting their local government offices.
Institutions to Consider
When you are looking for more details regarding how to become a detective, the consequent thought to follow it up is which are the top colleges and universities offer the relevant courses. Here are some premier institutions that you should check out.
California State University
A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in criminal justice is also offered by California State University in San Bernardino (CSUSB). It combines structured coursework in criminal law and statistics in criminal justice. It also has correctional counseling with beneficial research and internship opportunities.
Graduates from this program will be well-versed in the criminal justice system, how it functions, and how laws, as well as law enforcement, affect society.
The program, which is worth 120 credits, consists of classes on topics like criminal law, research methodologies in criminal justice, statistics in criminal justice, police and police systems, theories of correctional theory and institutions, crime and delinquency, police and police systems, and criminal investigations, among other things. If you are seriously looking for the answer to how to become a detective, then CSU is your top bet.
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Many respectable undergraduate degrees with criminology, criminal justice, and criminal justice management majors are offered by this institution. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Science (BS) in criminal justice program. They will receive specialized training in constitutional law, police and community relations, and the law and politics of racial relations. It lays special emphasis on institutional theory and practice.
The 120-credit program comprises courses like:
Drugs, Crime, and Law in Latin America
Police and Urban Communities
An Introduction to Corrections
An Introduction to Police Studies
Criminology
Community-Based Approaches to Justice
Police and the American Criminal Justice System
Pennsylvania State University
Penn State Harrisburg School of Public Affairs and Penn State World Campus have partnered to offer an online associate in science (AS) degree in criminal justice through Pennsylvania State University. Through this program, students will acquire the abilities and information required to start or progress in a variety of criminal justice and social services careers.
The 64 credits that make up the program include the following courses among others:
Criminology
Policing in America
Courts and the prosecution process
Corrections in America
Introduction to ethics
Race
Ethnicity
Culture
Statistical Analysis for the social sciences
Research methods in criminal justice
Graduates of this program will be prepared to work in the legal and correctional fields, protective services, security management, social services, court administration, and other related fields, serving both public and private interests.
How To Become a Detective: Specializations?
Depending on the county as well as the state, police detectives may be able to choose a specialization within their detective division. Additionally, because of compliance regulations and technological advancements, ongoing training might be required. Certain departments might also conduct ongoing research, design, and implementation of improvement strategies. This is done to improve the caliber of their investigative methods and procedures.
Some of these specializations or divisions, which are typically headed by lieutenants, captains, or commanders, are listed below:
Homicide and Robbery: Detectives assigned to the Homicide and Robbery unit will concentrate on cases involving murders, suspicious deaths, kidnappings, and robberies.
Forensics: This section examines the digital and tangible evidence discovered at crime scenes.
Juvenile: Investigators work on cases involving minors, including those involving child abuse and exploitation.
Gangs and Narcotics: These detectives deal with violent street gangs and the use and distribution of illicit substances and weapons.
Commercial: In addition to auto theft, commercial crimes can also involve fraud and cases of forgery.
Technical Investigation: Financial crimes and online crimes against minors fall under the purview of this investigative division.
Detective Support and Vice: This division deals with pornography, animal abuse, human trafficking, missing people, and hate crimes.
Special Victims Unit: Also known as SVU, these detectives investigate violent crimes against adults, including sexual assault, domestic abuse, and crimes against children.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Detective?
In general, there are many different routes to becoming a police detective. But it can take five to eight years to advance from police officer to detective after earning a high school degree or GED. The BLS (2022) states that to become a detective, a person must complete high school or earn a GED. Most will do so by earning an associate or bachelor's degree in criminology, criminal justice, sociology, psychology, or a similar discipline.
Moreover, passing physical exams, background checks, and other requirements is necessary for prospective officers to be considered as competitive applicant in a police department. Candidates may occasionally attend a police academy to receive additional training after being hired as police officers. Academies differ in duration depending on the department, city, and state. Basic police training takes place in Portland, or, for 16 weeks, while it takes place in San Jose, CA, for 0 weeks.
In addition, prospective detectives need to work as police officers for at least three years after completing a police academy to be promoted to detective. Officers who want to advance in the police department must pass exams and/or review their service history.
How Much Do Detectives Earn?
It's crucial to remember that four of the states with the highest salaries in the US also have the highest cost of living. To illustrate the point, the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC 2023) discovered that among the top fifteen most expensive states are Alaska, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Hawaii, and Washington. In contrast, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Alabama were the five states with the lowest cost of living.
Ultimately, over the next ten years, job growth rates for private investigators and police detectives are anticipated to be comparable. For example, in 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicted that employment for police investigators (BLS) would increase by 3% and for investigators (PIs) by 6% between 2021 and 2031. This growth is almost equal to the average growth predicted for all occupations during that period (5%).
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2022) makes a distinction between police detectives and private investigators. First, the following salary ranges were reported by the 32,050 private investigators and PIs in the United States:
Annual mean wage: $59,400
10th percentile: $33,710
25th percentile: $38,360
50th percentile (median): $52,120
75th percentile: $75,740
90th percentile: $92,660
In comparison, the salary ranges reported by criminal investigators and police detectives were significantly higher (BLS May 2022):
Employment: 107,400
Annual mean wage: $91,610
10th percentile: $47,990
25th percentile: $61,240
50th percentile (median): $86,280
75th percentile: $110,530
90th percentile: $150,570
Additionally, there's good news for Americans who want to work as federal agents nationwide: coastal states are home to the highest-paying states for criminal investigators and detectives (BLS May 2022):
District of Columbia: $133,890 annual average salary
Alaska: $128,410
Hawaii: $119,290
Maryland: $117,800
Washington: $110,620
If you were thinking about how to become a detective, the salary should be enough to push you towards achieving your target. It is a highly rewarding job, both morally and financially.
Wrapping Up
People who want to work in law enforcement and make their communities safer or who just have more questions about becoming detectives should check out the criminal justice degree programs offered by the various universities across the states.
If you want to serve your community and the nation at large, becoming a crime investigator in any capacity is very rewarding. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about how to become a detective, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!
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