subject: Evolve Into An Exciting Career Starting With A Science Degree! [print this page] It's impossible for some experiment or field study to be done without a technician behind the dials and most often that tech has a degree in science. Whether it's the latest green tech innovation or even someone taking your blood and an x-ray, the person doing it is one. That's why it's the largest of the four STEM (scientist, technician, engineer, mathematician) field. With the exception of the mathematician, none of the others can really function without the tech.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states there were over 2.8 million technicians in the U.S. as of 2008, making them just short of half of the STEM field. They are defined as the users of the principles and theories of science and mathematics to assist in R&D and help invent/improve products and processes. Their jobs are more practically oriented. Technicians operate and maintain laboratory instruments, monitor experiments, calculate results, and can even develop conclusions. If you need more information about science degree online, look on the internet.
Technicians work in an incredibly wide field of disciplines. They are employed in the horticultural, health, information, criminal investigation, environmental and even rocket science domains. What they all have in common is an industrious nature, strong skills with math and mechanics, as well as the ability to work in teams, relaying the all important results back as they are calculated.
Academically, it's one of the simpler fields to enter. Many jobs only require an Associate degree while others only require a certificate from their personal professional organization. This doesn't mean any wrench monkey is qualified to be a technician and can get away it. Getting a degree and/or certification, whether from an on campus or online school, is necessary if one wants to earn the good money. Then if one gets into such as arenas as agricultural or computer science, a Bachelor degree can become essential.
One thing the technician does share with the other STEM fields is education is a perpetual obligation. Techs must stay abreast of the latest techniques and other innovations. Also, if they to climb up a corporate ladder they have to consider taking courses in business management and related fields. Luckily many corporations employing techs can include work-study programs, grants and other aid to advance their employees. One should consult one's benefits director or an online college's financial aid personnel about this.
There will be a steady need for technicians over the decade. The Bureau estimates an increase of about 12% more by 2018. The most techs can be found in the biological arena, which currently has near 80,000. From there, it's chemical (66,000), environmental (36,000), forest (34,000) and agricultural (21,000). The biggest need will also be in biological because of the need to help combat everything from cancer to the next variety of flu. The Board estimates growth in that field will be 18% by 2018. There is an abundance of information about online computer science degree on the web.
Employment packages are pretty much what one should expect for a professional, degreed occupation. They include retirement and investment options, supplemental education programs, and health and life insurance.
