Must autopsy technicians have at least a bachelor’s degree in forensic science, biology or mortuary science, which takes four years to complete. Completing an associate’s degree program may be adequate for an entry-level position, but a bachelor’s degree is the most common choice for this position.

Medical investigators typically complete a bachelor’s degree program in forensic science before entering the field, although an associate’s degree and experience may be sufficient. Training involves DNA analysis, criminalistics, microbiology and crime scene investigation techniques.

A coroner investigator is a law enforcement officer. A coroner investigator is a law enforcement officer who works with a team of people to determine the cause of death in situations where a death is deemed suspicious. A coroner may attend autopsies of bodies discovered at sudden death scenes.

Medical investigators work for medical examiners’ offices, gathering and examining evidence to determine the cause of death in criminal cases and unnatural or unattended deaths. They may be present at the scene of the death to ensure that collected evidence gets safely transported to the laboratory for analysis.

The qualifications that you need to start working as a forensic death investigator include investigative skills, knowledge of forensic science, and certification or a degree. According to the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI), there are no formal degree requirements for this profession.

There are no formal requirements to become a medicolegal death investigator. Each coroner and medical examiner office has different hiring practices. A medicolegal death investigator must be knowledgeable of local, state and federal laws.

To qualify for basic certification, candidates must:

1. Be at least 18 years old.
2. Possess a high school diploma or GED.
3. Be currently employed as a medical examiner or coroner and have the major job responsibility of conducting death scene in investigations.
4. Have at least 640 hours of death investigation experience.

Mobile and stationary tables designed to hold cadavers during autopsy procedures. Available in a range of sizes and materials including stainless steel and plastic; may include a built-in downdraft ventilation system and/or autopsy sink.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Medicolegal Death Investigator? It takes at least three years of post-high school education to become a medicolegal death investigator. However, because this career requires both medical and criminal justice training and education, it can take longer.

The American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) defines it as a professional who investigates any death that falls under the jurisdiction of the medical examiner or coroner, including all suspicious, violent, unexplained, and unexpected deaths.

For example, the website GovernmentJobs.com (2021) lists forensic autopsy technician jobs that pay $39,000 to $72,000 per year, depending on an applicant’s experience. Additionally, Indeed.com (2021), a worldwide job website, indicates that forensic autopsy technicians earn approximately $48,000 to $63,000 annually.