Autopsy Specialist Training in the U.S.

Autopsy specialists

Autopsy specialists, or coroners, perform comprehensive examinations on deceased patients to fulfill medical or legal requirements. They work at the coroner's office, hospitals and medical research facilities. Autopsy specialists must spend several years in specialized training and obtain a medical license.

Preliminary Training

Autopsy specialists must complete rigorous educational requirements.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an aspiring autopsy specialist must have a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry or physics. She must take undergraduate courses in algebra, biology, chemistry, English composition, mathematics and physics.

Medical School Training

Future coroners earn the M.D. degree.

Medical school candidates must pass the Medical College Admission Test and have an outstanding undergraduate record of achievement. They spend four years learning diagnostic and treatment techniques under the supervision of physicians and medical specialists.

On-the-Job Training

Hospital residencies provide valuable on-the-job training.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, future autopsy specialists must complete a four-year hospital residency program in anatomic and clinical pathology.

Licenses and Certification

The USMLE is the gold standard.

Physicians and surgeons must pass the United States medical licensing examination, or USMLE. According to the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators, autopsy specialists with at least 4,000 hours of practical experience obtained in the past six years can apply for board certification.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Physicians and Surgeons
• University of Maryland Medical Center: Pathology Residency Program
• American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators: Board Certification (advanced)