How to Become a NYS Medical Legal Death Investigator
New York State medical legal death investigators work with the Office of the Medical Examiner, investigating any kind of unnatural death such as a suicide or homicide. Their responsibilities might include conducting interviews of witnesses, photographing the death scene, gathering evidence samples and testifying in court. In general, the job of the investigator is to provide reports to the Office of the Medical Examine to assist in the determining of the cause of death.
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Instructions
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Fulfill one of the three New York State education requirements for a medical investigator. Obtain a bachelor's degree in forensics, criminal justice, mortuary science or a health-related field and work two years in the investigative field, such as medical, clinical or criminal laboratory or as an insurance investigator, gathering evidence in death cases. Or possess a bachelor's degree and be a Registered Physician's Assistance certified by the State of New York and have two years' experience as a PA. Or obtain an associate's degree and work four years in the investigative field.
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Take additional coursework, such as the one offered by Saint Louis University, to improve your changes of employment. This type of coursework is meant for students who are planning to enter the field of medical investigation.
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Become certified. The American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators offers certification nationally, and it's offered within New York State by the New York State Association of County Coroners and Medical Examiners. Certification by the ABMDI assures that the investigator is proficient in the 29 tasks that are required to properly perform an investigation. To be accredited by the NYSACCME requires completion of one year of service and 54 education credits, 36 from NYSACCME sponsored courses.
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References
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