How to Become an Autopsy Technician
Expert review: Hunter K., Forensic Autopsy Technician since 2019, Washington
Every day someone passes away leaving family members wondering what caused their death. Because of the knowledge and dedication of autopsy technicians, loved ones usually get their answers. This career can be stressful but can also be very challenging and exciting, especially for someone who is not squeamish or bothered by bodily parts and fluids. Learn what it takes to become an autopsy technician as well as a little about the career working as part of the crime scene investigation team.
What is an Autopsy Technician?
An autopsy technician is a trained professional who works alongside pathologists, morticians or medical examiners. They help take care of deceased bodies to prepare them for burial or cremation. They also assist in performing many tests and examinations to determine the cause of death or for evidence in criminal cases. Autopsy technicians must be highly trained and educated to be able to complete the many duties of which they’re assigned. Individuals who have an interest in human anatomy and an interest in learning more about the causes of death are often the ones who choose to become autopsy technicians. As an autopsy technician first starting out, a lot of your work will be administrative or clerical, as you’ll be sending off samples to the lab, tracking
Career Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists autopsy technicians in the category of forensic science technicians. According to the bureau, these professionals are expected to see an employment growth of 13% between 2024 and 2034, which should result in about 2,600 new jobs created by 2034. Autopsy technicians generally work in medical examiners’ offices or in hospitals. Some may also apply to work in law enforcement.
Salary for Autopsy Technicians
According to a 2024 BLS report, forensic science technicians earned wages that ranged from about $45,560 to $110,710 or more with the average annual wage at $67,440 and the hourly wage at $32.42. Various factors can affect their wages, including experience, training, employer, or geographic location. This job is growing at a rate of 13 percent, which is must faster than average.
Below is an example of how wages can fluctuate from one state to the next. This is a list of the five highest-paying states for forensic science technicians followed by the five lowest-paying states. As you can see, there is a substantial difference (around $40,000 annually) in what these technicians earn in California vs. what is earned in Arkansas.
States with the highest salaries for forensic autopsy technicians
- California – $98,400
- Illinois – $95,750
- Connecticut – $82,620
- New York – $82,610
- Massachusetts – $82,5200
Other popular states for forensic autopsy technicians:
- Nevada – $77,180 – 330 forensic autopsy technicians
- Arizona – $69,660 – 860 forensic autopsy technicians
- Florida – $61,570 – 2,030 forensic autopsy technicians
- Wyoming – $62,030 – 50 forensic autopsy technicians
- New Mexico – $59,040 – 180 forensic autopsy technicians
How to Become an Autopsy Technician
To become an autopsy technician requires education and training. The individual must have a high school diploma to work in any autopsy positions. They should also have a solid background in chemistry, anatomy and biology. 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.
An expert weighs in: Hunter K., an autopsy technician in Washington tells us:
“I graduated undergrad with a BA in Anthropology where I learned a lot about skeletal biology and anatomy. I decided to get my masters in Anthropology as well and took a human gross anatomy course with the medical school at my university. It’s really tough to get into forensics but once you’re in the process between moving through offices is fairly easy. A lot of the medical information I learned on the job but in school I learned how to dissect and eviscerate.
I would say to make sure they took human anatomy and physiology courses and dissection labs if available.”
Types of Internships for Autopsy Technicians
Your path to becoming an autopsy technician needs significant hands-on experience through internships. Medical examiner’s offices nationwide offer internship programs tailored for students in relevant fields.
You’ll need to be enrolled in a post-secondary academic institution to qualify for most internship programs. The typical requirements include being a junior or senior undergraduate student with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students majoring in forensic science, criminal justice, biology, pre-med, anthropology, nursing, or related disciplines can apply. These opportunities aren’t available to high school students.
These hands-on learning experiences typically involve:
- Observe and assist with autopsy procedures
- Help with autopsy setup and cleanup
- Collect body fluids and evidence
- Learn proper evisceration techniques
- Assist with scene investigations
- Practice forensic photography
- Document findings and maintain reports
- Process and preserve evidence
Each institution has different time requirements. Some need 16-20 hours per week, while others align with academic calendars through semester-long or summer internships. Many programs run through fall, spring, and summer semesters. Interns usually work two weekdays per week for up to 12 weeks.
Competition is fierce for these mostly unpaid positions. To name just one example, see the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office, which offers only two internship spots each semester. Your institution must often arrange or approve these internships for academic credit.
The application process needs a cover letter, resume, academic transcripts, and sometimes recommendation letters. Some places require background checks before accepting interns.
These internships are a great way to get real-life experience that enhances your academic education. You’ll build relationships with professionals in the field and connect with law enforcement. The experience significantly boosts your job prospects. Many medical examiner’s offices report that their current staff, including forensic autopsy technicians and deputy coroners, started as interns before landing permanent positions.
Some institutions offer externships or practicum experiences if you can’t secure formal internships. Certificate programs in autopsy technology often include a 60-hour externship at a morgue or medical examiner’s office to provide essential practical training.
Post-bachelor’s work experience
Once you have earned the bachelor’s degree, you can generally seek employment and obtain some work experience. Another alternative is completing an internship, which provides the candidate with hands-on training. Some autopsy technicians wish to advance their careers and pursue a master’s degree. The most common educational program for these individuals is a pathology assistant graduate program.
Forensic autopsy technicians must be well aware of departmental procedures and policies, including quality improvement, infection control standards, environmental standards and safety issues. They must also have a solid knowledge of the following.
- Photographs and x-rays
- Laboratory procedures
- Modern pathological, forensic and lab practices and principles
- Universal safety and precautions guidelines
- Legal requirements relevant to medical examiners
- Anatomy and medical nomenclature
Physical requirements
Autopsy technicians must be physically able to lift and move bodies of various sizes. They must also have good judgment and knowledge to evaluate situations, assess alternative methods and make possible recommendations. They must also have a solid understanding of technical instructions and materials. Although they work alongside pathologists or forensic scientists, they must also be able to work efficiently and independently if necessary.
Day in the Life of an Autopsy Technician
Autopsy technicians assist coroners, medical examiners or forensic pathologists in working on deceased bodies. They generally work a 9-5 schedule during the week but may also be called into work in the evenings, on weekends or holidays if they’re needed. This is often the case when working with law enforcement, and the information is needed as soon as possible. In cases like this, the autopsy technician may be called into work after hours will be required to stay until they can provide law enforcement with the information they need.
Autopsy technicians have many duties throughout their workday both on their own and working alongside pathologists. Some of their duties include:
- Preparing autopsy room
- Lifting and moving bodies
- Providing containers for specimen collection
- Collecting toxicology samples
- Documenting notes on patient’s clinical history
- Weighing and eviscerating organs
- Applying sutures to body
- Opening and closing bodies
- Performing diagnostic imaging and dental x-rays
- Assisting pathologist with different parts of the exam
- Positioning and photographing the bodies
- Releasing bodies to mortician
- Collecting fingerprints
- Preserving and preparing evidence
- Collecting and preserving physical and biological evidence, including clothing
- Perform clerical work as needed
There are very few parts of the autopsy process that the autopsy technician does not perform from the moment the body arrives right up until it is released to the funeral home. Much of the experience the technician obtains can be used when applying for an advanced position. Some also choose to advance their education and pursue master’s degrees, and the experience is extremely beneficial to these students.
Skills and Traits of an Autopsy Technician
A career as an autopsy technician requires a special mix of technical know-how, personal traits, and physical abilities. You’ll need to understand these requirements to prepare well for this specialized field.
Technical Proficiency Technical competence sits at the heart of autopsy work. You’ll need steady hands to sample tissues precisely and good spatial reasoning for anatomical work. You should be skilled with various equipment, from surgical tools to digital cameras and X-ray machines. Digital documentation and database management make computer skills vital now. A strong understanding of anatomy, physiology, and biology are the foundations of your technical knowledge.
Critical Skills Your technical abilities should pair well with these professional skills:
- Anatomical knowledge: Understanding human body systems and organ identification
- Surgical techniques: Proper use of scalpels, bone saws, and other instruments
- Laboratory procedures: Specimen collection, preservation, and chain of custody
- Documentation: Detailed report writing and record keeping
- Safety protocols: Universal precautions and biohazard handling
Interpersonal Capabilities Technical expertise isn’t enough – you should excel at communication. You’ll work with law enforcement, attorneys, and families in emotionally charged situations. The job needs high levels of professionalism, tact, and etiquette. Your people skills must help you handle sensitive situations with empathy.
Physical Requirements This job will test your physical strength. You should be able to lift, push, or pull weights over 100 pounds, including deceased bodies. Physical stamina helps you stand for long periods and handle heavy weights. Evisceration needs considerable strength in your hands, arms, shoulders, and upper back.
Mental Fortitude Your emotional resilience will make or break your success in this field. Learning good stress management skills is vital. Tragic circumstances will become part of your routine, and you’ll need healthy ways to process these experiences. You must stay objective while working in difficult and sometimes unpleasant conditions.
Professional Traits The best autopsy technicians share these traits: attention to detail, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, math and science aptitude, and good communication. The job needs hard work, good organization, self-motivation, adaptability, and the ability to work under emotional pressure and unpleasant conditions.
Someone who loves science, stays emotionally stable, and handles physical demands well would make an ideal candidate. They should keep their cool and work precisely even when things get tough.
Licensure, Certification and Continuing Education
Autopsy technicians are not required to be licensed or certified, but many choose to obtain certification to enhance their resumes and improve their career opportunities. Certification can demonstrate the individual’s knowledge and commitment to the field. Candidates can obtain certification through the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI). To earn the certification, the candidate must pass a 240 multiple-choice certification exam. To be eligible to sit for the exam, the applicant must meet the following requirements.
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Be employed in a Coroner or Medical Examiner office and have the duties of supervising or conducting death scene investigations
- Have at least 640 hours of experience in death investigations
Once the candidate successfully passes the exam, he or she has earned the title of Diplomate of the ABMDI and is given a certificate with a certification number that can be given to potential employers. In order to maintain certification, the autopsy technician must be a current ABMDI member in good standing, demonstrate knowledge of the Code of Ethics in writing and show proof of 45 hours of continuing education.
Professional Organizations for an Autopsy Technician
Professional organizations offer a great way to advance your career as an autopsy technician. These associations help you stay current with industry developments through ongoing education, networking opportunities, and valuable resources.
The American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) leads the field with over 6,500 members worldwide across 12 sections in various forensic science disciplines. Autopsy technicians can apply for Professional Affiliate status, a category designed for supporting forensic science roles. You can access resources through this membership even without meeting full membership requirements.
The National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) specializes in forensic pathology and death investigation excellence. NAME has worked since 1966 to develop forensic autopsy standards, promote accreditation of medicolegal death investigation systems, and provide vital education to members. Medical examiner systems’ autopsy technicians find their resources particularly valuable.
The National Association of Forensic Autopsy Technicians (NAFAT) emerged as a newer organization when it was founded in 2020. This Memphis-based nonprofit focuses exclusively on autopsy professionals, affiliates, and students. NAFAT’s mission helps career development through specialties such as:
- Autopsy techniques
- Radiology
- Evidence collection
- Photography
- Fingerprinting
- Entomology
- Data entry
The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) presents another valuable membership option. This Chicago-based professional association has grown since 1922 to include about 100,000 pathologists and laboratory professionals. ASCP’s educational programs, certification opportunities, and advocacy efforts benefit autopsy technicians significantly.
CAP-ACP offers certification pathways through their Autopsy Technician Certification program, designed for professionals who assist pathologists during post-mortem examinations.
These organizations provide more than just certification. Job boards, continuing education, conferences, and mentorship opportunities support your entire career journey. The International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners also provides training and resources to improve your professional development.
Membership in these professional organizations connects you with like-minded professionals and keeps you informed about best practices and emerging techniques. Your credibility and employability grow as you show your steadfast dedication to professional development and industry standards.
Where Do Autopsy Technicians Work
Autopsy technicians work in specialized settings of all types, each with its own challenges and experiences. We placed them in medical examiner’s and coroner’s offices at city, county, and state levels. They help forensic pathologists with examinations, collect evidence, and prepare specimens for legal or medical review.
Laboratory forensic science technicians usually work regular business hours, though some jobs need different schedules. The St. Louis County Department of Health Medical Examiner’s Office schedules technicians for rotating eight-hour shifts. These shifts run from 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on weekends.
Hospital and healthcare system pathology labs are another major career path. These roles put you under a Laboratory Services Director’s supervision to provide technical services to pathology departments. Your daily work involves coordination with referring hospitals, coroners, medical examiners, funeral homes, law enforcement, physicians, and families.
You can also find positions at:
- University medical schools and research institutions, like Johns Hopkins or Stanford University, where you support teaching, research, and pathology resident training
- Private forensic labs and biotech firms that handle outsourced autopsy and tissue analysis for insurance claims, litigation, and research
- Federal agencies including the CDC or Department of Defense, where you contribute to public health investigations or military cases
The work environment comes with unique challenges. You need to feel comfortable working in extreme temperatures while being exposed to dead bodies, formaldehyde, bodily fluids, and infectious waste. The work happens mostly in the Medical Examiner Office, where you handle human remains regularly and need mental strength to deal with various death investigations.
New technologies like remote consultations and digital pathology might create more opportunities for collaboration as your career progresses, letting you work across state lines.
Alternative Career Paths
If an anthropology degree or a degree in science is not for you, but you’d still like to work in the field, consider a degree in Criminal Justice, Crime Scene Investigation, or Criminology. Good luck!
Sources:
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/forensic-science-technicians.htm