When someone dies in a way that's unexpected or strange, a medical examiner or coroner will perform an autopsy. This can determine the cause of death and find evidence that may be used in a criminal case.
Autopsy technicians work to assist the medical examiner or coroner in the autopsy. Keep reading to learn about schools and colleges for autopsy technicians and how to choose the right one.
There are no degree programs specifically for those wanting to become autopsy technicians. Instead, you'll need to major in a related field.
Most autopsy technicians major in forensic science or mortuary science, though a few choose majors like biology.
We've broken down these majors below.
Forensic Science
Forensic science is the application of science to the criminal justice system. These programs are typically geared to lead to careers as a crime scene investigator or forensic lab tech.
Regardless, this is a great option for aspiring autopsy technicians because they train students in evidence collection and analysis, especially for medicolegal death investigations.
Mortuary Science
Another common option for autopsy technician students is a degree in mortuary science. This degree focuses more on preserving and preparing a body for funerals, burials, and cremation.
This degree is usually for people who want to work in the funeral industry, but autopsy technician students will benefit from learning about how the body changes after death and how to handle a body.
Top Autopsy Technician Schools and Colleges
Listed below are the top autopsy technician schools that offer degrees in forensic science and mortuary science.
1. Boston University
Boston University is a private research university that offers a Master of Science in biomedical forensic sciences.
This is a two-year program that can be earned full-time or part time and offers a concentration in forensic medicine-death investigation. The curriculum includes courses like:
- forensic pathology and medicolegal death investigation
- forensic toxicology
- molecular biology of forensic DNA analysis
- trace evidence analysis
The program also requires research projects and offers labs and internship opportunities.
2. Pennsylvania State University
The Pennsylvania State University, better known as PennState, is a public research university based in State College. It offers a bachelor's and master's in forensic sciences.
Students choose from either the chemistry or biology emphasis, the latter of which is better suited for those pursuing a career as autopsy technicians.
The Bachelor of Science in forensic science requires a minimum of 122 credits. Courses include:
- Biology: Molecules and Cells
- Criminalistics: Biology
- Criminalistics: Trace and Impression Evidence
- Forensic Molecular Biology
The Master of Professional Studies in forensic science requires a minimum of 41 credits, which include research projects and professional development.
3. Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private research university in Syracuse, NY. It offers bachelor's and master's programs in forensic science.
Students can earn either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in forensic science. Both include courses such as:
- Forensic Analysis of Biological Evidence
- Forensic Chemical Analysis
- Human Osteology
- Medicolegal Death Investigation
The university also offers a master's in forensic science, but those who want to be autopsy technicians may be more interested in the Master of Science in medicolegal death investigation.
It includes courses like:
- Anatomy & Physiology for Forensic Medicine
- Anthropology of Death
- Forensic Analysis of Biological Evidence
- Principles of Human Toxicology
4. Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service
The Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service is a private college in Atlanta, GA, focused on mortuary science and the funeral service industry.
It offers an Associate of Science degree in funeral service that takes six quarters to complete. It includes courses like:
- Principles of Anatomy
- Principles of Microbiology
- Principles of Organic Chemistry
- Principles of Pathology
The majority of courses in this program are available online, but students will still need to appear on campus at the end of the program for labs.
5. Southern Illinois University
Southern Illinois University is a public research university in Carbondale. It offers a Bachelor of Science in mortuary science and funeral service.
The program takes four years to complete. It includes courses in microbiology and pathology as well as courses covering the funeral industry, embalming, and restorative art. Internships are also required.
Students who already have an associate degree in mortuary science or funeral service can take the bachelor's degree completion program online, which takes two years.
6. Wayne State University
Wayne State University is a public research university in Detroit, MI. It offers a Bachelor of Science in mortuary science.
The program is available in a part-time or full-time format. Courses mainly cover the funeral service industry, embalming, and restorative art, but also cover anatomy, microbiology, and pathology.
An online option is available for this degree, but students will still need to appear on campus for orientation and for two weeks at the end of the program.
How To Choose an Autopsy Technician School or College
There are several things to consider when choosing a school or college to become an autopsy technician.
One of the most significant things to consider is your major. While forensic science and mortuary science aren't the only options, they're both degrees that will help you in your career.
Other things to consider include:
- What level of degree do you want to earn: associate, bachelor's, or master's?
- Where is the school or college located?
- What format is the program in: in-person, online, or hybrid? Full-time or part-time?
- What sort of internship or student experience options are available?
- How much is tuition?
- What financial aid options are available from the school?
- Is the school or college accredited? If so, is it nationally or regionally accredited?
Looking at these questions can help you determine what school is the right option to help you become an autopsy technician.
FAQs About Autopsy Technician Schools and Colleges
Below, you'll find the answers to frequently asked questions about autopsy schools and colleges.
What Level of Degree Do I Need To Become an Autopsy Technician?
Most autopsy technicians need at least an associate degree, although higher degrees can help you get hired, negotiate raises, and receive promotions.
Can I Attend Autopsy Technician School or College Online?
Most programs that lead to a career as an autopsy tech require at least some amount of in-person education for labs and other experiences.
However, there are programs available that will allow you to take the majority of the program online.
Do I Need Certification To Work as an Autopsy Technician?
While a certification to be an autopsy technician isn't required, it can boost your career. One common certification is offered through the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI).
Find Autopsy Technician Schools and Colleges
To become an autopsy technician, you'll want to look for schools and colleges offering degrees in forensic science or mortuary science.
Check out the programs and guide above to find the right program to start your career as an autopsy technician today.
