Often, when a person dies, an investigation must be made into the cause of death. A locally elected coroner plays a crucial role in the investigation process.
Interested in learning more about what a coroner does? Maybe you're interested in becoming a coroner and want to know more about the career.
If so, you've come to the right place. Keep reading as we discuss the job duties and steps to become a coroner.
What Does a Coroner Do?
A coroner is a public official elected by the people within a jurisdiction. A coroner's job is to oversee and supervise death examinations within their area of responsibility.
In some locations, coroners must be trained as physicians. Usually, however, they may or may not have formal medical training.
Their primary responsibility is to determine the cause and, in the case of foul play, the perpetrator of suspicious or unexplained deaths.
Some of their many job duties may include:
- Conducting crime scene investigations
- Ordering autopsies and determining the identity of the deceased
- Signing and completing death certificates
- Interviewing witnesses or family members of the deceased
- Providing expert witness in court
Coroners work almost exclusively for government departments and agencies. They may spend time both indoors and outdoors, working in an office or conducting field investigations.
What Skills and Qualities Does a Coroner Need to Have?
Coroners must have a natural sense of curiosity and an investigative attitude. They must also be able to stand the sight of blood, death, and disfigurement.
They must pay excellent attention to detail, as the investigative nature of the job demands exploring even the smallest or most insignificant pieces of evidence.
They should be excellent communicators, as they are in charge of leading a team and talking with witnesses, family members, other investigators, and legal professionals.
They must also have strong writing skills to be able to file reports and death certificates accurately and without errors.
Finally, they must have good critical thinking and analytical skills to be able to interpret evidence with accuracy and efficiency.
Educational Requirements for a Coroner
So, are you interested in becoming a coroner? Follow the steps below.
1. Earn a High School Diploma
Aspiring coroners must have an excellent foundation of education and skills to pursue this career path. This foundation begins in high school.
It's important to work hard and get good grades throughout high school. Consider taking advanced or college-level classes whenever possible.
You may also want to take classes in anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, and critical thinking, as these will teach skills that will specifically benefit you in your career pursuits.
2. Obtain a Bachelor's Degree
The next step on your path to becoming a coroner is to earn a bachelor's degree. You have various degree options you can choose from.
Most aspiring coroners choose a scientific major such as forensic science, biology, or chemistry. Others pursue a health-related major such as health science or pre-med.
Regardless of the degree you choose, you can expect to graduate in about four years if you study full-time.
3. Pursue Graduate Education if Necessary
If you live in a state where you have to become a physician to be elected as a coroner, you'll need to enter medical school and earn a professional license.
Going this route can take several years and may include working residencies and fellowships.
Even if you don't become a physician first, aspiring coroners may benefit from pursuing graduate-level education.
Consider obtaining a master's degree in mortuary science, criminology, forensic science, or a related field.
4. Gain Relevant Experience
Coroners typically aren't elected right out of college. You'll need to gain relevant experience in the field of death care first.
You can start by pursuing job shadowing and internship opportunities while you are still in school. These will allow you to gain real experience and determine whether you want to become a coroner.
You can also pursue entry-level jobs in death care. One good option is to become a forensic autopsy technician. This will help you gain experience looking for physical clues regarding the cause of death.
5. Become Certified
Certifications aren't always required for coroners, but they can help you stand out from the crowd and demonstrate your dedication to the field.
What's more, some municipalities do require coroners to become certified through a professional organization. One such organization is the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators.
This organization offers both registry and board certification. Each type of certification has requirements regarding minimum education and experience to be eligible for certification.
Depending on the certification you pursue, you may need to complete examinations, pay application and renewal fees, and complete continuing education.
Once you have completed the necessary education and certification, you can begin pursuing open positions for coroners in your community.
Your Path to Becoming a Coroner
Coroners play an essential role in identifying deceased individuals and determining the cause of death. If you would like to become a coroner, follow the steps outlined in this article.
