Here’s a quick list of common positions:

Title	Main Responsibilities
Chief Medical Examiner	Performs autopsies, manages staff, budget, certifies deaths, testifies in court and interagency coordination
Deputy Medical Examiner	Conducts autopsies, certifies deaths, testifies in court
Medicolegal Death Investigator	Responds to death scenes, interviews families, gathers case information
Forensic Toxicologist	Analyzes biological samples for drugs and toxins
Forensic Technician	Assists autopsies, performs x-rays, handles samples and documentation
Office Administrator	Manages records and communication logistics

 

 

Q: What inspired people to become forensic pathologists?

A: Many FPs develop a passion for anatomy early in life. Some were inspired by family experiences (e.g., hunting or farming), while others took a death investigation course in college or witnessed an autopsy. Exposure to real-world forensic settings—like a mock crime scene or autopsy viewing—often solidifies the interest.

 

 

Q: What’s the difference between a forensic pathologist, a medical examiner, and a coroner?

A: A forensic pathologist (FP) is a medical doctor with specialized training in autopsy and death investigation.
A medical examiner (ME) is usually a forensic pathologist, but in some states, the title may be used for non-doctor investigators.
A coroner is often an elected official and may not be a physician, depending on the state. In Kansas, coroners must be physicians but not necessarily pathologists.

 

 

Q: How do I become a forensic pathologist?

A: The typical path is:

• High School Diploma
• 4-year Bachelor’s Degree (any major, but must include pre-med courses)
• 4 years of Medical School (MD or DO)
• 3–4 year Residency in Anatomic Pathology (or Anatomic + Clinical Pathology)
• 1-year Forensic Pathology Fellowship
• Board Certification in Pathology and Forensic Pathology
• Ongoing licensing and continuing education

 

 

Q: What does the training process cost and how long does it take?

A: It takes at least 13 years post–high school. Medical school tuition alone can exceed $380,000. Other costs include:

• Board exams ($700–$2,600 each)
• Travel for interviews and exams
• Study materials, licensing fees, etc.
  Trainees typically earn about $55,000/year during residency. Vacation time is limited, and most of it is spent studying or preparing for boards.

 

 

Q: What should I do before committing to this path?

A: Shadow a forensic pathologist. Understand the demands and lifestyle. Many students enter medicine only to realize later that it's not the right fit—yet the debt remains. Be sure you’re passionate and realistic before committing over a decade and six figures of investment.

 

 

Q: What does a forensic pathologist do on a daily basis?

A: Daily responsibilities include:

• Performing autopsies and determining cause/manner of death
• Reviewing medical records and toxicology reports
• Communicating with families, law enforcement, and attorneys
• Writing detailed reports and testifying in court
• Teaching medical students, residents, and fellows
• Attending meetings and maintaining records

 

 

Q: What skills and personality traits are important for success?

A: You need:

• A strong stomach for smells, sights, and bodily trauma
• Excellent communication skills (especially with non-medical audiences)
• Attention to detail
• High emotional intelligence and professionalism
• Curiosity, resilience, and a sense of humor

 

 

Q: What is the job market like for forensic pathologists?

A: Extremely strong. There’s a nationwide shortage of FPs, so jobs are readily available. It’s a secure and in-demand profession.

 

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Q: What salary range can I expect?

A:

• Entry-level forensic pathologists: $130,000–$160,000/year
• Senior roles (e.g., Chief ME or private practice): significantly higher
  Government positions tend to pay less than private-sector jobs, but offer benefits and stability.

 

 

Q: Are there opportunities for advancement or self-employment?

A: Yes. You can advance to roles like:

• Chief Medical Examiner
• Academic faculty
• Private autopsy consultant
  You can also specialize further in areas like pediatric or neuropathology.

 

 

Q: What kinds of volunteer or job experiences help prepare for this career?

A: Valuable experiences include:

• Volunteering in a morgue or hospital
• Research jobs in biology or medicine
• Working as an EMT, CNA, or scribe
• Participating in cadaver labs or anatomy instruction
  These show you're well-rounded and committed to medical training.

 

 

Q: Can undergraduate students work in this field?

A: Not typically in paid roles, but volunteering is possible. Most forensic technician jobs are full-time and not ideal for full-time students.

 

 

Q: What coursework is helpful in college?

A: In addition to pre-med science courses:

• Anatomy
• Microbiology
• Psychology
• Ethics
• Communication or public speaking
• Any subject you enjoy—medical schools prefer well-rounded applicants

 

 

Q: What is the long-term career potential?

A: The field offers unlimited growth. Whether you want to lead an office, start your own business, or teach at a medical school, there are many options to tailor your path.

 

 

Q: Is this career emotionally difficult?

A: It can be. You’ll see traumatic injuries, child deaths, and grieving families. But many FPs find great purpose in helping answer questions for families and serving justice through medical evidence.

 

 

Q: Final advice for students considering this path?

A:

• Keep an open mind in undergrad and medical school
• Take a variety of courses
• Don’t specialize too early
• Be honest with yourself about the time, cost, and demands
• If this is what you love, go for it—it’s a fulfilling, fascinating, and important career

 

 

Q: What is a medicolegal death investigator?

A: A medicolegal death investigator is an individual who investigates any death that falls under the jurisdiction of a coroner or medical examiner which is statutorily driven and includes all suspicious, violent, unexplained and unexpected deaths. A medicolegal death investigator is concerned with determining the cause and manner of death while also confirming the identity. Whereas law enforcement is responsible for securing the scene and determining if a crime has occurred and by whom. Medicolegal death investigation utilizes skills encompassing medicine and law.

 

 

Q: How do I become a medicolegal death investigator?

A: The typical path is:

• High School Diploma
• Preference for a 4-year bachelor’s degree (typical majors include: criminology, forensics, physiology, biology, chemistry, or a related field)
• An internship at a coroner or medical examiner’s office

 

 

Q: What kinds of volunteer or job experiences help prepare for this career?

A: Valuable experiences include:

• Volunteering or interning at a Medical Examiner/Coroner Office
• Work as an EMT/Paramedic
• Work as a Nurse
• Work in Law Enforcement
• Work in a Funeral Home

 

 

Q: What should I do before committing to this path?

A: Shadow, volunteer, or intern at a coroner or medical examiner’s office. Understand the demands and lifestyle. Many students are captivated by the intrigue of the field but are not aware of the demands when it comes to shift work, dealing with grief, and exposure to difficult cases.

 

Most entry-level positions are for nights and weekends, which can become a taxing lifestyle. There are also times in which a shift may go over the expected time, leading to long shifts and overtime.

Investigators are the main sources of communication with grieving families; this can have a psychological and emotional impact on the investigators such as vicarious trauma and burnout. 

Investigators are also charged with responding to scenes, which can have various degrees of burden. They can be exposed to extreme temperatures, hoarding conditions, decapitated buildings, insect infestations, and other adverse conditions.

 

 

Q: What are the routine roles and responsibilities of a medicolegal death investigator?

A: Daily responsibilities include:

• Answering the phones, potentially speaking to families, funeral homes, medical providers, etc.
• Taking reports of death over the phone.
• Responding to scenes to complete an investigation.
• Writing reports and case notes.
• Reviewing medical records.
• Speaking with law enforcement.
• Locating and communicating with next of kin.

 

 

Q: What is the job market like for Medicolegal Death Investigators?

A: Stable but small and competitive. The demand is dependent on the local government budgets and population size.

 

 

Q: What salary range can I expect?

A:

• Entry-level medicolegal death investigators: $52,000-$75,000/year (location dependent)
• Senior roles (e.g., Chief MDI or supervisors): $80,000-$120,000/year (location dependent)

 

 

Q: Are there opportunities for advancement?

A: Yes. You can advance to roles like:

• MDI II
• MDI III
• Shift Lead
• Shift Supervisor
• Deputy Chief Medicolegal Death Investigator
• Chief Medicolegal Death Investigator

 

 

Q: Are there certifications needed to become a Medicolegal Death Investigator?

A: It depends on the jurisdiction and role. In our office, to promote or be hired as an MDI II or MDI III, you are required to have passed the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) Registry Certification. To promote or be hired as a Deputy Chief or Chief MDI you are required to have passed the ABMDI Board Certification.

 

 

Q: What is forensic toxicology?

A: Toxicology is the study of the adverse effects of drugs and chemicals on biological systems. Forensic toxicology involves the application of toxicology in the context of law or medicolegal investigations.

 

Q: What are the main forensic toxicology disciplines?

A: The field of forensic toxicology includes several sub-disciplines, such as:

• Postmortem forensic toxicology
• Human performance toxicology
• Forensic drug testing

At the Medical Examiner’s Office (MEO), postmortem forensic toxicology is used to determine whether prescription, illicit, or other drugs are present and to assist in determining the person’s cause and manner of death.

 

Q: What is postmortem forensic toxicology?

A: Postmortem toxicology focuses on analyzing biological samples collected during an autopsy—such as blood, urine, tissues, and fluids like vitreous humor—to determine the presence and concentration of drugs, alcohol, and other potentially toxic substances. The primary goal is to help establish the role these substances played as a cause or contributing factor in a person's death. This branch of toxicology involves investigating suspected drug overdoses, homicides, suicides, and unexplained deaths where toxins are a potential factor.

 

Q: What inspires people to work in the field of forensic toxicology?

A: Many forensic toxicologists develop a passion for the field due to their interest in chemistry and forensic science. This interest is often solidified through exposure to forensic science TV shows, college courses, or internships.

 

Q: What are the typical positions in a forensic toxicology laboratory?

A:

• Technicians: Perform basic analytical duties but do not evaluate or interpret results. May also verify, adjust, and calibrate instrumentation.
• Analysts: Conduct, direct, or review the analysis of toxicology samples. Evaluate and interpret data, and may sign reports for legal and investigative purposes.
• Toxicologists: Perform and review sample analyses and may be called upon to provide factual information, interpretations, and expert opinions based on toxicology findings for legal and investigative purposes.

 

Q: What are the routine roles and responsibilities of MEO toxicology laboratory staff?

A:

• Forensic Toxicology Technician: Responsible for case accessioning, specimen handling under chain of custody, basic testing preparation and procedures, initial data review, and clerical tasks for laboratory reporting.
• Toxicology Forensic Scientist: Conducts or assists with sample analysis, data evaluation and review, equipment operation, and troubleshooting.
• Chief Toxicologist: Manages laboratory operations, performs testing and data review, issues case reports, consults with medical examiners, oversees the quality management system, and ensures compliance with accreditation standards and policies.

 

 

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Education & Training

 

Q: What are the educational requirements in forensic toxicology?

A:

• Technicians: An Associate’s degree in Natural Science, Applied Science, or Technology is required.
• Analysts & Toxicologists: A Bachelor’s degree in Natural Science (preferred areas include Chemistry, Toxicology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or Biology) or Applied Science (such as Forensic or Medical Sciences) is required. Coursework must include general and organic chemistry with lab components.
  • Toxicologists may require an advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) and/or specialized analytical or interpretive coursework.

 

Q: What coursework is helpful in college?

A: Depending on the position, 16–32 credit hours of chemistry are typically required. Useful courses include forensics, pharmacology, toxicology, instrumental analysis, biostatistics, and ethics.

 

Q: What does the training and certification process entail?

A: All laboratory roles require completion of a formal, structured training program suited to the job.

• Technician: Continuing education is encouraged; certification is not required.
• Analyst: Certification is recommended, generally after at least 1 year of experience. Continuing education is required to maintain certification.
• Toxicologist: Certification typically requires several years of experience and may be necessary for releasing analytical results.

 

Q: Can undergraduate students work in the laboratory?

A: No, but seeking out toxicology internships or shadowing opportunities can offer valuable insight into the profession.

 

 

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Choosing Forensic Toxicology as a Career

 

Q: What should I do before committing to this path?

A: Shadow a forensic toxicologist or visit a toxicology lab. Understand the job’s demands and be sure you’re passionate about chemistry, lab work, and are emotionally prepared for exposure to difficult or distressing cases.

 

Q: What kind of volunteer work or job experiences help prepare you for this career?

A: Relevant experiences include laboratory internships or research (preferably in chemistry or toxicology) and opportunities to improve public speaking and communication skills.

 

Q: What skills and personality traits are important for success?

A: Key qualities include:

• Comfort handling biological specimens
• Attention to detail
• Critical thinking
• Time management
• Strong science foundation
• Emotional resilience and awareness

 

Q: Is this career emotionally difficult?

A: It can be, but laboratory staff are generally more insulated from direct case exposure compared to investigative or autopsy staff. Many scientists find purpose in helping families by answering questions through forensic toxicology.

 

Q: What are the opportunities for advancement and long-term career potential?

A: Career growth depends on your starting position. Entry-level staff can often move into more advanced roles with experience and additional education or certification. Advancement from technician to analyst to toxicologist is possible with proper credentials.

 

Q: What salary range can I expect?

A: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides data on median pay for forensic science technicians (entry-level). Higher salaries are typically offered for advanced positions, greater experience, advanced degrees, and long tenure. Pay also varies by employment sector (e.g., public vs. private labs).

 

 

Q: What is a Forensic Autopsy Technician?

A: A forensic autopsy technician assists the forensic pathologist during autopsies, in examining bodies to determine the cause and manner of death. They perform a variety of tasks, including evisceration, collecting evidence and toxicological specimens, and maintaining the autopsy suite.

 

 

Q: What does it take to become a forensic autopsy technician?

A: The typical path is:

• High School Diploma
• Preference for a 4-year bachelor’s degree (typical majors include: biology, physiology, chemistry, or a related field)
• An internship at a coroner or medical examiner’s office
• A strong knowledge of anatomical and skeletal anatomy

 

 

Q: What are the daily responsibilities of a Forensic Autopsy Technician?

A: A typical day includes tasks such as:

• Radiological imaging of the decedents, including full body and dental X-rays, as well as Computed Tomography (CT scan).
• Evidence collection and documentation: photography, diagrams, toxicology and DNA specimen collection, fingerprinting and data entry.
• Postmortem examination: evisceration/dissection of bodies, weighing organs, closing bodies after examination, cleansing bodies to prepare for funeral home/transport.
• Forensic Autopsy Technicians assist in the education of the rotating medical students, instructing them how to draw toxicology specimens as well as evisceration techniques.
• Forensic Autopsy Technicians are also responsible for ordering all requested testing, including toxicological testing, microbiology testing: viral and bacterial, including anything from swabs to tissue samples, and histology.

 

 

Q: What is the job market like for Forensic Autopsy Technicians?

A: The job market for forensic autopsy technicians is strong, with technicians being in high demand.

 

 

Q: What is the salary range for a Forensic Autopsy Technician?

A: The salary range for a forensic autopsy technician varies, with national averages reported between approximately $42,000 and $52,000 annually, and a wider range from about $35,000 to $73,000.