How to Become a Medical Examiner
Wondering how to become a medical examiner?
Many television shows glamorize the job of a medical examiner. While it is a rewarding career and is a vital part of a police investigation, it requires a lot of hours devoted to education and licensing. Below are the steps on how to become a medical examiner.
American Intercontinental University – Online Forensics Degrees
American Intercontinental University is regionally accredited, the highest level of accreditation possible.
American InterContinental University is offering a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Forensic Science for those students interested in career opportunities like Crime Scene Analyst, Non-Sworn Forensic Personnel and many others.
Online Forensic Degrees (and related Criminal Justice degrees):
- Associate’s in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor’s in Forensic Science
- Bachelor’s in Computer Forensics
- Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice – Law Enforcement
These programs offer an opportunity to study career-focused course material that includes clear explanations of the techniques, abilities and limitations within the field of forensic science and its applications to criminal investigations; forensic science techniques of criminal investigations, how to process a crime scene and notify the next of kin; and appropriate techniques to safeguard evidence and interact with investigative authorities.
Read more or get a program guide from American Intercontinental University.
Kaplan University – Crime Scene Investigation and Forensics Degrees Online
Kaplan University is regionally accredited, the highest level of accreditation possible.
Accelerated Classes: Kaplan University offers accelerated 10-week online classes. With 10-week classes, you gain the benefit of speed and shave 6-weeks off of a traditional 16-week semester. Not too shabby.
Study techniques for locating, collecting, and analyzing crime scene evidence used in courts of law. Identify boundaries of a crime scene and review the principles of searching the crime scene for specific types of evidence, identifiable forensic material, and other items of evidentiary value. As a graduate, you may qualify to pursue a crime investigation position in a law enforcement organization.
Online CSI, Forensics, and Criminal Justice Degrees:
- Bachelor’s in Crime Scene Investigation
- Bachelor’s in Forensic Psychology
- Associate’s in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor’s in Computer Crime
- Bachelor’s in Homeland Security
- Bachelor’s in Juvenile Justice
- Bachelor’s in Law Enforcement
- Master’s in Criminal Justice
Read more or get a program guide from Kaplan University.
What is a medical examiner?
A medical examiner is a fully trained medical doctor with a specialty in forensic pathology. They examine bodies, tissue samples, organs, and bodily fluids to determine a cause of death. They typically work for city, state, and local municipalities or can even work for national law enforcement agencies and military.
The road to becoming a medical examiner is a long one. Education is vital and starts with a bachelor’s degree in one of the sciences like physics, biology, or chemistry. From there, students must earn their medical degree. This typically takes another four years of study followed by two years of residency. Students must also perform a residency in forensic pathology. This can take anywhere from three to eight years.
Upon completion of all education, you must become a licensed pathologist. This is a requirement for most medical examiner positions. The exam is administered by the American Board of Pathology.
The final step is to get appointed by a state. Posts vary in length by state, so it is best to contact your current state for the most up to date information. While the road is long, a career as a medical examiner can be very rewarding.