What You'll Do

  • Perform medicolegal examinations and autopsies, conducting preliminary examinations of the body to identify victims, locate signs of trauma, and identify factors that would indicate time of death.
  • Inquire into the cause, manner, and circumstances of human deaths and establish the identities of deceased persons.
  • Complete death certificates, including the assignment of cause and manner of death.
  • Observe and record the positions and conditions of bodies and related evidence.
  • Collect and document any pertinent medical history information.
  • Observe, record, and preserve any objects or personal property related to deaths, including objects such as medication containers and suicide notes.
  • Complete reports and forms required to finalize cases.
  • Remove or supervise removal of bodies from death scenes, using the proper equipment and supplies, and arrange for transportation to morgues.
  • Interview persons present at death scenes to obtain information useful in determining the manner of death.
  • Testify at inquests, hearings, and court trials.

Essential Skills

Speaking 4.12/5
Critical Thinking 4.12/5
Reading Comprehension 4.0/5
Active Listening 3.88/5
Coordination 3.75/5
Writing 3.62/5
Social Perceptiveness 3.62/5
Judgment and Decision Making 3.5/5
Active Learning 3.38/5
Complex Problem Solving 3.38/5
Science 3.25/5
Monitoring 3.25/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.

Top passions

  • Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.
  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.

Common styles

Integrity, Attention to Detail, Stress Tolerance, Adaptability/Flexibility, Dependability

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Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Oral Comprehension 4.12/5
Written Comprehension 4.12/5
Oral Expression 4.0/5
Written Expression 4.0/5
Deductive Reasoning 4.0/5
Inductive Reasoning 4.0/5
Problem Sensitivity 3.88/5
Information Ordering 3.88/5

Technologies & Tools

3D graphics software Alcestis Autopsy information databases Bite analysis software Corel WordPerfect Office Suite Customer relationship management CRM software Douglas Associates Forensic Filer Email software EMC Documentum Fingerprint databases Genetic database software Git Google Android Graphics software Ingenuware CoronerBase Linux Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRS

Work Environment & Style

Common Styles for This Career

  • Integrity (High importance: 4.85/5)
  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.75/5)
  • Stress Tolerance (High importance: 4.65/5)
  • Adaptability/Flexibility (High importance: 4.55/5)
  • Dependability (High importance: 4.55/5)

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How to Become One

This career typically requires vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some specialized training or certification may also be required.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

Autopsy Facilities Manager Certified Medical Examiner Coroner Coroner Investigator County Coroner Death Investigator Forensic Medical Examiner Forensic Pathologist MDI (Medicolegal Death Investigator) Medical Examiner Medical Investigator Medical Legal Death Investigator Medicolegal Investigator MLI (Medical Legal Investigator) Mobile Medical Examiner Paramedical Examiner