Also called: Death Investigator, Coroner Investigator
Goes to death scenes for the medical examiner to gather information and examine the body.
Death investigators respond to homes, hospitals, and crime scenes, photograph the body, talk to family and police, and decide which deaths need an autopsy. They also deliver hard news to families. Compassion and a strong stomach are both needed.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in science or nursing; ABMDI certification.
Ways in: 4-year college, Certification. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Forensic Science, Biology, Nursing, Criminal Justice.
Growing much faster than average (about 13% over 10 years). BLS forensic science technicians 2024-34 (13%, much faster than average).
Low risk for 10 years. Records tools help; scene work, examining bodies and talking with families stay human.
Classes: Anatomy & physiology, Biology, Psychology, Chemistry.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-4092.
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