Get INSTRUCTIONS TO MEDICAL EXAMINER

The individual must have a high school diploma to work in any autopsy positions. They should also have a solid background in chemistry, anatomy and biology. Must autopsy technicians have at least a bachelor's degree in forensic science, biology or mortuary science, which takes four years to complete.

Myth No. 1: Medical examiners and coroners are basically interchangeable job titles. “There is some overlap in responsibilities — especially in issuing death certificates — but medical examiners and coroners are part of completely different systems,” Graham says.

Coroners are elected lay people who often do not have professional training, whereas medical examiners are appointed and have board-certification in a medical specialty.

A Medical Examiner is a forensic pathologist (a medical doctor with subspeciality training) with particular expertise in investigating violent, sudden and unexpected, suspicious or unattended deaths. A Coroner is an elected or appointed public officer whose chief duty is to certify the cause of death.

Who does the autopsy? Autopsies ordered by the state can be done by a county coroner, who is not necessarily a doctor. A medical examiner who does an autopsy is a doctor, usually a pathologist. Clinical autopsies are always done by a pathologist.

First and foremost is the task of establishing the cause and manner of the death. For instance, the person may have died of asphyxia and this would be the cause of death .

Protective garments: Surgical scrub suit, surgical cap, impervious gown with full sleeve coverage, eye and face protection (for example, face shield), shoe covers, and double surgical gloves with an interposed layer of cut-proof synthetic mesh gloves should be used.

Coroners are independent judicial officers who investigate deaths reported to them. They will make whatever inquiries are necessary to find out the cause of death, this includes ordering a post-mortem examination, obtaining witness statements and medical records, or holding an inquest.