How to Become a Coroner: Is it the Right Career for You?

Coroner Career Video

Becoming a Coroner might be fulfilling and challenging if you’re considering a forensic science or public health career. This article explores what Coroners do, their work environments, career prospects, and how you can pursue this rewarding role.

What Does a Coroner Do?

A Coroner is a public official responsible for investigating deaths that occur under unusual, suspicious, or unexplained circumstances. They are vital in ensuring accountability, uncovering truths about fatalities, and maintaining public safety. Coroners work closely with law enforcement, medical professionals, and legal entities to fulfill their duties.

Key Responsibilities of a Coroner

  1. Determining Cause and Manner of Death
    • Conducting or supervising autopsies to identify the cause (e.g., disease, injury) and manner (e.g., natural, accidental, homicide, suicide) of death.
  2. Investigating Death Scenes
    • Visiting death scenes to gather evidence and document details that may clarify circumstances surrounding the death.
    • Collaborating with police and crime scene investigators.
  3. Certifying Deaths
    • Issuing official death certificates, which include the time, cause, and manner of death.
  4. Coordinating Forensic Analysis
    • Partnering with forensic pathologists, toxicologists, anthropologists, and other experts to analyze evidence like tissue samples, toxicology reports, or skeletal remains.
  5. Liaising with Families
    • Communicating findings to bereaved families and offering explanations regarding the investigation’s outcomes.
  6. Providing Legal Testimony
    • Acting as an expert witness in court cases involving suspicious or criminal deaths.
  7. Public Health and Safety
    • Monitoring trends or patterns in deaths (e.g., drug overdoses, workplace accidents) and recommending measures to prevent similar fatalities.
    • Collaborating with public health agencies to address broader concerns like epidemics or unsafe practices.
  8. Administrative Duties
    • Maintaining detailed records of investigations and ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.
    • Overseeing staff, budgets, and resources in their office.

Skills and Qualifications

Successful coroners often possess medical knowledge, investigative skills, and empathy. Depending on the jurisdiction, a coroner may need a medical degree, criminal justice background, or forensic science certification. Key traits include:

  • Strong analytical and observational skills.
  • Emotional resilience and professionalism in sensitive situations.
  • Effective communication skills for working with diverse stakeholders.
  • Attention to detail to ensure accurate documentation and reporting.

Coroner vs. Medical Examiner

While often used interchangeably, the roles of a coroner and medical examiner differ.

  • Depending on jurisdiction, a coroner may be an elected official and does not always require medical training.
  • A medical examiner is typically a licensed forensic pathologist with extensive medical education.

Impact of a Coroner’s Work

Coroners bridge the gap between the medical field and the legal system. Their findings bring closure to families and help prevent future deaths through policy changes and safety initiatives. This career is ideal for individuals with a strong sense of ethics, attention to detail, and a commitment to justice and public health.

What is the Working Environment Like for a Coroner?

Varied Settings

Coroners often work in a variety of settings, including:

  • Morgues
  • Offices
  • Crime scenes
  • Courtrooms

Work Hours

This is not a standard 9-to-5 job. Coroners may be on-call 24/7, responding to deaths at any time of the day or night.

Stress and Emotional Challenges

The nature of the work can be emotionally taxing. Investigating deaths, particularly those involving violence or young individuals, requires emotional resilience and a strong support system.

Collaborative Work

Coroners frequently interact with law enforcement officers, medical examiners, families of the deceased, and public health officials, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills.

How Do You Become a Coroner?

Education and Training

  1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
    A degree in forensic science, biology, criminal justice, or a related field is often required.
  2. Gain Relevant Experience
    Experience in law enforcement, medical fields, or forensic science is highly beneficial.
  3. Consider Advanced Education
    Some jurisdictions require Coroners to hold a medical degree, particularly if they perform autopsies.
  4. Pursue Certification
    Certifications like the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) can enhance credibility and expertise.
  5. Meet Legal Requirements
    Requirements vary by jurisdiction, so ensure you understand the local criteria for becoming a Coroner, including elections or appointments.

What is the Salary of a Coroner?

The salary of a Coroner can vary significantly based on location, education, and experience.

  • Median Salary: According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a Coroner in the United States is approximately $50,000 to $75,000 annually.
  • Top Earners: Coroners can earn upwards of $100,000 annually with advanced qualifications or in larger metropolitan areas.

What is the Labor Market for Coroners?

The demand for Coroners is closely tied to public health needs and crime rates.

  • Job Outlook: According to O*NET Online, careers in forensic science and related fields are expected to grow steadily, driven by advancements in forensic technology and public safety initiatives.
  • Employment Opportunities: Opportunities are often available at the county or state levels, but due to jurisdictional differences, they may require relocation.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Being a Coroner?

Pros

  • Meaningful Work: Providing closure to families and contributing to justice and public safety.
  • Diverse Responsibilities: The role involves investigative, scientific, and administrative tasks.
  • Stable Job Market: Coroners are consistently in demand in most regions.

Cons

  • Emotional Strain: Exposure to traumatic cases can take a toll on mental health.
  • Irregular Hours: Being on-call can disrupt personal life.
  • Administrative Challenges: In addition to investigations, Coroners often handle extensive paperwork.

What Are Related Jobs for a Coroner?

Forensic Science Technician

Assists in crime scene investigations by collecting and analyzing physical evidence.

Medical Examiner

Performs autopsies and determines the cause of death, typically requiring a medical degree.

Toxicologist

Studies the effects of chemicals and toxins in biological systems, aiding in cause-of-death determinations.

Criminal Investigator

Conducts in-depth investigations into criminal activities, often collaborating with Coroners.

Public Health Specialist

Analyzes health data to identify patterns and prevent public health crises.

What Types of Jobs Can Coroners Pursue?

Coroners may advance to roles in public health administration, forensic pathology, or higher positions within law enforcement agencies. With additional education or certifications, they might also transition to academia or policy-making roles.

How Do I Know If I Should Be a Coroner?

Becoming a coroner is a significant decision, as the role requires a unique mix of skills, resilience, and dedication. Here’s how to determine if this career is right for you:

Use Career Assessment Tools

Career assessments like the Career Fit Test™ are excellent starting points. These tools help you identify how your skills, interests, and values align with the responsibilities of a coroner. For example, they might reveal your strengths in forensic science, problem-solving, or decision-making under pressure—qualities critical to the role.

Ask Yourself These Questions

Evaluate your readiness by reflecting on these aspects:

  1. Medical and Forensic Processes:
    • Are you intrigued by the science behind determining causes of death?
    • Do you enjoy learning about biology, chemistry, or criminal justice?
  2. Analytical and Investigative Skills:
    • Do you excel at gathering and analyzing evidence to solve complex problems?
    • Can you interpret and synthesize data from multiple sources?
  3. Emotional Resilience:
    • Are you comfortable handling sensitive situations involving death or grief?
    • Can you maintain composure and professionalism under emotional or high-stress circumstances?
  4. Communication Skills:
    • Are you adept at explaining complex findings to families, legal teams, and law enforcement?
  5. Public Service Motivation:
    • Do you feel called to a career that combines public safety, justice, and health?

Gain Real-World Exposure

Practical experience can provide clarity and confidence:

  1. Volunteer or Intern at a Medical Examiner’s Office:
    • Many jurisdictions allow students or aspiring professionals to assist with administrative tasks or observe forensic work.
  2. Shadow a Professional Coroner:
    • Reach out to local coroners or medical examiners to observe their daily responsibilities.
    • Ask questions about the realities of their job, the challenges they face, and what they find rewarding.
  3. Pursue Related Roles First:
    • Jobs in criminal justice, forensic science, or healthcare fields can help you build relevant skills and confirm your interest in this path.

Consider the Educational Path

While some coroners are elected officials with minimal formal training, many require specialized knowledge in forensic science, law, or medicine. Research your area’s educational and certification requirements to understand the steps involved.

Talk to Professionals

Networking or conducting informational interviews with coroners or forensic experts can provide invaluable insights. They can share personal stories, challenges, and advice on whether this career aligns with your aspirations.

Becoming a coroner means embracing a career combining science, investigation, and public service. By taking proactive steps to assess your fit, you can confidently decide if this path aligns with your goals and values.

How Can I Learn More About a Career as a Coroner?

Explore these resources to deepen your understanding:

Conclusion

Becoming a Coroner is a challenging yet rewarding career that combines forensic science, public health, and investigative work. This role may be the perfect fit if you have a passion for justice and an analytical mindset. To determine if this career aligns with your interests and skills, consider taking a career aptitude test like the Free Career Fit Test™. This valuable tool can help you uncover your strengths and make confident career decisions.