How to Become a Forensic Morgue Technician: Education & Responsibilities
Explore the educational requirements, duties and responsibilities of forensic morgue technicians to determine if this is a good career choice for you.
Career Overview
Forensic morgue technicians, also known as morgue assistants, help with autopsies and perform other duties around a morgue under the supervision of a medical examiner. Evidence gathering, laboratory work and post-mortem work are also required.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Education</b></td><td>High school diploma</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Duties</b></td><td>Assist with autopsies, gather evidence, keep detailed records</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Growth (2020-2030)</b></td><td>16% (forensic science technicians)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2021)</b></td><td>$39,911 (morgue attendants)**</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, **Salary.com</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatKindOfEducationOrCertificationDoForensicMorgueTechniciansNeed">What Kind of Education or Certification Do Forensic Morgue Technicians Need?</h3><p>A high school diploma will be required to work as a forensic morgue technician. Some states and localities may also require a two-year college degree.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatKindOfExperienceIsNeeded">What Kind of Experience Is Needed?</h3><p>This is often an entry-level position with some employers also expecting one or more years of experience in some related health or medical field. Because technicians often take and keep photographic records, a basic knowledge of photography may be helpful. Filing, recording keep and general computer skills are also necessary.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatDoForensicMorgueTechniciansDo">What Do Forensic Morgue Technicians Do?</h3><p>Forensic morgue technicians work in a morgue or laboratory preparing deceased bodies for burial, gathering and preparing evidence, assisting with autopsies and performing other laboratory maintenance duties, such as cleaning and organizing. General administrative skills, such as taking and keeping photographic records of the deceased, detailed record-keeping, etc., are also part of the job.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatIsTheJobOutlook">What Is the Job Outlook?</h3><p>The BLS projects that growth for forensic science technicians, a closely related occupation, will grow about 16% between 2020 and 2030. Forensic morgue technicians are likely to be similar as the two often work closely together.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreSomeRelatedAlternativeCareers">What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?</h3><p>Some positions related to forensic morgue technician include forensic science technician, forensic autopsy technician and medical examiner. These positions all contribute to the solving of crimes. Becoming a forensic science or autopsy technician typically involves earning a bachelor's degree, while becoming a medical examiner entails earning a medical degree and licensure as a physician.</p>