Autopsy Technician Programs & Training

Autopsy technicians work under the supervision of medical examiners or coroners and assist with autopsies.

To work as an autopsy technician, you'll need at least a bachelor's degree. You may also want to consider a master's degree and/or certification.

Keep reading to learn more about becoming an autopsy technician and discover top programs for autopsy technicians.

What Is an Autopsy Technician?

Autopsy technicians, sometimes referred to as pathology assistants, assist medical examiners and coroners with autopsies.

When someone dies in a violent, unexpected, or mysterious way, their body may be subject to an autopsy.

An autopsy is a thorough examination of the inside and outside of the body to determine cause of death and try to find clues as to what happened before death.

In some cases, the cause of death may be obvious, but an autopsy is conducted to obtain criminal evidence and find out more about what led to the death.

For example, if someone has died after being shot, an autopsy can help determine the type of weapon used, how close the shooter was standing, and the angle the bullet entered the body.

Autopsies are usually conducted by medical examiners, licensed pathologists who have medical degrees. Sometimes they are done by coroners, who are usually elected or appointed and don't always have medical experience.

Autopsy technicians work under the supervision of a pathologist and assist with autopsies as well as do things like take samples and perform administrative tasks.

It's important to note that while the terms autopsy technician and pathology assistant are often used interchangeably, not all pathology assistants assist with autopsies.

Pathology assistants can also work in pathology clinics and labs, especially in the field of surgical pathology.

How To Become an Autopsy Technician

Autopsy technicians need, at a minimum, a bachelor's degree. Those who want the title of pathology assistant will also need to complete a master's program and earn certification.

There is no specific major required for autopsy technicians, but most choose to major in either forensic science or mortuary science.

Forensic science is the application of science to the field of criminal justice. Forensic scientists find and analyze evidence to solve crimes.

Mortuary science is typically for those who want to go into the funeral industry. It teaches students how to handle and preserve bodies and make them presentable for funeral activities.

Those who want to become pathology assistants will need to complete a graduate program for pathology assistants accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

Upon completing that program, pathology assistants can sit for the pathologists' assistant certification exam from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

Another certification available to autopsy technicians is the medicolegal death investigation certificate from the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI).

Autopsy technicians typically major in forensic science or mortuary science. Those who want to become pathology assistants will need to complete a graduate pathology assistant program.

Top Forensic Science Programs

Forensic science is a field that uses science to determine what happened at the scene of a crime.

The American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS) runs the Forensic Science Educational Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC).

It currently accredits about 50 colleges and universities in the United States. We've got information on a few of our top picks below.

Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Chicago is a private research university in Chicago, IL. It offers a Bachelor of Science in forensic science.

This program prepares students for a variety of forensic science and related careers. It includes core forensic science courses as well as electives in anatomy and biology.

Students will complete lecture and lab courses and have the opportunity to participate in an anthropology or forensic science internship.

Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University, also known as Penn State, is a public research university with campuses throughout Pennsylvania.

This program provides students with a strong foundation in the biological, physical, and mathematical sciences.

Students are required to complete at least 122 credits. Concentrations in forensic molecular biology and forensic chemistry are available, as is a master's in forensic science.

Top Mortuary Science Programs

Mortuary science programs, also called funeral service programs, train students to prepare bodies for burial and cremation. Students also learn the ins and outs of the funeral service industry.

The American Board of Funeral Service Education accredits mortuary science and funeral service programs. We've listed a few top bachelor's programs in mortuary science below.

Southern Illinois University

Southern Illinois University is a public research university in Carbondale, IL. It offers a Bachelor of Science in mortuary science.

Students in this program learn anatomy, pathology, and microbiology along with concepts of art and cosmetology. They also learn how to manage and operate funeral homes.

The degree requires 120 credits. A traditional on-campus degree is available since it is a bachelor's completion degree for those who already hold an associate degree.

Wayne State University

Wayne State University is a public research university in Detroit, MI. It offers a Bachelor of Science in mortuary science.

This program has been dedicated to educating and developing funeral service professionals who serve their communities with care and distinction since 1939.

The program is available both online and in person and in full-time and part-time formats.

Top Pathology Assistant Programs

Pathology assistant programs are graduate-level programs that train students to provide surgical pathology and autopsy pathology services under the supervision of a pathologist.

The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences currently accredits around 15 programs. We've listed our top picks below.

Duke University

Duke University is a private research university in Durham, NC. It offers a Master of Health Science degree for pathology assistants.

This program certifies graduates to sit for the ASCP Board of Certification examination, and leads to exciting career opportunities in a variety of anatomic pathology laboratory settings.

The degree requires six semesters to complete and also requires students to give a comprehensive oral seminar presentation to the pathology department faculty and staff.

University of Maryland

The University of Maryland is a public research university in College Park, MD. It offers a pathology assistant Master of Science program.

Students learn to function as assistants to anatomic pathologists by participating in the examination, dissection and processing of tissues and by participating in gross autopsy dissection.

The program requires 38 credits and includes clinical rotations at the university's medical center, Johns Hopkins Hospital, and the medical examiner's office.

Become an Autopsy Technician

Autopsy technicians assist medical examiners or coroners as they perform autopsies. To become an autopsy technician, you'll need at least a bachelor's degree.

With the information about, you can start your career journey toward becoming an autopsy technician today.