How Does Someone Become A Medical Examiner?

How to Become a Medical Examiner in Five Steps

Step One: Earning an Undergraduate Degree

Those who wish to become a medical examiner should first enter a bachelor's degree program. Some schools offer degree programs in forensic science, although this is not a requirement to become a medical examiner. However, students should choose undergraduate coursework that will fulfill medical school prerequisites, such as biology, physics and chemistry.

Step Two: Obtaining a Medical Degree

Earning a medical degree is the next step to become a medical examiner. Students need to earn either a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or a Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.). They may choose a major in any medical field, such as pathology, general practice or family practice. Most medical schools do not have programs in forensic pathology, but some do offer courses in the subject.

Step Three: Enrolling in a Residency Program

Medical school graduates must complete their residency in forensic pathology in order to become medical examiners. Residency programs provide paid on-the-job training and typically last 5-7 years. Residency programs often begin with training in anatomic and clinical pathology followed by 1-2 years of specializing in forensic pathology. During this phase of training, students often learn how to perform diagnostic testing and autopsies.

Step Four: Completing an Internship

Toward the end of their residency program, future medical examiners typically intern at a medical examiner's or coroner's office. Under the supervision of a certified forensic pathologist, interns become a member of a forensic team. They may participate in crime scene investigations, prepare courtroom testimony and perform laboratory testing on body fluids and tissue samples.

Step Five: Acquiring Licensure and Certification

Medical examiners must obtain their state medical license before they can become board certified. This step can be done after graduating from medical school or during the course of a residency program. Once they are licensed medical doctors, medical examiners are eligible for the national certification exam. The exam is offered by the American Board of Pathology and consists of questions regarding the practices and procedures used in forensic pathology.