How to Become a Medical Examiner Assistant

A medicinal examiner assistant works side by side with a pathologists to determine the medical cause of death. The exact job of a medical examiner assistant depends on the particular office they work for, but most states require the presence of a pathologist while the assistant is working, as well as the presence of the assistant while the pathologist conducts the autopsy. It takes a fairly comprehensive amount of training to become a medical examiner assistant.

Things You'll Need

• M.D.
• Certificate from American Board of Pathology
• State license to practice as MEA
• Recertification when necessary

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Instructions

• 1

  Decide if the job is right for you. To decide this, learn the details of the job and think about how you would feel about doing this as a career. The medical examiner assistant positions varies by employer, but most commonly expected be present and assist at the autopsy, deal with the family and law enforcement, prepare a report on the official cause of death, and cooperate with law enforcement is the death is found to suspicious. Medical examiner assistants are often required to be present at onsite examinations when a body is newly found to collect specimens and transport the body. They should be able to deal with any situation of death and be compassionate in dealing with the family. For this reason, the job is not for everyone.

• 2

  Be aware that a medical examiner assistant must first become a Doctor of Medicine. This must be from an accredited school of medicine or osteopathy and followed by the completion of an internship in an approved hospital. You should have a valid license to practice medicine and surgery in the state you wish to practice as a medical examiner assistant.

• 3

  Obtain a certificate in forensic pathology from the American Board of Pathology. Information about the exam can be found at online (see Resources) and exam prices range from $1,800 to $2,200. These exams are offered twice a year: spring and fall.

• 4

  Know that most states require you to be licensed as a medical examiner assistant in the state you with to work in. This is the easiest of the requirements.

• 5

  Maintain these requirement or be recertified. This may include periodic retaking of tests, attending seminars or simply remaining in practice. You can be recertified by the American Board of Pathology without an exam for $1000 and with an exam for $1,800. You must meet requirements to be approved to not have to take the exam.