Autopsy technicians are an important part of the medical industry, and they’re in high demand. If you’re interested in following this career path you must know how to become an autopsy technician in 2022.
This article will explore what an autopsy technician is actually responsible for and provide a snapshot of the job market as of 2022.
It will also outline the required education and training that you will need to qualify for this career path.
Read on for tips on what you need to do to achieve your goals.
How To Become An Autopsy Technician In 2022
If you’re interested in working as an autopsy technician, there are a few things you need to know.
First, you need to have a degree in anatomy or another medical field related to death and decomposition.
Next, you’ll need certification from the American Board of Pathology Scientific Examiners (ABPES).
Finally, you must pass the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) Certification Exam.
After completing these requirements, you can start looking for jobs. The best way to find work as an autopsy technician is through job postings on websites like Indeed and Craigslist.
You can also contact hospitals directly to inquire about hiring positions.
Once you have a job offer, make sure to submit all required paperwork including your certification and NAME exam scorecard.
Who Is An Autopsy Technician?
An autopsy technician is a medical professional who performs autopsies on deceased individuals.
An autopsy is a medical procedure that is used to determine the cause of death and to collect and study tissue samples for evidence of disease.
Autopsy technicians typically work in hospitals, morgues, or forensic laboratories. They may also work in private practices or as part of a police department’s homicide unit.
Autopsy technicians play an important role in investigating deaths. They help to identify the cause of death and identify any abnormalities that may have occurred during the person’s life. By collecting and studying tissue samples, autopsy technicians can help to identify diseases and trace their origins back to their source.
This information is essential in helping to prevent future health problems among the population.
The Different Types Of Autopsy Technicians
There are different types of autopsy technicians, and each one specializes in a different task.
The most common types of autopsy technicians are: medical examiner, forensic pathologist, mortician, and toxicologist.
1. Medical Examiner: A medical examiner is the chief forensic pathologist for a county or state. They collect and analyze evidence to determine the cause of death.
2. Forensic Pathologist: A forensic pathologist is a doctor who specializes in the pathology of crime. They examine body tissues to identify injuries and diseases that may have caused death.
3. Mortician: A mortician is responsible for preparing bodies for burial. They perform an examination to determine the cause of death and make sure all necessary procedures were followed.
4. Toxicologist: A toxicologist is responsible for investigating deaths due to poisoning. They test blood samples and other substances to determine if they were involved in the person’s death.
Read More:
The Career Path Of An Autopsy Technician
If you enjoy working with dead bodies, you may want to consider a career as an autopsy technician.
First, learn about the requirements for this field. Most states require an undergraduate degree in science, medical technology or pathology, but some counties require an additional certification or experience.
After completing their undergraduate studies, most autopsy technicians complete an internship and then a residency program. After they complete their residency program, they are certified to do autopsies.
Then, find a job that matches your qualifications. Many hospitals and morgues offer training programs that will help you get started in this field.Once you have a job, prepare yourself for the grisly work ahead.
Autopsy technicians must be able to handle blood and body fluid exposures without getting sick. They also need to be able to concentrate for long periods of time, because autopsies can take hours or even days to complete.
Duties Of Autopsy Technician
.jpg "How To Become An Autopsy Technician In 2022")
The duties of an autopsy technician vary depending on the position held, but generally include gathering and recording evidence, performing autopsies, and preparing death certificates.
Autopsy technicians may also be responsible for other medical procedures, such as performing tissue exams or conducting toxicology tests.
An autopsy technician typically begins by gathering evidence at the scene of a death. This might include collecting any potential witnesses’ statements, documenting injuries on the body, photographing the scene, and collecting any medical records or medications that may have been taken by the victim.
Once evidence has been collected, the autopsy technician will perform an examination of the body. This may include looking for signs of injury or disease, measuring vital statistics (such as height and weight), and taking photographs or video clips of the body.
After the examination is complete, the autopsy technician will prepare death certificates based on findings from the autopsy.
These certificates may include a report of cause of death, a description of injuries or diseases found on the body, and a list of any medications or drugs taken by the victim before their death.
In addition to performing autopsies and preparing death certificates, an autopsy technician may also be responsible for other medical procedures, such as conducting tissue exams or conducting toxicology tests.
This variety ensures that autopsy technicians are prepared to handle any type of death investigation.
What Are The Requirements To Become An Autopsy Technician?
Requirements to become an autopsy technician vary by state, but generally a candidate must have a high school diploma or equivalent and pass a certification exam.
Many states also require the candidate to have experience performing autopsies and undergoing training in forensic pathology.
Certification may be obtained through the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAMEC) or the American Board of Pathology (ABP).
What Are The Physical Requirements For An Autopsy Technician?
An autopsy technician is responsible for performing autopsies on dead bodies. To be a successful autopsy technician, you will need to meet the following physical requirements:-
- Good vision: Autopsies are often conducted in dark, dirty environments and you will need good eyesight to see clearly.
- Dexterity: You will need strong hands and fingers to handle delicate instruments during autopsies.
- Good manual dexterity: You will need to be able to handle small objects easily and quickly.
- A strong stomach: Autopsies can be very gruesome and stomach-turning, which means you will need a strong stomach to carry out the procedure.
- Be physically fit: They should have a strong back and shoulders, as they will be lifting and moving bodies throughout the process.
The Jobs That An Autopsy Technician Can Expect To Work
Autopsy technicians work in a variety of settings, from small hospitals to larger medical centers.
They may work in morgues, performing autopsies on deceased patients or animals, or working with forensic scientists in crime labs.
Autopsy technicians typically need a college degree in medical science or a related field and certification from the American Board of Pathology.
The Salary Earned As An Autopsy Technician In 2022
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for autopsy technicians was $44,770 in May 2017.
This means that there is a wide range of salaries available to autopsy technicians and the pay can vary based on experience, education, and region.
The starting salary for entry-level autopsy technicians is usually around $27,000 per year.
As you gain experience and progress through your career, your salary could increase significantly.
Some examples of potential salaries for an experienced autopsy technician include:
- $65,680 for level 1 workers
- $93,480 for level 2 workers
- $130,240 for level 3 workers
Conclusion
As the world becomes ever-more litigious and people are increasingly inquisitive about their loved ones, it is important that there are professionals who can help us investigate death.
Now you’re informed on how to become an autopsy technician in 2022, there is no doubt that the job market for autopsy technicians will continue to grow, so don’t wait to get started on your path to a career as a forensic expert today.
