How Do I Become a Coroner?

The exact requirements to become a coroner will depend on where you live. In some places, a coroner is an elected official, which means winning an election is the only initial requirement to become a coroner. In others, a coroner acts as a medical examiner, which means the job candidate must have medical training. Regardless of the exact job duties, most areas require coroners to undergo approved training, meet certification requirements, and attend continuing education courses. Specific details about these requirements depends on your jurisdiction’s laws.

Formal education to become a coroner depends on the requirements your area places on coroners. For example, if your area defines a coroner as one who handles jobs such as issuing death certificates and maintaining death records, you might not need any formal education. Some coroners receive degrees in fields like forensic science, criminal justice, or even biology, but such an education generally is not necessary. Unless you have a degree in some related field, chances are you will not have any hands-on experience with coroner work until you actually become a coroner. Of course, any required training after you win the election will give you the necessary skill set to do your job.

On the other hand, your area might consider coroners to be medical examiners. If your area defines a coroner as one who performs such job duties as autopsies or any other medical examination, as well as determines the exact cause of death, you probably will need professional medical training to become a coroner. Generally, this means you will need the same kind of medical training a doctor receives in medical school. This also means you will enter the job with the hands-on experience necessary to perform such medical examinations. You will also already have the knowledge required for investigating and determining the cause of natural and suspicious deaths.

If you win the election or are otherwise appointed to the position of your jurisdiction’s coroner, you might be required to attend training before you officially become a coroner. For example, in the United States, some coroners have to attend state-sponsored coroner training programs. You might have to pass an exam before you complete the training period and become certified. Some areas might require coroners to participate in continuing education courses every one or two years. Often, coroners must attend workshops, seminars, and other conferences to stay updated on government regulations, administrative practices, and medical procedures.

Keep in mind that not all coroner or medical examiner jobs are forever. When the position is an elected one, you will have to run for office again. Usually, coroners hold their positions for four years, but this might vary by jurisdiction.