How to become A Coroner

• Chief Coroner
• Chief Medical Examiner
• County Coroner

What do Coroners do?

A Coroner would typically need to:

• Hold an inquest into potentially suspicious deaths; gather evidence, witness statements, and information about the death
• Visit crime scenes; make arrangements for the body to be transported to the morgue, using appropriate equipment
• Conduct autopsies and medico-legal examinations; examine the body post-mortem for signs of trauma or supervise medical examiners undertaking such duties
• Determine the cause, manner and time of death of a deceased individual; establish their identity
• Certify deaths; complete reports and issue death certificates, including the cause and manner of death; record any personal objects or items tied to the case
• Confer with law enforcement officials, doctors, public health officials and other professionals involved in the case
• Keep the immediate family of the deceased individual updated on any developments
• Present the collected evidence in a legal court; testify at inquests, hearings, and court trials, if necessary
• Inform the registrar about the death and the results of the inquest; create reports and make recommendations on how to prevent similar deaths

Coroners typically work in hospitals, crime scenes, accident scenes, legal courts, and morgues. They also work in private offices, where they review documents and reports to gather evidence.

Coroners generally work regular office hours from Monday to Friday, but they may need to be available to take up referrals at a moment's notice.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Coroners can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, using job search platforms, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Coroners are generally employed by: 

• Local Council
• Legal Authorities

Professional associations and organisations, such as The International Association of Coroners & Medical Examiners (IACME), are crucial for Coroners interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Encountering mentally disturbing and gruesome crime scenes where corpses may be found frozen, burned, rotting or in Rigour Mortis
• Possibly coming into contact with biohazards
• Having to deal with suicides, poisoning, car crashes, gun wounds, sporting accidents, heart attacks, strokes and other mysterious deaths of infants, children, adults and the elderly
• Notifying the family of deceased individuals can be emotionally challenging; testifying in court is also emotionally tricky and time-consuming
• Having to work irregular hours to get to crime scenes

Prospective Coroners who need an MD to practice as medical examiners must also complete a two- to four-year residency in anatomic pathology. You can gain practical experience by participating in investigations and autopsies. 

In some locations, you may need at least five years of post-qualification experience working as a physician or solicitor to become a Coroner.

Read about the profession and interview/job shadow experts working as Coroners to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers. 

Most aspiring Coroners must begin with either a bachelor’s degree in forensic science, pathology, or pre-med degree. Ideally, such programs include biology, inorganic and organic chemistry, forensics, mathematics, physics, law, and humanities. 

Alternatively, prospective Coroners complete specialized coroner training programs. In certain places, Coroners are considered medical examiners and need a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree.

Medical school typically takes four years to complete; two years of classroom work followed by two years in a hospital or clinical setting with exposure to real-life medical issues.

Taking courses such as biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, computer applications, foreign languages, and first aid at the high school level should prove highly beneficial.

Certification demonstrates a Coroner’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination.

Certification from an objective and reputed organisation in anatomic, clinical or forensic pathology or a combination thereof can help you stand out in a competitive job market and increase your chances of advancement.

Some employers may make a medical license an essential prerequisite. Typically, licensure requires an application, processing fees, an examination, relevant education and experience. Check in with prospective employers to find whether you will need licensure.

Employees with consistently high levels of performance and experience may be eligible for promotion as Senior Coroner. Eventually, you could aim to become the Chief Coroner. Some professionals also choose to become Course Directors in judicial colleges.

Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in forensic science, pathology, or pre-med have the best job prospects.

Coroners are frequently required to participate in on-the-job training programs after they get hired.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Coroner build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.

Tools of the Trade

Coroners often make use of autopsy-related instruments such as dissection forceps, hanging scales, knives, blades, saws, and scissors. 

Hi-Tech Gadgets

They may use database user interface and query software, graphics or photo imaging software, office suite software, operating system software, and spreadsheet software to manage various aspects of their job.

Centuries ago, the term ‘Coroner’ referred to the ‘Crowner’ who ensured that after the death of a person, the requisite taxes were paid to the King (Crown). 

Coroners are the indubitably brave heroes who question death daily to help people and save future potential victims from reaching the same end. They stand between a civilised society and complete anarchy.

You need to focus on finding the necessary evidence to convict a criminal. It can give you the strength to deal with the deceased regularly.