Becoming a coroner is not a nationally standardized process. A coroner is a public official responsible for investigating certain types of deaths, but the specific requirements and duties for the role change dramatically from one jurisdiction to another. The path to this position depends entirely on local laws and statutes.
Understanding the Role of a Coroner
The U.S. system of death investigation is split, which can create confusion about the role of a coroner. A coroner is a government official, often elected, tasked with determining the cause and manner of death for cases under their jurisdiction. A coroner’s background can vary widely and may include experience in law enforcement or administration, which is distinct from a medical examiner, who is an appointed and licensed physician.
Whether a jurisdiction uses a coroner or a medical examiner depends on state and local laws. In a coroner system, the officeholder may not have a medical background and relies on contracting with forensic pathologists to perform autopsies. In contrast, a medical examiner system integrates medical and legal authority into one office, with a physician-led team performing investigations and autopsies directly.
The primary function of the coroner is to investigate deaths that are questionable, violent, or unexplained. They work with law enforcement and public health officials to piece together the circumstances surrounding a death. This involves overseeing the investigation, deciding if an autopsy is warranted, and ensuring all legal procedures are followed.
Educational Requirements for Coroners
The educational requirements to become a coroner are diverse and dictated by local laws. In some areas, particularly in rural counties, the prerequisites can be minimal. An individual might only need to be a certain age, hold a high school diploma or its equivalent, and be a registered voter in the county.
Many jurisdictions require or prefer candidates to have more advanced formal education. A bachelor’s degree is a beneficial qualification, especially in fields like forensic science, criminal justice, nursing, or biology. These programs provide a foundational understanding of the scientific and procedural aspects of death investigation.
While a medical background is advantageous, a medical degree is not a requirement for a coroner, which distinguishes the role from a medical examiner. Medical examiners must be physicians with specialized training in forensic pathology. For aspiring coroners, a degree in a science-based field provides a strong basis for the on-the-job training that follows.
For those considering this career path early, high school coursework can be beneficial. Classes in anatomy, physiology, biology, and chemistry can prepare a student for college-level programs in forensic science. This early preparation can provide a competitive edge, even where a college degree is not a strict requirement.
Essential Training and Certifications
Beyond formal degrees, practical training and professional certifications are important for demonstrating competence. Much of the necessary skill set is developed through on-the-job training after an individual is elected or appointed. This hands-on education is where a new coroner learns the specific procedures of their local jurisdiction.
A primary credential is certification from the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI). This board offers a national examination to validate the skills and knowledge of death investigators. Achieving Registry Certification requires being at least 18 years old, having a high school diploma, and documenting 640 hours of experience in death investigation.
The ABMDI certification exam is a 240-question test covering key areas of the job. These topics include:
- Communicating with families and agencies
- Investigating death scenes
- Preserving evidence
- Understanding scientific and medical knowledge
- Managing legal responsibilities
Earning this certification signals a commitment to professional standards. Recertification is required every five years to ensure investigators remain current with their knowledge.
Coroners also possess a unique set of personal skills. Attention to detail is necessary for examining scenes and documents. Compassionate communication is needed when interacting with grieving families, and objective language is required when working with law enforcement. Emotional resilience and impartiality are also needed for handling the nature of the work.
Securing the Position Through Election or Appointment
There are two pathways to becoming a coroner: public election or governmental appointment. The method used is determined by state or county law, so the first step for an aspiring coroner is to research the process in their community. This will dictate the strategy needed to secure the position.
In many jurisdictions, the coroner is an elected official. To obtain the role, an individual must meet local requirements to run for public office, such as age, residency, and voter registration. The candidate must then file the necessary paperwork, get their name on the ballot, and run a political campaign. This path requires skills in public speaking and community outreach.
The alternative path is appointment by a government body, such as a county board of commissioners. The position is often advertised, and candidates submit applications and resumes for consideration. The appointing body then interviews qualified applicants and selects an individual based on education and experience. This process places a greater emphasis on professional qualifications over political campaigning.
Core Responsibilities of a Coroner
The duties of a coroner center on investigating deaths that are sudden, suspicious, or unattended. A primary responsibility is to determine the cause and manner of death. The cause refers to the specific injury or disease that led to death, while the manner is classified into five categories:
- Natural
- Accident
- Suicide
- Homicide
- Undetermined
To fulfill this duty, the coroner has the authority to take possession of the deceased’s body and decide if further investigation is needed. This can include ordering an autopsy by a forensic pathologist if the circumstances are unclear. The coroner’s team gathers information from the scene, medical records, and witness interviews to support their findings.
Another responsibility is the formal identification of the deceased. Once identity is confirmed, the coroner’s office is tasked with locating and notifying the next of kin, which requires sensitivity. Following the investigation, the coroner completes and signs the death certificate, a legal document recording the cause and manner of death. The role may also require the coroner to testify in court regarding their findings in criminal or civil cases.