Post-secondary education, related work experience, a psychological profile, and successful completion of the job interview process are the four requirements for becoming a coroner investigator. Coroner investigators are in charge of collecting bodies from hospitals, long-term care facilities, police, and members of the general public. The investigator’s job entails obtaining legal custody of the remains, arranging for transportation to the morgue, and locating and identifying the next of kin.
This type of job appeals to people who have been trained to work on the front lines of health care, are not afraid of heights, and enjoy working independently. It’s important to note that a coroner investigator isn’t in charge of autopsies or body preparation for burial. Long hours and the physical strength to move bodies with assistance are required for this job.
To become a coroner investigator, you must first complete a post-secondary education program. There is no formal education required to work as a coroner investigator. Candidates must have a four-year degree or diploma in the health sciences instead. Anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology are all required courses.
To apply for this type of job, you’ll usually need relevant work experience. Most employers, on average, demand at least a year of experience working with catastrophic injury or death. Working as an emergency or operating room nurse, paramedic, emergency medical technologist, or other related profession provides this experience. The vast majority of employers will not hire candidates who do not have this type of experience.
Anyone who is not mentally prepared to face death on a daily basis should not pursue this career. Despite the media’s portrayal of coroner investigators, only a small percentage of people are suited for the job. The high rate of burnout is a reflection of the job’s mental and emotional demands.
For any candidate, most employers will require a recent psychological profile. The primary motivation for wanting to work in this field, personal strengths and weaknesses, and stress coping mechanisms are typically covered in this profile. Furthermore, many agencies have drug-testing protocols in place for their employees to check for prescription and illicit drug use.
When applying for a position as a coroner investigator, double-check your resume and cover letter for any grammar or spelling errors. Take the time to prepare for the job interview during the process. Make a list of common interview questions and prepare your responses ahead of time.