Medical Examiner Assistant Education Requirements
Contents
- Overview of the role of medical examiner assistants
- Education requirements for medical examiner assistants
- The duties of medical examiner assistants
- The benefits of becoming a medical examiner assistant
- The challenges of being a medical examiner assistant
- The job outlook for medical examiner assistants
- The salary of medical examiner assistants
- The working hours of medical examiner assistants
- The working conditions of medical examiner assistants
- How to become a medical examiner assistant
In order to become a medical examiner assistant one must complete the necessary education requirements. This blog post will outline what is needed to become a medical examiner assistant.
Checkout this video:
Overview of the role of medical examiner assistants
Medical examiner assistants (MEAs) are responsible for a wide range of tasks in the medical examiner’s office, from handling administrative duties to performing autopsies. They work under the supervision of a licensed medical examiner and must be able to handle the demands of the job, which can be both mentally and emotionally taxing.
Education requirements for MEAs vary by state, but most states require that candidates have at least a bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline, such as biology or chemistry. Some states also require MEAs to be certified by the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI). The ABMDI offers two levels of certification: the Registered Investigations Associate (RIA) and Certified Investigations Technician (CIT).
Education requirements for medical examiner assistants
In order to qualify for a position as a medical examiner assistant, one must complete an accredited postsecondary education program and on-the-job training. Education programs for medical examiner assistants typically take two years to complete, and students learn about topics such as human anatomy, physiology, and forensic science. Many states also require medical examiner assistants to be certified by the American Association of Medical Examiner Assistants.
The duties of medical examiner assistants
The duties of medical examiner assistants vary by state, but generally include performing autopsies, investigating deaths and preparing reports. In some states, medical examiner assistants are also responsible for determining the cause and manner of death.
In order to become a medical examiner assistant, you will need to complete a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as forensic science or biology. Some states also require you to complete a postgraduate degree in forensic science or medicine.
Once you have completed your education requirements, you will need to pass a state-specific exam in order to be licensed to practice as a medical examiner assistant.
The benefits of becoming a medical examiner assistant
There are many benefits to becoming a medical examiner assistant. This profession offers a stable career with good job prospects and solid earning potential. In addition, medical examiner assistants can take advantage of opportunities to advance their careers by pursuing further education and training.
Becoming a medical examiner assistant also offers some unique advantages. This profession provides opportunities to work with a variety of people, including law enforcement officers, crime scene investigators, and families of the deceased. Medical examiner assistants also have the opportunity to learn about a wide range of topics, such as forensic science and criminal justice.
The challenges of being a medical examiner assistant
Medical examiner assistants perform many of the same duties as medical examiners, but they do not have the same education requirements. In most states, medical examiner assistants must have a bachelor’s degree in forensic science or a related field. They must also complete a one-year clinical training program.
While the job of a medical examiner assistant can be challenging, it is also very rewarding. Medical examiner assistants help families find answers after a loved one has died, and they play an important role in bringing closure to these families.
The job outlook for medical examiner assistants
Job prospects for medical examiner assistants are expected to be good. Employment of medical examiner assistants is projected to grow 11 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. The number of deaths is expected to increase as the population ages, and medical examiner assistants will be needed to help process the increased number of cases.
The salary of medical examiner assistants
Medical Examiner Assistants (M.E.A.s) provide support to Medical Examiners in autopsy and death investigations. M.E.A.s are trained in proper autopsy techniques and procedures and are responsible for the efficient and accurate completion of autopsies under the direction of the Medical Examiner.
The duties of a Medical Examiner Assistant include:
-performing autopsies and related procedures;
-reviewing medical records
-preparing autopsy reports;
-testifying in court; and,
-maintaining security and safety in the morgue/office environment.
The working hours of medical examiner assistants
There are specific working hours for medical examiner assistants, as set by the National Association of Medical Examiners. They are as follows:
-Forty hours per week, Monday through Friday
-No more than ten hours per day
-No more than six consecutive days of work
These hours may be subject to change based on the needs of the office, but they serve as a general guideline.
The working conditions of medical examiner assistants
Medical examiner assistants (MEA) work in morgues and autopsy suites assisting medical examiners with autopsies. They are responsible for measuring and weighing the body, taking photographs of wounds, and collecting forensic evidence. In some cases, they may also be required to testify in court about their findings.
MEAs typically have an associate’s degree in mortuary science or a related field, although some jobs may only require a high school diploma. On-the-job training is also common. Most states require MEAs to be licensed or certified.
How to become a medical examiner assistant
Most jurisdictions in the United States require medical examiner assistants to have a bachelor’s degree in science or a related field. A medical examiner assistant career typically consists of working under the direction of a licensed medical examiner to investigate the cause and manner of death in cases that fall within their jurisdiction.
Most states also require medical examiner assistants to be certified through the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI). The ABMDI offers two levels of certification: certified medical investigator (CMI) and certified senior medical investigator (CSMI). Eligibility requirements for each level vary, but generally include completing an accredited training program and passing a written examination.