Coroners
Human Advantage 77%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Low Risk
2.2 / 10
This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.
Direct activities such as autopsies, pathological and toxicological analyses, and inquests relating to the investigation of deaths occurring within a legal jurisdiction to determine cause of death or to fix responsibility for accidental, violent, or unexplained deaths.
Also Known As: Autopsy Facilities Manager, Certified Medical Examiner, Coroner, Coroner Investigator, County Coroner, Death Investigator, Forensic Medical Examiner, Forensic Pathologist +8 more
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Core Tasks
- Complete death certificates, including the assignment of cause and manner of death.
- Perform medicolegal examinations and autopsies, conducting preliminary examinations of the body to identify victims, locate signs of trauma, and identify factors that would indicate time of death.
- Interview persons present at death scenes to obtain information useful in determining the manner of death.
- Observe and record the positions and conditions of bodies and related evidence.
- Provide information concerning the circumstances of death to relatives of the deceased.
- Remove or supervise removal of bodies from death scenes, using the proper equipment and supplies, and arrange for transportation to morgues.
- Inquire into the cause, manner, and circumstances of human deaths and establish the identities of deceased persons.
- Observe, record, and preserve any objects or personal property related to deaths, including objects such as medication containers and suicide notes.
- Complete reports and forms required to finalize cases.
- Arrange for the next of kin to be notified of deaths.
- Locate and document information regarding the next of kin, including their relationship to the deceased and the status of notification attempts.
- Collect and document any pertinent medical history information.
- Inventory personal effects recovered from bodies, such as jewelry or wallets.
- Direct activities of workers conducting autopsies, performing pathological and toxicological analyses, and preparing documents for permanent records.
- Coordinate the release of personal effects to authorized persons and facilitate the disposition of unclaimed corpses and personal effects.
- Witness and certify deaths that are the result of a judicial order.
- Testify at inquests, hearings, and court trials.
- Confer with officials of public health and law enforcement agencies to coordinate interdepartmental activities.
- Collect wills, burial instructions, and other documentation needed for investigations and for handling of the remains.
Supplemental Tasks (1)
- Record the disposition of minor children, as well as details of arrangements made for their care.
Emerging Tasks
New and evolving responsibilities for this role:
- Complete or review death certificates, including the assignment of cause and manner of death.
- Observe and record the positions and conditions of bodies and related evidence at the scene, through documentation or photographs.
Education & Training
Job Zone 3 Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (31)
Tools & Equipment (42)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Regulation Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 3
Coroners You are here
Zone 5
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Local, State, & Federal Services Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 2
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Zone 3
Coroners You are here
Zone 5
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