Death investigation & forensics
Determining how and why someone died, and the specialized work that surrounds it.
3 roles in this field
Biohazard Cleanup Specialist
Explore how to become a biohazard cleanup specialist. Learn about training, job duties, and how to help families restore their homes after trauma or loss.
Coroner
Learn what a coroner does, how to become one, and what training is required. Explore this key role in death investigations and public service.
Forensic Pathologist
Explore the forensic pathologist career path, including education, daily duties, and how these medical experts uncover the truth after death.
Certifications in this field
Where to train
IICRC – Trauma and Crime Scene Technician (TCST) TrainingLeads to IICRC TCST certification Forensic Pathology Fellowships – ACGME-accredited programs12-month ACGME-accredited forensic pathology fellowship, after medical school and pathology residency Saint Louis University – Medicolegal Death Investigators Training Course40-hour medicolegal death investigation training Syracuse University – MS in Medicolegal Death InvestigationMaster of Science in Medicolegal Death Investigation Syracuse University – Certificate of Advanced Study in Medicolegal Death InvestigationCertificate of Advanced Study
Other fields
Funeral & deathcare operationsThe people who run services, care for the body, and keep a funeral home working. Clinical & bedside careMedical, spiritual, and therapeutic care for people in their final months and days. Companionship & grief supportNon-clinical presence before a death, and support for the people left behind. After-loss & legacyUntangling the practical, digital, and financial aftermath, and preserving a life story. Estate, financial & legacy planningThe professionals who help people plan, protect, transfer, administer, and give away assets during life and after death.