Also known as: Medical Examiner, Forensic Medical Examiner, Pathologist, Autopsy Physician
Your day begins before dawn, pulling into the nearly empty lot of the County Medical Examiner's office. After grabbing a quick coffee, you head to your office, switching on the monitors. You review the pending case list for today, scanning initial reports for the two scheduled autopsies. A sudden death involving a young adult and a suspected homicide. You check your email for updates from law enforcement or preliminary toxicology results on older cases, mentally preparing for the intense focus each new case demands.
The job outlook for Forensic Pathologists is expected to be stable through 2035. You can start in roles like a Pathology Resident or Laboratory Technician, building foundational skills. With experience, you might advance to positions such as Chief Medical Examiner, Forensic Medicine Consultant, or even become an Academic Professor of Pathology, sharing your expertise.
Career ladder
Often before this role
Where it can lead
$150,000 - $300,000 per year
Estimated for US-wide average
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum educational requirement for this position
Based on job level & field
Pre-Medicine/Pre-Medical Studies
Bachelor • Healthcare & Life Sciences • 4 years
Medicine
Bachelor • Healthcare & Life Sciences • 4 years
Osteopathic Medicine/Osteopathy
Bachelor • Healthcare & Life Sciences • 4 years
Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology/Technologist
Bachelor • Healthcare & Life Sciences • 4 years
Forensic Science and Technology
Bachelor • Law & Public Administration • 4 years
Criminalistics and Criminal Science
Bachelor • Law & Public Administration • 4 years