Coroners

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.

Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

1. 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.

2. Inquire into the cause, manner, and circumstances of human deaths and establish the identities of deceased persons.

3. Direct activities of workers who conduct autopsies, perform pathological and toxicological analyses, and prepare documents for permanent records.

4. Complete death certificates, including the assignment of cause and manner of death.

5. Observe and record the positions and conditions of bodies and related evidence.

6. Collect and document any pertinent medical history information.

7. Observe, record, and preserve any objects or personal property related to deaths, including objects such as medication containers and suicide notes.

8. Complete reports and forms required to finalize cases.

9. Remove or supervise removal of bodies from death scenes, using the proper equipment and supplies, and arrange for transportation to morgues.

10. Interview persons present at death scenes to obtain information useful in determining the manner of death.

11. Testify at inquests, hearings, and court trials.

Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Medicine and Dentistry - Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.

Biology - Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

Law and Government - Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Psychology - Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Education: A bachelor's degree is the minimum formal education required for these occupations. However, many also require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

The college search results are undergraduate programs associated with Coroners. Further education may also be required to pursue this career.

The training search results include both short and long-term programs associated with Coroners, and may be more appropriate for adult and non-traditional students. Further training may also be required to pursue this career.

There are no school programs currently associated with this occupation

In NY the average wage for this occupation was:

$34,380 for entry level workers, and $75,070 for experienced workers.

Based on the total number of annual openings and its growth rate, the employment prospects for this occupation are described as Less Favorable.

During 2006, there were approximately 19,450 Coroners employed in NY.

We estimate that in 2016 there will be 19,540  employed in NY. This represents an increase of 10 job(s) each year, and a total of 230 job openings each year.

American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) - As a professional society dedicated to the application of science to the law, the AAFS is committed to the promotion of education and the elevation of accuracy, precision, and specificity in the forensic sciences. Academy's members are physicians, attorneys, dentists, toxicologists, physical anthropologists, document examiners, psychiatrists, physicists, engineers, criminalists, educators, and others.

Discovery Channel School's Lesson Plans Library - View the list of brand-new lesson plans for elementary, middle and high school students. Lesson plans include the sciences, mathematics and technology. Hundreds of original lesson plans, all written by teachers for teachers are easily accessible. Use the pull-down menus to browse by subject, grade, or both.

Pace University Summer Scholars Program 2007: Forensic Science Uncovering CSI - CSI has nothing on the Forensic Science Program at Pace. Come see how the real experts do it! From the crime scene to the laboratory, students will learn how forensic anthropologists recover and analyze skeletal remains and a look into the crime lab, students will see what a forensic scientists do on a daily basis.

Summer at RPI: Whodunit? The Science of Crime Scenes - This is two-week day camp provides middle school students an introduction to forensic science. Through class room lessons, hands-on laboratory exercises, field trips, and relevant guest speakers, students will learn the science behind crime scene investigations. This program is intended for students who have no prior experience with forensic science, but have an interest in learning about the topic.

College of SUNY Geneseo Young Scholars Adventures: Summer Academy for Crime Scene Investigators - The Summer Academy for Crime Scene Investigators introduces students, grades 4 to 6 and 7 to 9, to the enchanting world of forensic investigation! Learn about and participate in a number of hands-on, state-of-the-art techniques and tests.

Forensic Science Technicians - Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.

Dietitians and Nutritionists - Plan and conduct food service or nutritional programs to assist in the promotion of health and control of disease. May supervise activities of a department providing quantity food services, counsel individuals, or conduct nutritional research.

Optometrists - Diagnose, manage, and treat conditions and diseases of the human eye and visual system. Examine eyes and visual system, diagnose problems or impairments, prescribe corrective lenses, and provide treatment. May prescribe therapeutic drugs to treat specific eye conditions.

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists - Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.

First-Line Supervisors/Managers of Animal Husbandry and Animal Care Workers - Directly supervise and coordinate activities of animal husbandry or animal care workers.