Becoming a coroner?

Question

Do I HAVE to have a medical degree in order to be a coroner?
Can I get a masters in forensic science & become a coroner?
What are good university this type of career?
If majoring in forensic science won't help me become a coroner what other degrees would?
How long does it take to be a coroner?

Answer 1

In tiny counties coroners may be anyone who gets elected; in the county I was in this summer it was a medical assistant. And any autopsies were sent out. However, in larger counties coroners are now MEs (medical examiners) which are MDs with anatomical pathology residencies (5 years) and forensic fellowships (3+ years). Forensic science majors also known as criminalists work the labs.

Answer 2

In much of the US, coroners are not MDs, but more often funeral directors. They are fortunately being phased out and replaced by Medical Examiners. My county resisted getting an ME for years because, they said, it was too expensive and it was cheaper to hire a doctor a few times a year when they really needed medical expertise.

Answer 3

It's more important to have a legal qualification, as conducting inquests is more of what the job is about.

Answer 4

Coroners are physicians, so if you want to become one you'll have to go to medical school.

http://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Coroner

Answer 5

no