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Autopsy Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Participation in our autopsy service. Diagnostic responsibilities for the cytopathologist include the full range of exfoliative cytology and fine needle aspiration biopsies, including pathologist ...

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Autopsy information

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$48.1K

$86.5K

$129.3K

How much do autopsy jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for autopsy in Raleigh, NC is $86,522.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $96,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an autopsy?

An autopsy is a thorough medical examination of a body after death to determine the cause of death and evaluate any disease or injury that may be present. It is typically performed by a forensic pathologist or medical examiner. Autopsies can be ordered by legal authorities in cases of unexpected, suspicious, or unexplained deaths, or requested by families for clarification. The findings from an autopsy can provide valuable information for legal investigations, medical research, and family closure.

What are the qualifications to get an autopsy job?

The duties and responsibilities of a clinical or forensic autopsy technician are to prepare for the autopsy, examine a body, and determine the cause of death. The qualifications that you need to get an autopsy job include education, investigative skills, and knowledge of autopsy procedures and tools. A forensic pathologist is a doctor (M.D.) who has completed a residency or fellowship in forensics. A forensic autopsy technician needs at least a bachelor’s degree in forensic science or a related field. You can choose to continue to a master’s degree or pursue professional certification from the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI). You may also pursue specialties such as forensic DNA or toxicology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an autopsy technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Autopsy Technician, you need a background in biological sciences, anatomical knowledge, and a relevant associate or bachelor's degree, often supplemented by specialized training in pathology or mortuary science. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, specimen handling protocols, and digital record-keeping systems is typically required. Attention to detail, discretion, strong communication, and the ability to handle sensitive situations are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate post-mortem examinations, maintain legal and ethical standards, and support the effective functioning of forensic investigations.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in autopsy services?

Professionals in autopsy services often encounter emotionally challenging situations, as they regularly work with deceased individuals and grieving families. The role requires meticulous attention to detail, as accurate documentation and analysis are critical for determining causes of death. Additionally, autopsy technicians and pathologists must adhere to strict safety and biohazard protocols, and they often collaborate closely with law enforcement and medical teams. Balancing these responsibilities while maintaining professionalism and emotional resilience is a common challenge in this field.

What is the difference between Autopsy vs Forensic Pathologist?

AspectAutopsyForensic Pathologist
Required CredentialsMedical degree, autopsy trainingMedical degree, pathology residency, forensic certification
Work EnvironmentMedical examiner's office, hospitalsCrime labs, medical examiner's offices, hospitals
Industry UsageMedical, legal, death investigationsLegal cases, criminal investigations, death scene analysis

Autopsy is a procedure performed to examine a deceased individual, often conducted by medical professionals with specialized training. A Forensic Pathologist is a medical doctor who specializes in determining cause of death through autopsies within the context of legal investigations. While autopsies are a core part of a forensic pathologist's work, the latter's role encompasses broader responsibilities including case analysis, report writing, and courtroom testimony.

How do I get into doing autopsy?

To become an autopsy technician or pathologist assistant, you typically need a bachelor's degree in biology, anatomy, or a related field, followed by specialized training or certification in forensic pathology or autopsy procedures. For pathologists, completing medical school, a residency in pathology, and obtaining state licensure are required; this role often involves working in a medical examiner's or coroner's office. Strong attention to detail, knowledge of human anatomy, and familiarity with autopsy tools are essential skills for this career.

What career performs autopsies?

A forensic pathologist, also known as a medical examiner or coroner, is a medical doctor trained to perform autopsies to determine causes of death. They typically hold a medical degree, complete specialized training in pathology, and work in hospitals, morgues, or forensic laboratories. Certification by relevant medical boards is often required for this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Autopsy jobs in Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Autopsy jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What are popular job titles related to Autopsy jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Autopsy jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Autopsy jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Autopsy jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Autopsy jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Autopsy job openings:

Infographic showing various Autopsy job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% As Needed, and 83% Full Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $86,522 per year, or $41.6 per hour.

Histology/Cytology Technician - DAPDA - PRN, As Needed

Duke Health

Durham, NC • On-site

Per diem

Re-posted 2 days ago


Duke Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 255 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

304th of 893 rated healthcare providers


Job description

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.
Duke University Health System Clinical Laboratories
Pursue your passion for caring and innovation as a team member in the state-of-the-art Duke Health laboratories. Duke Health laboratories are College of American Pathologists accredited and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments certified. The multidisciplinary team is committed to serving the rare and complex testing needs of Duke Health patients by providing timely and accurate results, educating the next generation of laboratorians, scientists and physicians, and researching and developing the cutting-edge diagnostics of tomorrow.
General Description
Perform routine histopathologic tests and/or cytopathology specimen processing in a clinical laboratory for use in the treatment and diagnosis of disease.
Duties and Responsibilities
HISTOLOGY
  • Perform routine paraffin sections of surgical and autopsy tissue for microscopic examination in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
  • Perform frozen cryostat sectioning.
  • Prepare specimens and reagents for processing; perform routine and special staining techniques. Label, file, discard and maintain records of slides and blocks.

CYTOPATHOLOGY
  • Check specimen container for completeness regarding demographic information to include specimen source against requisition/order.
  • Receive & accession specimens to include gross description & any notes as needed.
  • Evaluate specimen for correct preparation protocol.
  • Prepare specimen according to appropriate specimen protocol SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) to include staining/cover slipping, & labeling.
  • Troubleshoot specimen preparation issues as they arise alerting appropriate cytology staff, as necessary.

COMMON TASKS
  • Reconcile labels with finished products and provide specimens for microscopic examination and diagnosis by the pathologist.
  • Order appropriate tests on the computer.
  • Perform various Quality Control procedures to maintain compliance with internal and external regulations. Utilize various hospital information systems and software.
  • May demonstrate/teach preparatory techniques/instrument use to residents, fellows, medical students, & visiting students.

Required Qualifications
Education
High School Diploma required. Associate Degree in Science preferred.
Minimal educational or experience requirements may be modified on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment) director if minimal CLIA requirements are met by the employee for the tasks being performed.
Experience
None required.
Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification
None required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Able to listen, read, understand and perform assigned laboratories.
  • Manual dexterity skills adequate for fine detail work.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions:
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

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