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Forensic Pathologist Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Forensic Pathologist Assistant information

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$14

$54

$89

How much do forensic pathologist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic pathologist assistant in Virginia is $54.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.12 and $66.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become a forensic pathologist assistant?

To become a forensic pathologist assistant, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in biology, anatomy, or a related field, along with relevant experience or training in forensic science or pathology. Some positions require certification or on-the-job training, and strong attention to detail and knowledge of medical terminology are important for success in this role.

What Does a Forensic Pathologist Assistant Do?

A forensic pathologist assistant assists during autopsies and criminal investigations by collecting specimens for analysis in a laboratory. In this career, you often collect and photograph evidence on-site. Your duties also involve careful and thorough documentation to preserve the chain of evidence. You may work in the field, a morgue, or a laboratory setting. You are typically part of a team led by a medical examiner or coroner. Most forensic pathologist assistants find employment with local or state governments.

What are Forensic Pathologist Assistants?

Forensic Pathologist Assistants are trained professionals who support forensic pathologists in the examination of bodies to determine the cause and manner of death, particularly in cases involving suspicious or unexplained circumstances. Their duties include assisting in autopsies, preparing and maintaining detailed reports, collecting and preserving evidence, and sometimes testifying in court. They work closely with law enforcement, medical examiners, and other forensic specialists to help provide critical information for legal investigations. These assistants require specialized education, typically a bachelor's degree in a related field, followed by specific on-the-job training.

How hard is it to become a pathologist assistant?

Becoming a forensic pathologist assistant typically requires completing a bachelor's degree, followed by a specialized postgraduate program or certification in forensic pathology assisting. Candidates often need to gain experience in a medical or laboratory setting and may need to pass certification exams, making it a competitive and structured process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Forensic Pathologist Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forensic Pathologist Assistant, you need a solid background in biological sciences, experience in laboratory procedures, and typically an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with autopsy tools, laboratory instruments, and case management software is essential, and certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) can be beneficial. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to communicate findings clearly are vital soft skills for this role. These capabilities ensure accurate, efficient support for forensic pathologists and contribute to reliable medico-legal investigations.

What is the difference between Forensic Pathologist Assistant vs Forensic Autopsy Technician?

AspectForensic Pathologist AssistantForensic Autopsy Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate degree, certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentMedical examiner offices, morgues, labsMorgues, medical examiner offices, forensic labs
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist in autopsies, prepare reports, support pathologistsAssist with specimen collection, prepare bodies, maintain equipment

While both roles support forensic autopsies, Forensic Pathologist Assistants typically have formal education and assist pathologists directly, whereas Forensic Autopsy Technicians focus on specimen handling and body preparation with less formal education.

What is the highest salary for a pathologist assistant?

The highest salary for a forensic pathologist assistant can reach around $80,000 to $90,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Advanced certifications and specialized skills may contribute to higher compensation in this field.

What do forensic pathologist assistants do?

Forensic pathologist assistants support forensic pathologists by preparing bodies for autopsy, documenting findings, and collecting evidence. They often handle tasks such as taking photographs, assisting during examinations, and maintaining autopsy equipment, requiring knowledge of human anatomy and attention to detail. The role typically involves working in a morgue or medical examiner's office and may require certification or training in forensic science or pathology support.

What are some common challenges faced by forensic pathologist assistants in their daily work?

Forensic pathologist assistants often encounter emotionally challenging situations due to frequent exposure to traumatic cases, including homicides and accidental deaths. They must maintain meticulous attention to detail while assisting with autopsies, documenting findings, and managing sensitive evidence. Additionally, the role requires strict adherence to legal and ethical guidelines, which can be demanding in high-pressure or time-sensitive environments. Strong communication and collaboration with pathologists, law enforcement, and other medical professionals are essential to ensure accuracy and integrity throughout the investigative process.
More about Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Pathologist jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Forensic Pathologist jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs in Virginia? For Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Forensic Pathologist Assistant job openings:
Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs near you
Assistant Medical Examiner - Tidewater District

Assistant Medical Examiner - Tidewater District

Virginia Department of Human Resource Management

Norfolk, VA • On-site

$235K - $305K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority rating

4.9

Company rating: 4.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

649th of 658 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Assistant Medical Examiner - Tidewater District
Job no: 5103111
Work type: Full-Time (Salaried)
Location: Norfolk, Virginia
Categories: Health and Human Services
Title: Assistant Medical Examiner - Tidewater District
State Role Title: Physicians and Surgeons
Hiring Range: $235,000 - $305,000 commensurate with experience
Pay Band: 8
Agency: Virginia Department of Health
Location: CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER-TDWT
Agency Website: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/medical-examiner/
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
The Virginia OCME is a statewide medical examiner system with four regional district offices encompassing 16 forensic pathologists and a Chief Medical Examiner.
The Tidewater District of the Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) that covers the eastern region of Virginia is seeking one (1) experienced forensic pathologist to join the staff of two (2) current forensic pathologists, making a total of three (3) forensic pathologists. This location also has one (1) forensic pathologists' assistant on staff to support the forensic pathologists.
The Assistant Medical Examiner's responsibilities include death investigations, postmortem exams, approximately 250 medicolegal autopsies per year, consultations with interested parties, court testimony, and supervision of staff, and other administrative oversight duties. The position advises/ supervises local medical examiners as a part of a 77-year-old statewide medical examiner system. Educational responsibilities include the instruction of forensic pathology fellows, medical students, public safety officers and others. The office has a relationship with three medical schools and multiple universities in Virginia. The pathologist will participate in educational, training and research activities and participate on committees. University appointments are anticipated with rank determined by qualifications. Occasional overnight travel may be required. The Virginia OCME does not perform autopsies on Sundays. This particular office does not currently perform autopsies on Saturdays. Assistant Medical Examiners must be licensed in Virginia to practice medicine. Forensic Pathologists accreditation of the medical examiner system by the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) requires Board Certification in Anatomic and Forensic Pathology within two years of employment.
The Virginia Department of Health offers 12 paid holidays, medical, dental, vision and life insurance, retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan) as well as sick, family/personal, and annual leave. The candidate will be eligible for an annual $2,500 allowance to attend conferences for work. Eligible candidates are also eligible for up to $10,000 sign on bonus or up to 80 hours of annual leave loaded.
This is an Open Until Filled Position and applications will be reviewed as they are received.
Minimum Qualifications
• Graduate of approved medical school, postgraduate training in anatomic and forensic pathology; certification as a specialist in forensic pathology by the American Board of Pathology; licensure to practice medicine in Virginia
• Completion of approved training program in forensic pathology; (at least one year of forensic experience)
• Ability to write and converse competently and clearly in the English language
• Ability to get along with other professionals and community officials
• Ability to communicate effectively as a teacher and a supervisor
Additional Considerations
• Experience with medicolegal death investigations
• Experience with testifying in court
• Advanced training in cardiovascular pathology, neuropathology, pediatric pathology, law or public health is desirable
• University appointment is anticipated with rank determined by qualifications
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
VDH accepts only on-line applications. Faxed, mailed, or e-mailed applications will not be considered. Applications are accepted until 11:55 p.m. on the job closing date. Applications and/or resumes should include relevant work history which indicates your qualifications for this position. Supplemental questions are encouraged to be answered in a comprehensive manner and reference any pertinent knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as any previous experience that relates to
the position.
Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of a state and federal criminal history background check and the Department of Social Service's Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry check, U.S. HHSIG Exclusion List check, employment reference check and E-Verify. Other financial, credit, driving, background checks or completion of Statement of Economic Interests may be required for certain positions.
It is the policy of the Commonwealth and VDH that all aspects of human resource management be conducted without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles
such as braids, locks, and twists); sex; color; national origin; religion; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; age; veteran status; political affiliation; disability; genetic information; and pregnancy, childbirth, or related
medical conditions. VDH employees have a shared Code of Ethics, which can be found in the bottom banner of our website: www.vdh.virginia.gov.
If you have been affected by DHRM Policy 1.30 layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), you must submit the card before the closing date for this position. The
Card may be submitted with the state application as an attachment.
As a V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer VDH Welcomes Veterans to apply!
Supplemental Questions: You may be required to respond to position-specific questions at the end of this application. This information will help us evaluate your credentials and qualifications for the job. Failure to respond to any questions may disqualify you for further consideration
This recruitment may qualify for exceptional recruitment and incentive options, including a sign on bonus or a leave grant, which may be offered with a 1-year tenure agreement.
Contact Information
Name: Deja Fontenot
Phone: Please email for questions
Email: deja.fontenot@vdh.virginia.gov
In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.
Advertised: 09 Apr 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:
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