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Forensic Pathologist Assistant Jobs in Phoenix, AZ

Forensic Pathologist Assistant information

See Phoenix, AZ salary details

$14

$54

$89

How much do forensic pathologist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic pathologist assistant in Phoenix, AZ is $54.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.22 and $66.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forensic pathologist assistant?

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.

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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a forensic pathologist assistant?

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 are 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.

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.

Is it worth becoming a forensic pathologist assistant?

A forensic pathologist assistant supports medical examiners by preparing bodies, documenting findings, and assisting with autopsies, often requiring a relevant degree and certification. The role offers steady employment in forensic laboratories or medical examiner offices, with opportunities for specialization and advancement. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in forensic science and pathology, but it involves exposure to potentially disturbing scenes and irregular hours.

What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Pathologist jobs in Phoenix, AZ?

The most popular types of Forensic Pathologist jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:

What job categories do people searching Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs in Phoenix, AZ look for?

The top searched job categories for Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:

What cities near Phoenix, AZ are hiring for Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs?

Cities near Phoenix, AZ with the most Forensic Pathologist Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Forensic Pathologist Assistant job openings in Phoenix, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $114,266 per year, or $54.9 per hour.

Assistant/Associate/Professor - Small Animal Primary Care- AZ -College of Veterinary Medicine

Midwestern University

Glendale, AZ • On-site

Other

Re-posted 25 days ago


Midwestern University rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

363rd of 622 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine invites applications for a full-time clinical-track position in Small Animal Primary/General Practice. The successful candidate will provide clinical services for small animal patients while teaching veterinary students on rotations in the Companion Animal Clinic. There will also be opportunities for teaching in clinical skills and student surgery laboratory components of the D.V.M. curriculum, as well as classroom teaching. Much of the content of the curriculum is team-taught, and all faculty members are asked to participate. Small Animal Primary Care faculty members are expected to serve as clinical mentors for small animal interns.
The following qualifications are required:

  • DVM or equivalent degree
  • Current AZ veterinary license, or the ability to obtain one within 2 months of start date
  • Evidence of excellent clinical and communication skills
  • Understanding of patient-centered care
  • High level of proficiency in dental and common soft tissue surgical procedures
  • Strong commitment to meeting the needs of students
  • Collaborative mindset to foster a team-approach to teaching and service
  • Willingness to engage in collaborative clinical research
The following qualifications are desirable but not required
  • Teaching experience
  • Research experience
  • Graduate degree in a relevant field of study
  • Board certification in a relevant field (ABVP or equivalent)
  • Additional advanced training

Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides graduate and professional education in the health sciences. The University has two campuses -- one in Downers Grove, Illinois and the other in Glendale, Arizona. More than 6,700 full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in veterinary medicine, osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, cardiovascular perfusion, podiatry, optometry, clinical psychology, speech language pathology, and biomedical sciences. Over 500 full-time faculty members and 400 staff members are dedicated to the education and development of our students in an environment that encourages learning, respect for all members of the health care team, service, interdisciplinary scholarly activity, and personal growth. The addition of veterinary medicine on the Glendale campus provides an excellent opportunity to train students following the principles of One Health at Arizona’s first veterinary college. The college received full accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education in September of 2018.
The CVM is housed in Cactus Wren Hall and in the Animal Health Institute. Cactus Wren Hall is a new facility with ample classrooms, teaching laboratories, research laboratories, conference rooms, and offices. The Animal Health Institute is comprised of The Companion Animal Clinic, The Equine and Bovine Center, and The Diagnostic Pathology Center. The Companion Animal Clinic is a modern and innovative veterinary hospital for small animals. The 110,000 sq. ft. building contains state-of-the-art medical, surgical, dental, and intensive care facilities. A full range of endoscopic equipment is available. Additional specialty patient services include internal medicine, surgery, physical therapy, cardiology, and therapeutic plasma exchange. The clinic also offers full-service clinical pathology and microbiology laboratories. In addition to outstanding clinical facilities and equipment, the Companion Animal Clinic houses a pharmacy, a large and well-equipped surgery teaching laboratory, simulated examination rooms for clinical communications training using standardized clients/patients, and ample conference and small-group meeting rooms. Full service clinical pathology and clinical microbiology laboratories are housed in the clinic building. Adjacent to the Companion Animal Clinic is the Equine and Bovine Center, which houses large animal teaching and treatment facilities, and small herds of cattle and horses. The Diagnostic Pathology Center offers a full range of anatomical pathology and forensic pathology services and contains ample teaching spaces.
We are seeking a faculty member who is excited about participating in the growth of a young veterinary college and having a role in shaping its teaching and clinical programs with a focus on training day-one-ready veterinarians. While independent research is not a requirement for this position, scholarly activity is expected of all faculty members. Evidence of interest and experience in research will be considered an asset.
If you would like to learn more about this position or about the CVM, please submit your letter of intent and application through Midwestern University’s online job board at https://www.midwestern.edu/employment-mwu. Your online application should include a letter of intent and a curriculum vitae with the names and contact information (including email addresses) of at least three professional references. Please note that although faculty positions are usually listed as “Assistant Professor”, initial appointment at a higher rank is possible based on the academic experience of the applicant.
For more information about this position, please contact:
Elizabeth Robbins, DVM
Chair, Department of Small Animal Primary Care
Animal Health Institute
Midwestern University
5715 W. Utopia Road
Glendale, AZ 85308
erobbi@midwestern.edu
Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions, gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class, in accord with all federal, state and local laws, and regulation. Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/). Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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