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Forensic Pathologist Assistant Jobs in Warren, MI

Forensic Pathologist Assistant information

See Warren, MI salary details

$13

$51

$84

How much do forensic pathologist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic pathologist assistant in Warren, MI is $51.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.87 and $63.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Pathologist jobs in Warren, MI?

The most popular types of Forensic Pathologist jobs in Warren, MI are:

What are popular job titles related to Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs in Warren, MI?

For Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs in Warren, MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs in Warren, MI look for?

The top searched job categories for Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs in Warren, MI are:

What cities near Warren, MI are hiring for Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs?

Cities near Warren, MI with the most Forensic Pathologist Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Forensic Pathologist Assistant job openings in Warren, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Locum Tenens, 82% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $108,089 per year, or $52 per hour.

Pathologists' Assistant - Medical Examiner's Office

Wayne State University

Detroit, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 16 hours ago


Wayne State University rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

289th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Pathologists' Assistant - Medical Examiner's Office
Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Pathologists' Assistant - Medical Examiner's Office at its Detroit campus location.
Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.
Essential functions (job duties):
Job Purpose:
Assists and provides technical assistance in the performance of autopsy and surgical pathology services under general supervision of Pathologist. Describes and examines autopsy specimens, performs autopsy pro-section, obtains appropriate specimens for microscopic evaluation, and describes findings. Assists Pathologists in the preparation, grossing, and dissection of autopsy specimens. Reports to Administrative Manager.
Essential Functions:
Performs complex procedures including preparation for medical laboratory tests for diagnosis. Performs postmortem procedure with organ block dissection and histology tissue preparation. Ensures integrity of toxicology samples, including packaging and preparation for shipment. Performs evisceration, toxicology sample collection, photography, and radiography.
Reviews pertinent information and data for presentation to attending pathologist. Provide training to rotating medical students and Pathologists' Assistant students. Provides training of new techniques to autopsy technicians. Communicates ideas and suggestions for the improvement of autopsy protocols in accordance with Lean Principles. Conducts training seminars, instructing pathologists' assistant students in the techniques and protocols of the autopsy and gross autopsy/forensic pathology. Demonstrates gross pathology protocols and procedures to new trainees.
May assist with sections/specimens utilizing cryostat, stains, and coverslip slides; maintains frozen section equipment. Identifies special techniques and procedures to be utilized in the completion of the examination (ex: bacterial and viral cultures). Completes and ensures integrity of information entered electronic database.
Assists in family-physician communications if required. Evaluates and maintains autopsy room equipment needs and supply needs. Enters data from analysis of medical tests or clinical results into computer for storage. Establishes or monitors quality assurance programs or activities to ensure the accuracy of laboratory results. Sets up, cleans, and maintains laboratory equipment.
Assists in cataloging autopsy photographs. Conducts medical research under direction of pathologists, microbiologists, or biochemists. Conducts medical research under direction of forensic pathologist or anthropologist. Analyzes or collects samples of biological material for chemical content or reaction.
Performs other related duties as assigned. Transfers and handles body from morgue to autopsy table.
Unique duties:
Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's degree
Requires graduation from an accredited Bachelor's or Masters Pathologists' Assistant program. Alternatively, has completed Bachelor's Degree in Sciences with background in physiology and anatomy and a minimum of 3 years of experience in Pathology.
Must be eligible for certification as a Pathologist's Assistant by the American Society for Clinical Pathology
and complete certification within 2 years of hire. Must maintain certification by completing continuing education requirements.
Certification as a Pathologists' Assistant by the American Society for Clinical Pathology is preferred.
Experience: 1 or more years experience
Requires a minimum of 1 year of professional experience in Pathology including previous experience assisting with gross description and dissection of surgical tissue; 3 years of experience preferred. Experience assisting with autopsies is preferred.
Preferred qualifications:
Compensation: Dependent upon the candidate's education, skills, and experience
School/College/Division:
H06 - School of Medicine
Primary department:
H0689
Employment type:
  • Regular Employee
  • Job type: Full Time
  • Job category: Staff/Administrative
Funding/salary information:
  • Compensation type: Annual Salary
  • Hourly rate:
  • Salary minimum: TBD
  • Salary hire maximum: TBD
Working conditions:
Job openings:
  • Number of openings: 1
  • Reposted position: No
  • Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
  • Prior posting/requisition number:
Background check requirements:
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.

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