1

Forensic Pathology Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The Forensic Examiner will assist in maintaining the program by providing emergency services for victims of sexual assault, including a complete forensic exam. The Forensic Examiner will work ...

Forensic Pathology information

See Virginia salary details

$41.1K

$217.4K

$317.3K

How much do forensic pathology jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic pathology in Virginia is $217,444.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $181,400.00 and $271,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is forensic pathology?

Forensic pathology is a medical specialty that focuses on determining the cause and manner of death by examining deceased individuals. Forensic pathologists perform autopsies, analyze tissue, and review medical histories to help law enforcement and legal authorities understand how and why a person died. Their work is crucial in criminal investigations, public health, and the justice system, as they provide expert testimony in court and contribute to solving cases involving suspicious or unexplained deaths.

What are the qualifications to get a job in forensic pathology?

The qualifications that you need to start a career in forensic pathology depend on the position that you wish to obtain. A forensic pathologist is a licensed physician. For this job, you must graduate from medical school and undertake an internship and residency in forensic pathology. A forensic technician or pathology technician should seek at least an associate degree in forensic pathology or a related field. Employers may prefer applicants with a bachelor’s degree in forensic science. All forensic pathology professionals need strong investigative and analytical skills to complete their job duties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forensic pathologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forensic Pathologist, you need a medical degree, board certification in pathology, and specialized training in forensic pathology. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, toxicology analysis tools, and evidence documentation systems is essential. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and strong communication skills are vital for interpreting findings and presenting them clearly in legal settings. These skills and qualifications are crucial for conducting accurate autopsies, supporting criminal investigations, and providing reliable expert testimony in court.

What are some typical challenges faced by forensic pathologists in their daily work?

Forensic pathologists often encounter challenging cases that require meticulous attention to detail, such as determining the cause and manner of death in complex situations. They may work under tight deadlines, especially when collaborating with law enforcement and legal teams who depend on their findings for investigations and court proceedings. Additionally, emotional resilience is important, as the role involves exposure to traumatic situations and the need to communicate sensitive findings to families and legal professionals. Despite these challenges, forensic pathologists play a critical role in the justice system and often work as part of a multidisciplinary team, providing opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.

How hard is it to get into forensic pathology?

Forensic pathology is a specialized medical field that requires completing medical school, a residency in pathology, and often a fellowship in forensic pathology. Entry can be competitive due to limited positions and high qualification standards, including board certification and experience in autopsy procedures and legal aspects.

Is forensic pathology a good career?

Forensic pathology is a specialized medical field involving the investigation of death through autopsies and evidence analysis. It requires medical training, certification, and strong attention to detail, often involving irregular hours and emotional challenges. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in criminal justice and medicine, with opportunities in public health, law enforcement, and research.

What jobs can you get as a forensic pathologist?

A forensic pathologist typically works in medical examiner offices, coroner's offices, or forensic laboratories, performing autopsies to determine cause of death. They may also work in research, teaching, or consulting roles related to forensic medicine and criminal investigations. Certification by the American Board of Pathology is often required for these positions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Pathology jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Forensic Pathology jobs in Virginia are:

What job categories do people searching Forensic Pathology jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Forensic Pathology jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Forensic Pathology job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $217,444 per year, or $104.5 per hour.

Forensic Examiner - Emergency Dept Administration - PRN

Stormont Vail Health

On-site

Per diem

Posted 16 days ago


Stormont Vail Health rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

749th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Position Status:

Shift:

Other (United States of America)

Hours per week:

0

Job Information
Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
A Brief Overview
The Forensic Examiner is a Registered Nurse, Advanced Practice Nurse, or Physicians Assistant employed by Stormont Vail Health reporting to the Clinical Nurse Leader and Director of the Emergency Department. The Forensic Examiner will assist in maintaining the program by providing emergency services for victims of sexual assault, including a complete forensic exam. The Forensic Examiner will work collaboratively with and serve as a resource to appropriate law enforcement agencies, community advocacy groups, media, and legal staff to assure program principles are followed. Forensic Examiner's will implement and monitor performance improvement measures when appropriate. The delivery of professional nursing care at Stormont Vail Health is guided by Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring and the theory of Shared governance, both of which are congruent with the mission, vision, and values of the organization.
Education Qualifications

  • Must successfully complete Stormont Vail SANE orientation upon hire and maintain clinical competence as a SANE. Completes yearly SANE competencies as assigned. Required

  • Bachelor's Degree Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) Preferred


Experience Qualifications

  • 1 year Nursing experience. Required


Skills and Abilities

  • Ability to concentrate and perform complex and variable mental efforts with emphasis on synthesis of information, written and oral communication. (Required proficiency)


Licenses and Certifications

  • Registered Nurse - KSBN Required


What you will do

  • Be able to explain the SANE/SART program and its role in the community. Contribute to professional growth and development of self and other SANE's. Provide information about the medical-legal exam and SANE/SART program to investigators, and prosecutors. Maintain contact with SANE leadership for at least one year after termination of contract and respond to any and all subpoenas for cases examined while employed as a SANE.

  • Consult with hospital and law enforcement records department.

  • Maintain equipment and supplies in examination room after use.

  • Perform and document the forensic interview and assessment accurately per standards outlined in policy.

  • Scan all legal paper documentation into electronic medical record. Testify in court about records as necessary.

  • Maintain photo documentation separate from electronic medical record.

  • Explain the health care system and nursing process as required.

  • Review all policies and maintains competencies.

  • Ensure development and periodic updates of written procedures and protocols.

  • Consult with nurse examiners, officers and advocates.

  • Ensure development and periodic updates of written procedures and protocols.

  • Complete documentation in a timely manner (no later than 24 hours after exam).

  • Must arrive to work timely, within 1 hour of notification when on call. Will sign up for minimum requirement of call shifts per month and holiday coverage per rotation.

  • Delegates tasks and duties in the direction and coordination of health care team members, patient care, and department activities in accordance with the Kansas State Nurse Practice Act.


Required for All Jobs

  • Complies with all policies, standards, mandatory training and requirements of Stormont Vail Health

  • Performs other duties as assigned


Patient Facing Options

  • Position is Patient Facing


Remote Work Guidelines

  • Workspace is a quiet and distraction-free allowing the ability to comply with all security and privacy standards.

  • Stable access to electricity and a minimum of 25mb upload and internet speed.

  • Dedicate full attention to the job duties and communication with others during working hours.

  • Adhere to break and attendance schedules agreed upon with supervisor.

  • Abide by Stormont Vail's Remote Worker Policy and will review and acknowledge the Remote Work Agreement annually.


Remote Work Capability

  • On-Site; No Remote


Scope

  • No Supervisory Responsibility

  • No Budget Responsibility


Physical Demands

  • Balancing: Occasionally 1-3 Hours

  • Carrying: Occasionally 1-3 Hours

  • Climbing (Stairs): Rarely less than 1 hour

  • Crawling: Rarely less than 1 hour

  • Crouching: Rarely less than 1 hour

  • Driving (Automatic): Rarely less than 1 hour

  • Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: Frequently 3-5 Hours

  • Feeling: Occasionally 1-3 Hours

  • Grasping (Fine Motor): Occasionally 1-3 Hours

  • Grasping (Gross Hand): Occasionally 1-3 Hours

  • Handling: Occasionally 1-3 Hours

  • Hearing: Occasionally 1-3 Hours

  • Kneeling: Rarely less than 1 hour

  • Lifting: Occasionally 1-3 Hours up to 50 lbs

  • Operate Foot Controls: Rarely less than 1 hour

  • Pulling: Occasionally 1-3 Hours up to 50 lbs

  • Pushing: Occasionally 1-3 Hours up to 50 lbs

  • Reaching (Forward): Occasionally 1-3 Hours up to 50 lbs

  • Reaching (Overhead): Rarely less than 1 hour up to 50 lbs

  • Repetitive Motions: Frequently 3-5 Hours

  • Sitting: Occasionally 1-3 Hours

  • Standing: Occasionally 1-3 Hours

  • Stooping: Rarely less than 1 hour

  • Talking: Frequently 3-5 Hours

  • Walking: Occasionally 1-3 Hours


Working Conditions

  • Combative Patients: Rarely less than 1 hour

  • Infectious Diseases: Rarely less than 1 hour

  • Needle Stick: Rarely less than 1 hour

  • Noise/Sounds: Rarely less than 1 hour

  • Risk of Exposure to Blood and Body Fluids: Rarely less than 1 hour

Stormont Vail is an equal opportunity employer and adheres to the philosophy and practice of providing equal opportunities for all employees and prospective employees, without regard to the following classifications: race, color, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, marital status, uniformed service, disability or genetic information. This applies to all aspects of employment practices including hiring, firing, pay, benefits, promotions, lateral movements, job training, and any other terms or conditions of employment.

Retaliation is prohibited against any person who files a claim of discrimination, participates in a discrimination investigation, or otherwise opposes an unlawful employment act based upon the above classifications.


What Stormont Vail Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom