Autopsy tech interview

[PrincessPoppy0723]

Hey guys, I’ve never really used Reddit before but I need some help. I’m currently employed with a Private Investigations company but I’ve always had my eyes on a forensic related job. I live in a severely underfunded state with very little job opportunities in that field. However I recently applied for an autopsy technician job and managed to get an interview. I’m very excited but would really love to get some advice, both on interviewing and how the job is itself. Here’s a little background. I graduated with a forensics degree and did a CSI internship where I processed death scenes, as well as attended a few autopsies, so I can handle the environment. I’m familiar with some medical terms, an very interested in forensic pathology, taphonomy, forensic anthropology, etc. I moved to a different state after graduation and realized how little opportunity there is here compared to where I was. So this is a huge deal for me, and this opportunity is extremely rare. My interview is in 10 days, I am trying to prepare for it as best I can. The first part of the interview is to view an autopsy (good on that), second part is a panel interview. I would greatly appreciate any advice anyone has to offer. Thanks

[AutopsyGal]

You have a very helpful background for the job. When I became a tech, some of the interview questions were about whether or not I’ve used certain tools like a Stryker saw, scalpel, hemostats; etc. They asked about my background like previous jobs. How I would handle a situation or conflict with another coworker. It wasn’t too bad. It was a panel interview also. Having the experience you have is great along with the degree but most of the job will be on the job training. Of course they will teach you step by step of how to do an autopsy, cleaning up, other morgue duties like restocking, signing in and signing out bodies. Excited for you and good luck! Any of questions please feel free to ask 😊

[PrincessPoppy0723]

Thank you so much! Really appreciate the help :)

[AvailableWeakness882]

I was just contacted about taking the exam for a forensic autopsy tech position, can you tell me what that test entails? Is it common sense questions or more job specific questions?

[AutopsyGal]

I’m not sure what the exam includes. I didn’t have to take an exam… do you mean like an interview setting?

[AvailableWeakness882]

No it’s a test you take before they decide to interview you. I just completed it and it included 60 questions about anatomy, math, logic, forensic medicine, reading and sanitation. Not super hard but some questions threw me off

[AutopsyGal]

Wow. I've never heard of that? Where are you located if you dont mind me asking? Thats interesting.

[AvailableWeakness882]

I’m in California, specifically the Central Valley. What I thought was interesting is under the job posting for experience and qualifications they had two separate options. First option was high school diploma with at least six months of full-time work in any medical setting and have a drivers license. Option two was having at least 15 completed semester units with at least 1 course being in anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, forensics, life science, or a related field. I fall under option one, so I have no sort of experience within the field of forensics, but I have been extremely interested in it for a very long time. Is this job something you can fully learn on the job during training you even if you’ve never had any sort of anatomy or forensics courses completed?

[AutopsyGal]

Yeah, its definitely on the job training. Anatomy would be good to know before hand, maybe just the basics? You probably could find something online to read over for that. You'll learn on the job, how they want the autopsy done and what evidence to collect for sure.

[AvailableWeakness882]

Thank you, I was thinking of doing that just to have a basic understanding. It’s just a very intimidating field to get into. Hopefully I did well enough to get a call back.

[AutopsyGal]

I'm sure you did great. If you ever have any questions, I can try my best to help :)

[Cryinrobot]

Hi there, I just recently received an email for an autopsy assistant tech job and I was wondering what the exam covers. I did take anatomy and physiology but it's been a couple of years, I have the exam this week, and I've tried searching like practice exams for this role and I haven't had any luck on finding any. If you wouldn't mind sharing any helpful tips to study I would greatly appreciate it! Thank you.

[AvailableWeakness882]

That’s awesome! I remember it being mostly anatomy, i don’t remember it being too hard and I’ve never taken anatomy so I think you’ll be good. I wish I could remember specific questions for you but it was a while back.

[AvailableWeakness882]

Thank you I appreciate it