Autopsy Technician

Prepare for a Specialized Role in Forensic and Pathology Services. Build the knowledge and practical skills needed to support autopsy procedures with Pennsylvania Institute of Technology’s Autopsy Technician Certificate. This two-term, hybrid program prepares students for entry-level support roles in medical examiner offices, coroner offices, morgues, and hospital pathology departments.

You’ll study medical terminology, human anatomy, autopsy procedures, forensic photography, and pathology before applying your learning in a supervised externship. No prior work experience or current employment in the field is required.

P.I.T.’s Autopsy Technician Certificate introduces students to the scientific, technical, and professional responsibilities of supporting autopsy services.

The program begins with foundational medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology, then progresses into autopsy support procedures, specimen collection, evidence handling, forensic photography, and the recognition of diseases and pathological processes.

Throughout the curriculum, students learn the importance of safety, confidentiality, accurate documentation, and professional conduct. Coursework emphasizes evidence-based practices and standards relevant to medicolegal death investigation—the investigation of deaths involving legal and medical considerations—and pathology services.

The program concludes with a supervised externship in an approved medicolegal or pathology setting, where students practice entry-level competencies under the guidance of a preceptor.

Benefits of Earning Your Autopsy Technician Certificate

• Open to beginners: No prior field experience or current employment in the field is required.
• Focused preparation: Complete a specialized certificate program in two terms.
• Hybrid learning: Learn through a combination of online and in-person instruction.
• Supervised experience: Apply your knowledge during an externship in an approved professional setting.
• Technical skill development: Study autopsy support, specimen collection, forensic photography, and evidence documentation.
• Professional standards: Develop an understanding of safety, confidentiality, ethics, and evidence-handling procedures.

P.I.T. is an open admissions college for most of our programs. Admission requirements vary according to majors. At a minimum, all applicants must be graduates of an accredited high school; hold a diploma issued by the PADOE or have a recognized equivalent, such as a General Educational Development (GED). High School diplomas/transcripts from other countries are acceptable as long as they are equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma, as determined by an evaluation service approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

Although enrollment is open to high school graduates or those with a GED, all new students must meet minimum academic skill levels. Applications for admission are accepted throughout the year, and acceptance is offered on a rolling basis.

P.I.T. operates on an accelerated 11-week academic term. Format: Hybrid. The Autopsy Technician Certificate is an entry-level, two-term program that combines online and in-person learning and concludes with a supervised externship; contact Admissions for details about scheduling and attendance requirements.

The next start date is January 11, 2027.

Tuition. Tuition is $505 per credit hour for 26/27. A full-time student is enrolled for 9 credits or more per term; part-time students enroll in 5-8 credits per term. A Technology Fee ($50 per credit) is assessed to cover the costs of P.I.T.’s online learning platform, classroom laboratory equipment, software, and related technology.

Program and course fees.

• One-time academic program fee for health administration costs: $165
• BIO 129 lab fee: $50
• BIO 229 lab fee: $50

Other fees. Graduation Fee $100 (caps and gowns, degree or certificate, and commencement expenses); Transfer Credit Fee $150 per evaluation; Assessment of Experiential Learning Fee $150 plus $25 per credit; Return Check Fee and Stop Payment Fee $35 each (non-refundable).

2026-2027 Cost of Attendance (full-time undergraduate, estimated). Direct costs: tuition $13,635 and technology fees $1,350 (subtotal $14,985). Estimated indirect costs: books, course materials, supplies and equipment $1,316; transportation $5,455; living expenses off campus (housing and food) $18,216 or with parent $5,089; personal expenses $1,641; loan fees $149. Students are billed separately for each term, so the annual amounts may be divided by three to estimate a single term. Some programs may charge additional course fees when applicable.

Textbooks. Students may purchase the required textbooks through any bookseller of their choice; for some programs and courses, the college may supply books or online resources. Students whose funding includes a book allowance may request a stipend through the Business Office.

Paying for college. Full payment of tuition and fees is expected before each term begins; students must pay the balance in full or be approved for a College-acceptable payment plan. P.I.T. participates in the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Direct Loan, and Federal Work-Study programs, and eligible Pennsylvania residents may receive the PHEAA State Grant. Most programs at P.I.T. are approved for VA benefits. P.I.T. also offers scholarships, lists alternative private lenders through ElmSelect, and accepts employer tuition reimbursement.

FAFSA. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and add P.I.T.’s federal school code: 010998. Estimate your costs with P.I.T.’s Net Price Calculator.

P.I.T.’s sources do not state whether this certificate is eligible for federal student aid; contact the Financial Aid Office (fa@pit.edu) for details.

Career Opportunities For Graduates

Graduates are prepared for entry-level support roles in medical examiner offices, coroner offices, morgues, and hospital pathology departments.

Potential job titles include:

• Autopsy Technician
• Forensic Autopsy Technician
• Autopsy Assistant
• Morgue Technician
• Morgue Attendant

These roles support autopsy and pathology teams through responsibilities such as preparation, specimen handling, documentation, and assistance with procedures. Specific duties and hiring requirements vary by employer.

Institution-wide outcomes (P.I.T. consumer disclosures). Job placement rates: 25% (1/2020–12/2020), 51% (1/2021–12/2021), 65% (1/2022–12/2022), 60% (1/2023–12/2023). Graduation rate within 150% of normal time: 19.5% for the Fall 2019 cohort (2025-26 reporting year).

Job Placement Services offer job search coaching, résumé and cover letter assistance, interview techniques and mock interviews; lifelong job placement services are available free to all degree graduates.