"I got a much more hands on experience than I expected. I learned a lot from being heavily involved in the procedures that are to be completed in both areas. Investigations was different than autopsy, because I expected that we would be busier and there was more downtime between calls to scenes than I expected."
Forensic Internship
1520 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Contact Person: Mandy Tinkey, Mandy.Tinkey@alleghenycounty.us, 412-350-4425
Areas of Interest: Forensic psychology, Forensic science, pre-med and health related careers
Description: The medical examiner's function is to investigate the circumstance, cause and manner of sudden or unexpected, medically unattended, suspicious, and/or violent deaths. Interns are afforded the opportunity to explore all facets of the Medical Examiner's Office. In addition to their investigative work alongside an experienced medicolegal death investigators, they are exposed to post mortem examinations with pathologists, histology and autopsy technicians, forensic photo documentation, and scene investigation. Interns will also be provided an opportunity to tour the Division of Laboratories as well as be provided with a didactic rotation through all disciplines in the office. The Forensic Internship is offered on a trimester schedule, with a commitment of a minimum of 10 hours per week to be completed over a 12-week period.
Additional Site Requirements:
- Participation as a team member with other professionals and interns
- Interns will be scheduled, based on their availability, during Tuesday – Friday 8-4 (preferred commitment of 5 hours per day) with Thursdays 8-12 being mandatory
- Valid PA driver's license
- Criminal background check and drug screen may be required
Terms Offered: fall, spring, and summer
Number of Students: Varies (up to 9)
Application Deadlines:
- No later than November 15th, for the Spring semester.
- No later than March 15th, for the Summer semester.
- And no later than July 15th, for the Fall semester.