06/01/77 C

Supervises the morgue and autopsy room of a large teaching hospital or of the State Health Department and will generally be the primary assistant to pathologists medical examiners, and residents during the course of an autopsy or post-mortem examination.

The incumbent will plan, supervise, and direct the daily work activities of junior technicians and laboratory aides assigned to the autopsy service. The incumbent will have the primary responsibility for the receipt, utilization, releasing or otherwise disposing of bodies. The individual will also be responsible for all records, documentation, and files required. Supervision of embalming techniques may be required. Supervision receive will be in the form of general guidance from pathologists or medical examiners. This level is distinguished from the Autopsy Technician A by the supervision it exercises over assigned personnel, supervision of all facilities and equipment, responsibility for facility maintenance, and technical knowledge and expertise required.

Examples of duties characteristic of positions in this class:

1. Acts as the primary assistant to a pathologist or medical examiner during the conduct of an autopsy or post-mortem examination; may open the body and remove organs and tissues and performs specific anatomical removal and dissection as required.
2. Directs the activities of junior technicians and laboratory aides during an autopsy.
3. Prepares or fixes specimens as required and either performs or supervises all photographic activities during or after an autopsy.

AUTOPSY TECHNICIAN B Page 2

 

4. Checks the accuracy of and maintains all forms and documents required by the institution, agency, and law for the conduct of autopsy services.
5. Supervises the maintenance of the autopsy suite, morgue and any adjunct facilities assigned to the autopsy service as well as ensuring their cleanliness and orderliness at all times.
6. Supervises the maintenance of all medical equipment and ensures an adequate stock of supplies is maintained.
7. May supervise embalming activities for the purpose of preservation of bodies.
8. Prepares and delivers demonstrations and tutorials to various allied health professions (nurses, medical students, medical technologists) on the techniques and mechanics of an autopsy.
9. Assists pathologists, physicians, and medical examiners in special projects as required.

Completion of high school and three years of experience as an Autopsy Technician, morgue attendant, embalmer or directly related work. Additional experience may substitute for the required high school education on an equivalent time basis. Post high school courses in mortuary science or biological sciences may substitute for the experience on an equivalent time basis.

Ability to interpret and follow general guidance, communicate effectively both orally and in writing; maintain a professional demeanor at all times; and the ability to maintain harmonious relationships with all hospital personnel, funeral directors, and relatives of descendants.