Internship Programs

Investigations

Currently, the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner has an internship program established with the University of Denver, the University of Colorado at Denver, Regis University and Metropolitan State College Denver. However, participation in this program is open to students at all academic institutions pursuing a major in a related field. Interested applicants who are not currently enrolled students are encouraged to apply if a 4-year degree has previously been obtained.

The internship is a 12-month program. The internship is unpaid and the student is required to work 16 hours a week, typically in two, eight-hour days. We require interns, at a minimum, to have junior, senior, or graduate standing, to have a G.P.A. of 3.0, to be pursuing a major in a related field, to be at least 18 years of age, and to be capable of passing a background check.

The Denver Office of the Medical Examiner is a 24-hour facility and interested candidates may be expected to maintain a nontraditional schedule. Interns are involved in all aspects of medicolegal death investigations. Under the guidance of a supervising investigator, interns have the opportunity to:

  • Conduct investigations to ascertain the cause, manner, and circumstances death.
  • Determine investigative technique, scope, timing, and direction of investigations.
  • Locate the next of kin by contacting designated representatives, treatment agencies, family members, and other interested parties.
  • Research and verify decedent identity.
  • Verify the cause of death listed on death certificates to determine the need for further investigation
  • Perform research, assembles reports, and provides information to insurance companies, attorneys, and other interested parties. 

Additionally, upon completion of the internship program, interns are eligible for certification as a Death Investigator through the Colorado Coroner’s Association. Interested applicants should email a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to investigationsinternship@denvergov.org.

Schedules & Deadlines:

Spring/Summer

  • Application period: February 1-28
  • Interview/Shadow dates: March 1-15

Fall/Winter

  • Application period: September 1-30
  • Interview/Shadow dates: October 1-15

Autopsy Tech

The Forensic Autopsy Technician Internship is a one-semester unpaid internship open to students as volunteers or for academic credit. Interns are required to work at least two 8-hour days per week (7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.). Minimum qualifications include a GPA of 3.0 or higher, at least a junior class standing, and the pursuit of a career in medicine or forensic sciences. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and able to pass a background check. Once applications are received and reviewed, all qualified applicants will be scheduled for a required shadow day (see dates below). At the end of the semester, interns may have the ability to extend their internship on a semester basis for up to a year.

Interns are involved in all aspects of morgue operations. Under the guidance of forensic autopsy technicians and the medical examiners, interns will:

  • Work closely with forensic pathologists and autopsy technicians during postmortem examinations
  • Learn evisceration techniques
  • Gain exposure to various manners and causes of death
  • Assist with specimen/evidence/property collection and handling
  • Learn fingerprinting techniques through several media
  • Aid with all daily operations of the morgue

This internship can be extremely physical and require individuals to stand for long periods of time. Interested applicants should email a cover letter, resume, and transcripts (unofficial accepted) to autopsyinternship@denvergov.org.  Within your email, please state if you are applying as a volunteer or for academic credit. 

Schedules & Deadlines:

Spring Term: January 1 – April 30

  • Spring Application Period: November 1 – 7
  • Spring Shadow Dates: November 14 –30

Summer Term: May 1 – August 31

  • Summer Application Period: March 1 – 7
  • Summer Shadow Dates: March 14 –31

Fall Term: September 1 – December 31

  • Fall Application Period: July 1 – June 7
  • Fall Shadow Dates: July 14 – 31

Family Advocacy

FAST interns and volunteers offer emotional support and practical assistance to those who have experienced an unexplained, violent, or suspicious death of a loved one.  Interns and volunteers also work with investigators, administrative staff, and medical examiners to collect and enter data into a case management system. 

Intern and Volunteer Responsibilities

  • Identify resources and make referrals to community agencies.
  • Assist in the design and implementation of a grief support program within OME.
  • Review cases and identify high/at-risk individuals who are candidates for support or outreach services.
  • Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate success of programming.
  • Release decedent’s personal effects.
  • Reach out to loved ones on anniversary of deaths.
  • Develop and send out outreach letters.
  • Collaborate with other community agencies to develop materials for program. 

Why become a FAST intern or volunteer?

This is an opportunity to work with grieving people going through the hardest time of their lives. Your emotional strength and ability to handle difficult situations will not only help your community, but yourself—knowing you personally are making a difference in the lives of people anguished by grief. Your experience at OME may also lead to a rewarding career in victim advocacy. Victim advocates are hired by police departments, district attorney offices, and non-profits who provide social services to those in need, including domestic violence shelters and child advocacy groups. 

Internship Requirements

  • At least 21 years old
  • Must be available to work 15 hours a week for one year
  • GPA of at least 3.0 and majoring in criminal justice, gender studies, human development, family studies, human services, psychology, sociology, or similar field
  • Complete a background check, onboarding and trainings required by the City and County of Denver and FAST coordinator
  • Sign a confidentiality agreement

*Students at Metropolitan State University of Denver receive school credit thanks to a partnership with OME.


Volunteer Requirements

  • At least, 21 years old
  • Educational background or work experience in either criminal justice, gender studies, human development, family studies, human services, psychology, sociology, or similar field preferred, but not necessary
  • Complete a background check, onboarding and trainings required by the City and County of Denver and FAST coordinator
  • Sign a confidentiality agreement
  • Hours vary based on agency need

How to Apply

Are you interested in joining the team as an intern or volunteer? Applicants should email a cover letter, resume, and transcripts (for internships) to Meghan.Clark@denvergov.org. 

Shadowing Opportunities

The Denver Office of the Medical Examiner reserves shadowing opportunities strictly for our internship programs. Please visit the link below for additional information on these programs.

Contact Us

Office of the Medical Examiner
500 Quivas St.
Denver, CO 80204

Phone: 720-337-7600
Fax: 720-337-7609
medicalexaminers@denvergov.org

Family Advocacy Support Team
Grief Support and Resources

Phone: 720-337-7607
Email: FAST@denvergov.org

Additional Resources

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