OME offers a one-year medicolegal investigative internship program open to college juniors, seniors, or graduate students pursuing a degree in a related field, as well as non-students with a prior 4-year related degree or other experience.
Interns will assist the investigator with caseload to include gathering information to determine cause and manner of death, helping identify decedents, helping to locate and notify next of kin, and documenting death scenes. Upon completion of the internship, interns are eligible for certification as a Death Investigator through the Colorado Coroner’s Association.
Interns are required to work 16 hours a week, typically in two, eight-hour days. Degree-seeking interns must have G.P.A of 3.0, be at least 18 years of age, and pass a background check.
Under the guidance of a supervising investigator, interns have the opportunity to:
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
Fall/Winter
OME trains candidates in a module-based curriculum that teaches many of the duties of forensic autopsy technicians, including evisceration techniques and various disciplines that make up the medicolegal forensic investigation along with assisting forensic pathologists with postmortem exams.
Interns are required to work at least two 8-hour days a week (7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.). Minimum qualifications include a G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher, at least a junior, and pursuing a career in medicine orforensic sciences. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and pass a background check.
Interns are involved in all aspects of morgue operations. Under the guidance of forensic autopsy technicians and the medical examiners, interns will:
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.
*Applications submitted outside of the application period will not be considered*
Spring Term: January 1 – April 30
Summer Term: May 1 – August 31
Fall Term: September 1 – December 31
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.
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.
*Students at Metropolitan State University of Denver receive school credit thanks to a partnership with OME.
Are you interested in joining the team as an intern or volunteer? Applicants should email a cover letter, resume, and transcripts (for internships) to brenda.benedict@denvergov.org.
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.
Office of the Medical Examiner 500 Quivas St. Denver, CO 80204
Phone: 720-337-7600 Fax: 720-337-7609 medicalexaminers@denvergov.org
Adult Autopsy Report Request:Adult Autopsy Report Request Form
Media Inquiries:DDPHE.Communications@denvergov.org
Family Advocate Support Team (FAST)Grief Support and Resources
Phone: 720-337-7607 FAST@denvergov.org
Injury, Suicide and Violence Prevention