FRSC-166 Autopsy Practicum

Credits 9 / 9 Contact Hours
Pre-requisite: Placement into ACRD-090, ACRD-091 or ACRD-092, completion of ELAP-110 with a minimum grade of 2.0, or successful completion of ACRD-080. Additional pre-requisites: Approved admission to the autopsy assistant
program; Successful completion of FRSC-165 with a minimum grade of 3.0; Must be at least 18 years of age; Passed a criminal background check and health screening within last year; Signature of coordinator.
This practicum course is designed to provide students with real-world experience in the technical aspects of conducting autopsies and managing the associated processes within a forensic setting under the direction and guidance of a forensic pathologist. Through guided practice in a training facility, students will develop their skills to perform the critical duties involved in autopsy procedures, from body identification to the collection, documentation, and preservation of evidence. By the end of the course, students will have practical, in-depth experience in the essential tasks of a forensic autopsy, ensuring that all documentation, procedures, and evidence handling comply with legal and medical standards.  Students registering for this course will be assigned to a designated fieldwork site at which they will be trained in the procedures allowing for graduated responsibility. During the course of the semester students will need to accumulate 450 hours in the morgue under the supervision of morgue personnel.
BILLABLE CONTACT HOURS: 9

Course Outcomes

1. Demonstrate Autopsy Assignment and Body Identification Procedures: Properly follow protocols for body identification and autopsy assignment, ensuring correct procedures are adhered to for each case.

2. Prepare Body and Autopsy Paperwork: Accurately complete body paperwork and autopsy assignments, ensuring that all required documentation is prepared and filed according to procedure.

3. Document Body through Photography: Effectively document the body with autopsy photography, capturing key evidence in a clear and professional manner.

4. Handle and Preserve Physical Evidence: Safely obtain, package, store, and catalog physical evidence obtained during the autopsy, ensuring proper chain of custody and preservation for forensic analysis.

5. Handle and Preserve Tissue Evidence: Demonstrate correct procedures for obtaining, packaging, storing, and cataloging tissue samples collected during autopsies to ensure they are preserved and ready for analysis.

6. Manage Body Storage and Release: Follow the correct procedures for body storage and release, ensuring that proper documentation is maintained throughout the process.

7. Maintain Administrative Records: Accurately document all activities and maintain comprehensive administrative records related to the autopsy and body management process.

8. Adhere to Universal Precautions and HIPAA: Consistently apply universal precautions in the morgue setting and ensure adherence to HIPAA guidelines to protect the privacy of the deceased and the integrity of the investigation.

9. Prepare the Morgue and Body for Autopsy: Demonstrate proper techniques for morgue and body preparation, ensuring the body is appropriately handled and prepared for examination.

10. Catalogue and Store Evidence Correctly: Properly collect, catalogue, and store all autopsy-related evidence in accordance with legal and forensic standards to maintain the integrity of the investigation.

11. Administer Documentation and Release Procedures: Accurately document and follow proper administrative procedures for the release of information and evidence, ensuring compliance with regulations and privacy laws.

12. Access and Examine Body Organs: Demonstrate the correct procedures for accessing body organs during the autopsy, including thorough and methodical examination, sampling, and documentation of findings.