STUDENT INTERNSHIPS

There are several types of Student Internships available at the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office.  Internships are for undergraduate or graduate students in forensic science, natural science, anthropology, or medicine programs unless otherwise specified.  These internships are unpaid and not suitable for students in Criminal Justice programs.

Viewing of autopsies by the general public is not permitted.  Opportunities for education below are at the discretion of the Director of Education.

All internships require:

• Background/security check
• Proof of Hepatitis B vaccination and a negative TB test (or positive test with negative chest x-ray) within 60 days of the internship start date.
• Completion of an application including an affidavit of confidentiality
• Submission of a DNA sample may be required for our staff elimination database

To apply, please fill out the three forms linked below and submit along with proof of Hepatitis B vaccination and TB test to the appropriate email address for the internship type you desire.  Applications for semester long internships are required by these dates:

Fall Session (September - December):  July 11, 2025

Spring Session (January - April):  November 14, 2025

Summer Session (May - August):  March 14, 2025

Security check form

Student intern application form

TCME Liability Release form

Forensic Pathology Fellowship

A one-year fellowship program is available to doctors (MD or DO) completing a pathology residency, certified by the American Board of Pathology in Anatomic Pathology, and eligible for a Physician-in-Training medical license in Texas or a Texas Medical License.

See Forensic Pathology Fellowship page for more information.

Medical Student Clerkships

Four-week clerkship blocks are available for medical students and are offered every month (two positions) except for July.  Positions are filled on a first come, first served basis.  Send inquiries to TCME Intern Inquiries.

Forensic Science Internships       

Two internships are available during the fall and spring semesters.  This internship is two days a week, four hours a day, and will involve visiting multiple departments in the Medical Examiner's Office, with an opportunity to spend additional time in one department, depending on availability.  A presentation will be required at the conclusion of this internship.  This internship is open to students obtaining a degree with a focus in forensic sciences and needing an internship for graduation.  

To apply, submit an unofficial transcript and a resume/CV, along with the above forms, proof of Hepatitis B vaccination, and a negative TB test within the last 60 days to TCME Intern Inquiries.

Forensic Toxicology Internship

One college level internship position is available for the summer semester.  The internship requires a minimum of 30 hours per week for junior or senior level students requiring college credit for graduation.  The student must have completed at least one course with lab hours in basic instrumentation and completed general chemistry courses.

To apply, submit the above forms and proof of Hepatitis B vaccination and a recent negative TB test to Dr. Robert Johnson, rdjohnson@tarrantcountytx.gov.

Anthropology Internships

Three internship positions are available, one position per semester (fall, spring and summer).  The internship requires at least eight hours per week and is open to students enrolled in a university with a major or minor in anthropology.  The student must have completed courses in human osteology and biological anthropology (or equivalent).  Contact information of one professor as a reference is needed.

To apply, submit the above forms and proof of Hepatitis B vaccination and a recent negative TB test, along with the following to Dr. Chris Rainwater at CWRainwater@tarrantcountytx.gov:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Unofficial transcripts
• Information about your background, future goals (career, graduate school, etc.), research interests, and whether you intend to take the internship for credit at your university
• Contact information for a professor we may reach out to for a reference

Clerical Internships

Two internships are available during the fall and spring semesters.  This internship is one to two days a week, four to eight hours a day, and will involve clerical work in different departments of the office based on availability.  This internship DOES NOT meet the requirements for a degree with a focus in forensic science.  Applicants for this internship must be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma.

To apply, submit the above forms and a resume, along with proof of Hepatitis B vaccination and a negative TB test within the last 60 days to TCME Intern Inquiries.

High School Forensic Science Classes

The Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office provides the opportunity for high school forensic science classes to tour the facility and learn more about the day-to-day functions of the office.  Tours are scheduled on Fridays only at 12:30 p.m. and last approximately two hours.

Send inquiries to: Dr. Stacey Murthy at slmurthy@tarrantcountytx.gov.