Forensic Imaging Technologist: Dream Job?

Reading Time: 3 minutes read

Nancy Adams BS, RT(R)

With ever-popular television shows such as Forensic Files, CSI, Cold Case and others, forensics has become a hot topic – not only with the public at large, but also in the radiology industry. Forensic Radiology is a specialized area of medical imaging using radiological techniques to assist physicians, pathologists and anthropologists in matters related to the law such as determining cause of death or identifying remains.

Imaging can play a significant role in forensic investigations.

Conventional autopsies are invasive, whereas x-rays do not require cutting the body apart.  Therefore, it is especially useful for certain religions that do not allow post mortem mutilation.  By using an x-ray to examine certain body parts, many times the autopsy can be restricted to a certain area.

Other imaging techniques are becoming more widely used in forensics as well, and digital imaging provides many advantages.  Perhaps one of the fastest-growing new techniques being used is the virtual autopsy, which uses a combination of light and 3D CT to reconstruct remains. Another area of forensics beginning to use the 3D capability of imaging is facial reconstruction, traditionally done using clay.  Now, researchers are using 3D CT technology to develop the tools to do facial reconstructions digitally.  This process can lead to virtual facial images to help identify a missing person, or a severely burned or decomposed body.

With over 40 years experience as an RT, I have seen a growing need for experienced technologists specializing in forensics. My interest and involvement in forensic imaging began early in my education.  As a student, I was sent to the morgue to observe autopsies and perform imaging. Working with the chief pathologist sparked my interest in forensics.  I started teaching full time in a radiology tech program in 1981,  but continued to be involved in forensics and after joining the DMORT team I started to get more involved in the forensic aspect.

Upon my retirement as the clinical coordinator for radiologic sciences at ItawambaCommunity College in Fulton, MS, I have continued to work in forensics as the team leader of the Region 4 Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team (DMORT).

One of my most memorable and rewarding experiences was the work that I did after Hurricane Katrina.  I worked side-by-side with the pathologists and anthropologists to compare x-rays of body parts to prior x-rays to successfully identify remains of missing persons.  This allowed many families to bring closure for a lost loved one during this devastating tragedy.

I also supported the efforts to identify remains from cemetery disruptions, some that dated back to the 1800’s.  Our goal was to identify as many remains as possible and return them to the original grave site.

As devastating and destructive as Hurricane Katrina was, the recovery efforts helped to raise the awareness of the importance of forensic imaging.  As Dr. Cotton Howell, Region 4 DMORT Commanding Officer said;

“The morgue is not operational until x-ray is operational.”

Seeing images like the ones below is just part of a day in the life of a Forensic Imaging Technologist!

A-O Dislocation

Evidence of child abuse

Interested in learning more about forensic imaging as a career path? This fall I’ll be hosting seminars with the Medical Technology Management Institute.  The seminar is titled The Many Facets of Forensic Imaging and qualifies for 8 hours ARRT Category A Credit.

Do you think Forensic Imaging is a dream job, or will you stick to the hospital’s X-ray room?

Nancy was the first technologist to be accepted for membership in the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, and serves as the US liaison for the International Association of Forensic Radiographers.

COMMENTS

  • reply

    It’s great to see this blog..Nancy you already know my response forensic imaging is a new field that is up and coming that’s going to allow as us techs to grow and be apart of a whole lot more than what a hospital environment can give us.

  • reply

    Very nice article Nancy. It’s great to see you waving the forensic flag, and very exciting to see CT reconstruction utlized in these procedures. Cool stuff!

  • reply

    Lane Chow

    Great article Nancy, please keep me updated on your seminar titled ‘The many facets of Forensic Imaging’. I’ve worked in x-ray and mammography for 17 yrs., recently lost my job and am looking for something new and old and familiar at the same time. Before attending x-ray school, I worked part time night shift in the ER, one aspect of my job, that they trained me was to clean and wrap the freshly deceased for identification for family members. So forensics has always interested me, I went through 2 rotations at the county morgue, so I find this really interesting and would like to see if I can persue my next radiology career in this new field. Here is my email address, please keep updated and thanks, Lane

    • reply

      Nancy Adams

      Thanks, Lane. If you go to http://www.mtmi.net, and check seminars for technologists, you will find the schedule for the seminar. The 2013 schedule should be out by the end of the year. Also friend RadForensics on facebook. We are planning a national forensic conference for next year, and the information will be available there. Keep in touch!

      • reply

        harmony

        Nancy, I too am a Xray/MRI Technologist who has always been very interested in working in Forensics. When joining the Seminar will there be any information on how I and others can work in this field? I have noticed most articles state that Forensic sites have unqualified people doing such exams. With all the experienced techs out there who would Love to do this type of work I am surprised.

      • reply

        Nancy Adams

        There will be information, and please also bring up the topic as a question. Us old folks need reminders!

      • reply

        Haris

        I am x ray technologist working on ortopedic department, on x-ray, CT, MRI , C-ARM, and I am interesting in forensic imagin. In my contry there is forensic department but there is no forensic x-ray diagnostic. I would like to continue my education on this field forensic imaging. Can you give me some instructions pls. I am interesting in Msc study.

        • reply

          Nancy Adams

          Haris, where do you live? Perhaps you can give me a little more information about the forensic center you mentioned. Did you mean that they have no imaging equipment at all?
          Thanks, Nancy

  • reply

    Amy Moore

    I really enjoyed your article Nancy, I have been a radiographer/mammographer for about 7 years and I am really interested in pursuing the forensic side of radiology. I am planning on attending your seminar ‘The many facets of Forensic Imaging’ in Toledo OH in September. I was wondering if you could tell me what training/certifications I would need to get started in this field? I would appreciate any advice you may have for me! Thanks, Amy

    • reply

      Nancy Adams

      Hello, Amy,

      I look forward to meeting you in September. Although there are no certifications available at this time in forensic imaging, I feel sure it won’t be long before we see some type of advanced certification in the field. If I were you, at this point, I would probably get CT certification and specialize in 3-D recons, as that appears to be the preferred imaging technique in forensics (along with traditional radiographic imaging).

      Since the biggest issue we as RTs face right now is the fact that most ME offices simply cannot afford to hire an RT fulltime,I would also consider taking coursework in criminal justice or criminology to make myself more marketable. Another trend I am beginning to see are RTs going ahead and getting degrees in anthropology to complement radiology. In closing, something you can do right now to help you is approach your local ME office and see what might be available. You might be able to do some part time work and start getting experience. Even volunteer on your own time to help out. Show them the advantages of having an RT do their imaging! And I want an update in September!

      Nancy

  • reply

    Elizabeth Warren

    Nancy,
    My name is Elizabeth Warren. I am in my second year of a Medical Radiologic Technology program at a junior college in Mississippi. I have been extremely interested in being involved in forensic radiography since before I started the program. I was wondering if there is anyway that you could e-mail me and possibly help to guide me in the right direction as to what I could do to obtain a job as a forensic imaging tech. I would greatly appreciate it!
    –Elizabeth
    e-mail: Elizabeth_coolkidd@yahoo.com

    • reply

      Nancy Adams

      Hi, Elizabeth,

      I will be in Oklahoma over the weekend, but return Sunday pm. Perhaps we can talk next week. Please send me an email at nancyadams3562@comcast.net as a reminder.

      Thanks, Nancy

  • reply

    liz

    are there any programs in Connecticut for forensic radiology? help

  • reply

    Nancy Adams

    Liz, contact Jerry Conlogue orTania Grgurich at Quinnipiac University. Both teach in the allied health division and are active in forensics. They should be able to help you. Good luck!

    • reply

      Luke Hawkins

      My name is Luke Hawkins. I have been an x-Ray/nuc med tech for 10 years now. I live in Idaho Falls idaho.. I’m not sure we have any forensics in our area. We do have an FBI crime lab in Pocatello which is 50 miles south. Can you send me any info that can help me get plugged into forensics in my area? Thanks

      • reply

        Nancy Adams

        Hello, Luke,

        My recommendation would be to contact your local coroner and find out how things work in your state. I know Idaho is very rural, and often in that situation, all autopsies may be sent to one location. Then contact the facility that performs the autopsies and explain your interest and the fact that you are a registered radiographer. You may have to volunteer on your own time at first, or perhaps work out some type of call arrangement. Most morgue facilities do not have the funding to be able to hire an RT fulltime, so also ask about the possibility of cross-training. You might also look into taking some forensic courses, perhaps in criminalistics or criminal justice.

        Best wishes, Nancy

  • reply

    Suzie

    Hello Nancy,
    After reading your article, I am extremely interested in learning more about forensic radiology. I’m currently a radiologic technologist student in Philadelphia, PA. Is there anyway that maybe you could e-mail me so I could get your advice on which would be the best way to proceed? Thanks!
    E-mail: Heiczinger.S@aol.com

  • reply

    gina

    Thank you Nancy for giving me a better understanding of wanting to go into Forensic Radiology. I have one question where do you begin to look or apply to this positions? I have searched my city and nothing comes up under actual jobs? Do you have to look into homicide, or government?

    • reply

      Nancy Adams

      Hi, Gina,

      Unfortunately, fulltime imaging positions in forensics are few and far between. We are starting to see forensic imaging centers being developed, and they do have some fulltime positions, but these are only in a few major cities. I recommend getting in touch with your medical examiner in your area and see what they may have. If necessary, volunteer to come in on your own to get experience and to let them see the advantages of having an RT do their images. Also be willing to train in other forensic areas to make your self more marketable. Hope this helps.

      Nancy

  • reply

    Morgan Uhlman

    Hi Nancy,
    I am currently applying for radiology schools and am very interested in the forensic side of radiology! Could you also please email me so I have your contact information as well? Thanks again!
    E-mail: morganuhlman@gmail.com

    • reply

      amy snow

      Hello nancy I hope I’m not bothering you but I really need help………………….this is my dream job and I feel like I just cant get the correct information need , do I have to go back to school, Ive been an RT for 10years have worked on MRI ut not my cup o tea my number is 928-580-5510 or emailleora781975@gmail.com if yu guide me anywhere I would be so great full. I just love to learn and his is going to taking off and I wanna b in the middle of it I really hopr t har from you soon an again I’m sorry if I’m bothering you

      • reply

        I’m afraid I’m no longer in touch with the author of this blog and do not have her contact information.
        I’m sorry I can’t help you. Good luck in your search.

  • reply

    Nwokedi Chinedu

    Hi Nancy,am Nwokedi Chinedu a registered degree holder in medical radiographer in Nigeria[west africa].Having gone through your written work in forensic radiography I felt much more motivated.I really wish to do my masters in forensic radiography,please Nancy help me with information on what to do to gain Msc admission where you are.+2348038714075,amerykedi@yahoo.com or ckedidalegacy@gmail.com

  • reply

    Trudi Howell

    Nancy,
    How can I find information on how to become a forensic radiographer? I’ve check the DMORT website & cannot access any information. Please advise.

  • reply

    Sheila Edenfield

    Hi Nancy,
    I am interested in forensics radiography due to the fact I had ran across an ad in one of my Rad Magazines for Forensics in Radiology as a profession. Looks like I missed out on that seminar, though i bet it was a good one. I want to say that seminar was given sometime last year(2014).
    I live in Georgia and I too have several years, 20+ as an Radiologic Technologist,Mammographer, and MRI Technologist.
    I would like to pursue forensics due to the fact that there is something of a higher calling drawing me towards the needs of people. That in hopes that by this imaging aspect of forensics, provide somewhat of a “Voice” so that the living gain understanding ,begin the healing process, and go forward in life and LIVE. I am unsure of the future but I am willing to put one foot in front of the other and see where this life my lead me. So, all that being said,can you help me? I just need some direction of what my next step in this journey may be. I thank You for your time and hope to hear from you soon. Sheila
    radprofessional@outlook.com

  • reply

    Brittney Roach

    Hello Nancy,
    I’m very interested in learning about forensic radiology and was wondering if you still did the seminars?

  • reply

    Aarika

    Hi, Nancy!
    I found your article very interesting. I am in RT school right now and am very interested in forensics. I would love some feedback from you, and more information on what I need to do after getting my RT license to move on to the next step towards getting involved in forensic radiography. If you could, please e-mail me at some time. My e-mail is arooney43@hotmail.com. I am having quite a bit of trouble getting answers that are straight on what my next step should be. I have plans to talk to my county coroner to see if they have suggestions, but it seems as though you will have some information for me as well.
    Thank you so much!
    Aarika

  • reply

    Solange

    Hi Nancy,
    I just graduated and passed my registry as well, for the two year degree program in FL. I have been interested for some time in forensic radiology. Do you know where I can find more information regarding this field? I would like to find a school. Any input would be appreciated.
    Thank you so much.

  • reply

    Sandi McInerney

    Nancy,
    Do you ever do ASRT CE credit talks on the subject? I am the planner for the WSRT seminar in the Seattle area this year and would love to have you do a talk for us. The forensic talks are always a big hit with the group and I would love to find out more on the virtual autopsy. I learned about it in an elective class that I took for by Bachelors. Please contact me if you are interested. Our seminar is the 21-23 of April 2016.

    • reply

      Nancy Adams

      Hi, Sandi,
      I have been reviewing comments and requests for information and see one from you dating back to 2015. I don’t think I ever got this. My sincere apologies for not responding. I do still speak on forensics, and am speaking this fall at our state conference. If I can be of assistance, please let me know. And again, my apologies.
      Nancy

  • reply

    Ana

    Hi Nancy I recently graduated with a BSc in Radiography and I always had an interest in forensic Radiography. Sadly I am from Trinidad and Tobago which has no courses in this area. Where do you recommend for a reputable Masters or advanced diploma in the US preferably Miami area?

  • reply

    Leslie

    Hello Nancy,
    I am a student halfway through the radiology program, I was wondering what steps I could take to start working toward the forensic side of the field? Also, what aspects of forensic radiology do you enjoy the most and what do you think is the biggest challenge?
    Thanks for this article!
    Leslie

    • reply

      Hello Leslie, thank you for reading our blogs! I will send you the author’s contact information – with her permission – via email.

  • reply

    steve crews

    How do you get into forensic radiology?

  • reply

    steve crews

    Could I get the author’s contact information as well?

    • reply

      Hi Steve, I checked with the author and she said I could give you her email address. I sent it to you via email.
      Thanks for reading the blog!

  • reply

    Meaghan Martin

    My dream job for sure! I want to help determine cause of death, especially in homicide cases. I’m in the process of earning my Bachelors, and will be doing my clinical rotations in CT soon. I’m hoping to find a job with a corners office for sure! Any thoughts or ideas would be much appreciated!

  • reply

    Pam

    I have been an X-ray tech/CT tech/sonographer for 20 years and would like to learn more about this..

    • reply

      Hi Pam, I’m afraid I’ve lost touch with the author but hopefully you can find other good sources. Thank you for reading the blog!

  • reply

    Killian Shartle

    Hi I am currently in my 1 year of college to obtain my BS in Medical Imaging. I came across your information on Forensic Radiology Tech I’m extremely interested in this field, The college I attend does have Criminal Justice also to get a jump on this career path could you give me some information on what classes I should take on the Criminal Justice side.

    Thank you for your time .

    KS

    • reply

      Hello Killian, I am afraid I no longer have contact information for the author of the blog you are referring to; and I personally am not familiar with the requirements for the field. I am sorry I could not be helpful; I wish you luck on your career!

  • reply

    Nancy Adams

    Hi, this is Nancy Adams. I can be reached via email at nancyadams3562@comcast.net.

  • reply

    Sandy

    This field has always interested me greatly. I used to work at a hospital with forensic morgue. It was amazing and loved working with a very well known Dr. Janice Amatuzio. They moved to their own state of the art building, and have missed it since. Congrats on being the first.

  • reply

    Domenica

    Hi Nancy, I am currently a student in a Radiologic technology program who will be graduating in August of this year. I would love to learn more about forensic radiology and what steps I should take next to move along this particular career path. I’ve had a difficult time finding anything online about careers in the United States. Any suggestions? Thank you and thanks for sharing your experience.

    • reply

      Hi Nancy, I’m afraid I don’t have any resources to share with you. I wish I could be more helpful. Good luck to you.

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