How long does it take to become a forensic anthropologist?

Question

At the University of Tennessee

Answer 1

You can expect to be in school for a while: "Forensic anthropologists are experienced osteologists. Forensic anthropologists usually hold a doctorate degree (Ph.D.); but many have a Master's degree (MA) in anthropology; and only in rare cases do some hold a Bachelor's degree (BA)--these forensic anthropologists typically have years of extensive training, nonetheless."

"Forensic anthropologists with advanced (graduate) degrees usually (but not always) work in an academic setting--at a college or university. This employment setting involves teaching courses, conducting research, and providing service--such as forensic consultation services. Other employment settings for forensic anthropologists can include work in laboratories (FBI, state bureaus of investigation, or private firms), or medical examiner/coroner facilities nationwide and worldwide."

The guy who said you had to go to med school must've been thinking about a forensic pathologist: "Forensic pathologists are medical doctors, physicians, with a specialization in forensic pathology. Forensic pathologists perform autopsies (examinations of people who have died) in the endeavor to establish the cause of death. Causes of death may be classified different ways such as natural, accidental, suicidal, homicidal, etc."

"Whereas the forensic anthropologist's general focus in on bones, the forensic pathologist's general focus in on soft tissue (including organs and body fluid analyses). Forensic pathologists hold a doctor of medicine degree (MD), which requires a bachelor's degree with "pre-med" courses, four years of medical school, followed by a residency in pathology, then further training in forensic pathology. Not all doctors who perform autopsies are forensic pathologists; however, in complex cases, forensic pathologists are usually consulted."

This is a real career, because the guy who wrote all this stuff actually is one. Either way you go, whether forensic anthropology or pathology, you will have several years of training and education to fulfill. But I am sure you will have a very rewarding career when it's all over. Good luck.

Answer 2

watch TV much?

not to discourage you, but I have a better chance at being a football player than you do a "forensic anthropologist."

you want to go to "medical school" and then become a "medical examiner"

So eight years plus residency = 11 years.

No, I wasn't thinking about a forensic pathology but thanks for speaking for me... you gave a better answer anyway. I was just trying to point out that there are very few forensic anthropologists, quite a bit less than there are professional athletes. Thus, I was trying to steer the young lady to a more viable profession.