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History
The human preparator, or medical preparator, has an eventful history behind him. The ability to prepare and preserve human bodies and body parts developed alongside the advances in medicine. In ancient times, researchers and doctors “dissected” corpses to study the body and for training purposes.
In the Middle Ages, when surgery was separated from medicine, the practical execution of an autopsy was the responsibility of the prosector (dissector). Afterwards, the practical and technical activities were again taken over by doctors and the prosector was pushed out of the dissection table.
The 19th century brought many new developments in the field of preparation and with this came a rise to the status of a partner for surgeons and anatomists. The human preparator once again became the right hand of the researching and teaching doctor. Due to the further development of many techniques, a gradual separation between prosectors and preparators occurred in the 20th century. The human preparators own profession was thus able to emerge.
How do you become a human preparator?
Probably the most common question we are asked...
Unfortunately, in Switzerland, human preparator is no longer a training course with an apprenticeship as we know it today. First you need a company where you can be trained. At the same time, self-study forms the largest part of the training. Further training courses (voluntary) and internships (mandatory) are part of it and if you meet the specified criteria, you can ultimately take an examination to become a human preparator with a federal certificate. Complete a specialist certificate.
Since completing initial training is necessary, you will normally be paid like a trained person.
Further information
About the specialist disciplines of forensic medicine, pathology and anatomy (see Career information) you can find out a lot of interesting facts about our profession.
Entering the world of human preparators - step by step
As there is no traditional apprenticeship for the profession of human preparator, the application process differs from other professions. Please note the following steps for your job search:
1. Take the initiative: contact the institute directly
The only way to enter the profession is through direct employment at a relevant institute.
• Where to apply? Possible employers include pathology institutes at cantonal hospitals, institutes of forensic medicine (IRM) or anatomical institutes at universities.
• What to do? Send your application documents directly to the management of the respective institutes. They will decide whether they have the capacity to train or educate you.
2. The next step: the internship
We recommend that all interested parties complete an internship in advance.
• Working in the autopsy room is physically and mentally demanding.
• An internship will give you the certainty of whether you can cope with daily confrontation with deceased persons and the specific odours.
• For institutes, a successfully completed internship can favour the decision to offer a permanent position.
3. Important note: No job placement by the VSHP
Please note that the VSHP (Swiss Association of Human Taxidermists) does not offer any jobs itself and does not arrange any training places.
As a professional association, we are responsible for networking, quality assurance and organising professional examinations. We do not maintain a list of available internships. Your enquiry must therefore always be addressed directly to the hospitals or university institutes.