What does it take to be a pathologist

1. Finding a job
2. How To Become a Pathologist in 10 Steps

By Indeed Editorial Team

Updated February 17, 2022 | Published March 8, 2021

Updated February 17, 2022

Published March 8, 2021

The Indeed Editorial Team comprises a diverse and talented team of writers, researchers and subject matter experts equipped with Indeed's data and insights to deliver useful tips to help guide your career journey.

If you're interested in a medical career and have strong problem-solving skills, consider becoming a pathologist. Not only does this career offer a lucrative salary, but it also gives you the opportunity to make a difference in the medical world. It is a specialized medical field requiring at least eight years of medical school, residencies and fellowships. Knowing what this career entails can help you determine whether you can see yourself in this profession. In this article, we define the role of a pathologist, list the steps for pursuing this career, cite the average salary for a pathologist and list the skills you need for this profession.

What is a pathologist?

A pathologist is a health care provider who studies and tests human tissues to identify abnormalities and diagnose diseases. They study the cause, nature and effects of a variety of diseases and work alongside other health care professionals to reach a diagnosis. Here are some of their common duties:

• Analyze and test a variety of samples

• Use test results to diagnose and treat diseases

• Help medical practitioners develop treatment plans

• Ensure the accuracy of test results

• Write reports

• Perform research for new tests and treatments

• Create vaccines against infectious diseases

• Supervise laboratory staff

• Meet with other healthcare professionals to discuss patient treatment plans

Related: Learn About Being a Pathologist

How to become a pathologist

Aspiring pathologists need the right qualifications to gain employment. From your education to your skill set, make sure you can meet the minimum requirements for this career. Use these steps to help you become a pathologist:

1. Prepare during high school

Take classes in high school that can help you prepare for a career as a pathologist. For example, advanced courses in biology, chemistry, calculus and physics can provide you with the foundational knowledge to succeed on this career path. In addition, English, foreign language or public speaking classes may help you improve your communication skills, while a psychology class can educate you on the mind-body connection and human nature in general.

You can also volunteer at a hospital or another healthcare facility to familiarize yourself with the work environment and gain relevant experience. Volunteering can also help you determine your fit in this industry.

2. Pursue an undergraduate education

Pursue a bachelor's degree that can prepare you for a career in pathology. While pathologists don't need a specific degree for their undergraduate studies, many aspiring pathologists focus their coursework on biological sciences to earn admittance to medical school.

Graduate from an accredited program that offers a variety of pre-med prerequisite courses. Mathematics and science classes can also help with your career aspirations.

Apart from volunteering, you can also consider a job shadowing program during your undergraduate studies. A job shadowing program allows you to follow a pathologist through their workday. Having this experience can provide you with valuable insight and help you determine whether you want to pursue this career after all.

3. Consider a specialty

While you pursue a bachelor's degree, consider specializing in an area of pathology. Deciding on a specialty during your undergraduate studies lets you choose electives and med school programs that best align with your career aspirations. Here are some of the main specialties to consider:

• Chemical pathology or clinical biochemistry

• Medical microbiology and virology

• Hematology

• Histopathology

• Immunology

4. Pass the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)

Take the MCAT during your junior year of undergraduate study. Administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM), this standardized exam helps medical schools evaluate your training and skill set. To prepare for the test, use a variety of study materials, take practice tests and consider online or in-person tutoring.

5. Earn a medical degree

Pursue a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree or a Doctor of Osteopathic (DO) Medicine degree. While they both focus on the same treatment methods, the latter also focuses on osteopathic manipulative medicine.

6. Apply for your medical license

Once you complete medical school, apply for your medical license. If you pursue an MD, pass the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) during your second year of study. If you pursue a DO, pass the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination of the United States (COMLEX-USA).

7. Complete your residency

After medical school, complete a pathology residency program. This allows you to experience different specialties and medical settings under the supervision of a specialist. You also have the opportunity to learn more about patient care and the different situations that may occur in a healthcare setting. In addition, you get hands-on training to build your skills and knowledge in this field.

8. Complete a fellowship program

If you plan to specialize in an area like surgical pathology or pediatric pathology, complete a fellowship program. A fellowship provides you with focused training in your chosen specialty.

9. Earn your certification

Once you complete your training, earn your certification through the American Board of Pathology. Take and pass the anatomic pathology examination or the clinical pathology Examination to earn your certification.

10. Maintain your certification

Maintain your certification by completing a Maintenance of Certification Program in a 10-year cycle. This program provides you with continuing education to ensure you still have the skills, knowledge and abilities to work as a pathologist.

Related: How To Become a Forensic Pathologist

Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical pathologists are in the same salary category as other physicians and surgeons. The average physician salary is $219,061 per year. Pathologist assistants make a national average of $76,918 per year. As with all jobs, your salary as a pathologist depends on several factors including your geographic location, your experience and your employer.

For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, visit Indeed.com/salaries.

Related: Guide To Becoming a Pathologist Assistant

Skills for a pathologist

Employers look for key skills when hiring pathologists. Therefore, improving your skills as they relate to a pathology profession increases your chances of employment. Here are the skills you need as a pathologist:

• Communication skills: Pathologists need verbal and written communication skills to perform their job effectively. Strong communication skills ensures successful interactions with other healthcare employees.

• Attention to detail: As a pathologist, you need to monitor and record a variety of patient care information with a strong attention to detail. Doing so ensures you provide patients with the appropriate treatment and medications.

• Patience: Since pathologists may wait a long time before coming to a diagnosis, it's important for them to have patience. Waiting the necessary time ultimately ensures an accurate diagnosis.

• Physical stamina: When they perform autopsies, pathologists need enough physical stamina to lift and move their patients. Physical stamina also helps with other physical tasks on the job.

• Problem-solving skills: Pathologists use their problem-solving skills to evaluate a variety of factors that help form a diagnosis. Using these skills, they're able to arrive at a more accurate diagnosis and present solutions to a variety of complex issues.