Pathologist

Pathologists work in hospitals and laboratories on different areas of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Potential salary: £54,000 starter to £115,000 experienced per year
Typical hours: 37 to 40 a week. Working pattern: evenings / weekends / bank holidays on a rota.
Career area: Health and care
Where they might work: You could work in an NHS or private hospital or in a laboratory. Your working environment may be emotionally demanding. You may need to wear protective clothing.
A typical task: examine, explain and advice on the results of blood tests, smear tests and tissue removal
Subjects that may help: 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
Typical route: You can take either a medical doctor route or clinical scientist route to become a pathologist.
Interest area used here: Health and laboratory science, Asking questions and research

Career actions

What you might do

examine, explain and advice on the results of blood tests, smear tests and tissue removal
research and develop new tests and treatments
treat diseases and develop vaccines against diseases and conditions
organise work in laboratories and supervise staff
discuss the treatment of individual patients with other health professionals

Could this suit me?

Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.

knowledge of medicine
analytical thinking skills
the ability to work well under pressure
knowledge of biology
thinking and reasoning skills
to be thorough and pay attention to detail

More skills

excellent verbal communication skills
complex problem-solving skills
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Routes into this career

University route

You can take either a medical doctor route or clinical scientist route to become a pathologist.
To become a pathologist through the medical doctor route, you'll need to complete:
a degree in medicine, recognised by the General Medical Council which takes 5 years
a foundation course of general training which takes 2 years
a specialist training programme in pathology which can take between 5 to 6 years
There's a lot of competition for places on medical degrees. Most universities will expect you to have done some paid or voluntary work experience in healthcare .
If you already have a first class or 2:1 (upper second class) science degree, you could take the graduate entry route into medicine instead. Some universities will also accept non-science graduates, but you might need to a do a foundation year.
When you apply for a course in medicine, you may be asked to take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) .
It tests the skills you'll need on the course, like critical thinking, problem solving, data analysis, communication and scientific knowledge.
To become a pathologist through the clinical scientist route, you'll need to complete:
a degree or master's in a science subject like biology, chemistry, clinical or biomedical science which takes 3 to 4 years
the Scientist Training Programme which is work based, takes 3 years and leads to a master's degree
the pathology speciality of the Higher Specialist Scientist Training Programme which takes 5 years
You'll usually need:
5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology and chemistry
equivalent entry requirements
university courses and entry requirements
student finance for fees and living costs
University Clinical Aptitude Test

University courses that could lead to this career

These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.

Medicine
Direct qualifying route. Medical pathology follows a medical degree. A science degree is a different job route.

Explore university routes

Career progression

With experience you could:
lead a team or manage a department
apply for senior or consultant roles if you're on the General Medical Council's Specialist Register
move into teaching and training students, trainee doctors and other healthcare professionals

Registration and requirements

you'll need to register with the General Medical Council

Subjects that may help

Subject guidance

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology and chemistry