How to become an anatomical pathology technician
You can get into this job through an apprenticeship or a trainee position.
Apprenticeship
You could do a mortuary technician advanced apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
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Other Routes
You'll need to complete a 2 year traineeship. Training and education in pathology combines learning on the job and in the classroom.
To begin with, you'll observe a pathologist in a mortuary to watch how it's done. Then you'll do some of the work yourself with the help of senior staff and pathologists.
You'll also attend classes for a level 3 diploma awarded by the Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH).
To become a trainee you'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs or equivalent at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English, maths and a science - usually biology
- to be sensitive to the issues facing families dealing with the death of a loved one
- an awareness and respect for different religious beliefs about death
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Career tips
You might find it easier to apply for trainee positions if you have experience of record keeping or dealing with legal issues.
Professional and industry bodies
Once you have your diploma, you can apply to join the Royal Society of Public Health and the Association of Anatomical Pathology Technology.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming an anatomical pathology technician from Health Careers and the Association of Anatomical Pathology Technology.