Pathologist

There are 2 routes to become a pathologist:

• medical doctor route
• clinical scientist route

For the medical doctor route you'll need to do:

• 5-year degree in medicine, recognised by the General Medical Council
• 2-year general training foundation course
• 5 or 6-year specialist training programme in pathology

If you do not have qualifications in science, you may be able to take a 6-year degree course in medicine, which includes a 1-year pre-medical or foundation year.

If you already have a degree in a science subject, minimum grade upper second class, you could take a fast-track 4-year graduate entry to medicine programme.

When you apply for a course in medicine, you could be asked to take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) or BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT). They test the skills you'll need on the course, like critical thinking, problem solving, data analysis, communication and scientific knowledge.

There's a lot of competition for places on medical degrees. Most university admissions departments will expect you to have done some relevant paid or voluntary experience.

For the clinical scientist route you'll need:

• 3 or 4 years for a degree or master's in a pure or applied science subject like biology, chemistry, clinical or biomedical science
• a 3 year, work-based Scientist Training Programme leading to a master's degree
• 5 year Higher Specialist Scientist Training following the pathology specialty

Entry requirements

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• university courses and entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• University Clinical Aptitude Test
• BioMedical Admissions Test

To become a veterinary pathologist, you'll need to train as a vet. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has more information about becoming a vet.

Registration

• you'll need to register with the General Medical Council

Further information

You can find out more about a career in pathology from the Royal College of Pathologists.

You'll need:

• knowledge of medicine and dentistry
• knowledge of biology
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• thinking and reasoning skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• analytical thinking skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• complex problem-solving skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

As part of your day-to-day duties, you might:

• examine the results of blood tests, smear tests and tissue removal
• explain test results and give advice on further medical assessments
• treat diseases and make sure blood transfusions are safe
• develop vaccines against infectious diseases and inherited conditions
• research and develop new tests and treatments
• organise work in laboratories and supervise other laboratory staff
• attend meetings with other health professionals to discuss the treatment of individual patients

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.