Career Overview
Entry Level Education
Professional or Doctoral degree
Patient Interaction
Moderate
Body Fluid Interaction
Very High
Salary
Above $180,000
Job Growth
14.90%
Job Description:
Diagnose presence and stage of diseases using laboratory techniques and patient specimens. Study the nature, cause, and development of diseases. May perform autopsies.
What Pathologist Do:
A pathologist is a physician who studies body fluids and tissues, helps your primary care doctor make a diagnosis about your health or any medical problems you have, and uses laboratory tests to monitor the health of patients with chronic conditions.
How to Become One:
After completing a four year bachelor's degree, students then take four years of graduate education leading to a degree in medicine (M.D.) or osteopathy (D.O.). After receiving a medical degree, students must complete a three-four year residency program in anatomic and/or clinical pathology.