How to Become a Pathologist
There are three main routes to careers in Pathology:
Doctor
To become a medical pathologist it is necessary to obtain a medical degree, which takes approximately five years. UK medical graduates then enter a two year period of general Foundation Programme Training after which they apply for Specialty Training. Each pathology specialty has a separate training programme. Entry into some programmes is direct from the Foundation Programme, other programmes require a two year period of Core Specialty Training in Medicine prior to entry.
- Chemical pathology/clinical biochemistry (with metabolic medicine)
- Haematology
- Histopathology
- Medical microbiology and virology
Clinical Scientist
Clinical scientists are graduates, usually with a first or upper second honours degree in a subject like biochemistry, and often with a PhD. They usually undertake a three-year paid programme of basic training, followed by four to five years of specialist training. For further information regarding scientist training, contact The Association of Clinical Scientists
Biomedical Scientist (BMS)
Biomedical scientists are honours graduates in science, who usually enter training in pathology after their first degree. Training takes up to two years, depending on the context of the first degree. The Modernising Scientific Careers framework also provides for entry into BMS training from the Healthcare Assistant level. For further information regarding biomedical scientist training, contact The Institute of Biomedical Science
Careers in Pathology
If you are interested in a career in Pathology please take the time to look at the following presentation from one of our trainees Dr Magdy Tawfik:
Additionally, please see the Royal College of Pathologists 'Careers in Pathology' page for further information.