Career Overview
Diagnose diseases and conduct lab tests using organs, body tissues, and fluids. Includes medical examiners.
Also Known As
- Anatomic Pathologist
- Dermatopathologist
- Forensic Pathologist
- Pathologist
Alternate Job Titles
- Anatomic Pathologist
- Animal Pathologist
- Autopsy Pathologist
- Chemical Pathologist
- Clinical Pathologist
- Cytologist
- Cytopathologist
- Dermatopathologist
- DO Physician (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Physician)
- Forensic Pathologist
- Hematopathologist
- Histopathologist
- Immunopathologist
- Medical Pathologist
- Molecular Genetic Pathologist
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Examine microscopic samples to identify diseases or other abnormalities.
- Diagnose diseases or study medical conditions, using techniques such as gross pathology, histology, cytology, cytopathology, clinical chemistry, immunology, flow cytometry, or molecular biology.
- Write pathology reports summarizing analyses, results, and conclusions.
- Communicate pathologic findings to surgeons or other physicians.
- Identify the etiology, pathogenesis, morphological change, and clinical significance of diseases.
- Read current literature, talk with colleagues, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in pathology.
- Consult with physicians about ordering and interpreting tests or providing treatments.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Biology
- English Language
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Science
- Active Learning
- Complex Problem Solving
- Speaking
- Judgment and Decision Making
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Inductive Reasoning
- Problem Sensitivity
- Oral Comprehension
- Written Expression
- Oral Expression
- Written Comprehension
- Deductive Reasoning
- Near Vision
- Information Ordering
- Speech Clarity
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Achievement
- Independence
- Recognition
- Working Conditions
- Support
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Post-Doctoral Training
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Education Details: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience Required: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- SAP software
Tools & Equipment
- Albuminometers
- Anaerobic specimen transport systems
- Analytical balances
- Automated immunoassay analyzers
- Automated pipettes
- Automated slide stainers
- Biopsy needles
- Blood agar plates
- Blood culture incubators
- Blood gas analyzers
- Blood irradiators
- Bone marrow puncture needles
- Calorimeters
- Capillary tubes
- Centrifuges
Work Environment
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Time Pressure
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Telephone Conversations
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $83,930 |
| Median | >$239,200 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | >$239,200 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 11,800
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Pediatric Surgeons
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: >$239,200
Cardiologists
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: >$239,200
Radiologists
Education: Post-Doctoral Training
Median Salary: >$239,200
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: Varies
Allergists and Immunologists
Education: Post-Doctoral Training
Median Salary: >$239,200
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.