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Pathologist

Pathologists at the forefront of healthcare innovation and diagnosis that affects us all from the cradle to the grave dealing with the causes and effects of diseases, examining and interpreting samples of body cells and tissues.  

You will play a vital part in helping patients to get the services they need. The most common areas of pathology are blood sciences, microbiology, cellular pathology (histopathology), genetics and mortuary services. Most Scientists are lab based and do not have any direct patient contact, but all treatment starts with a pathology test, and advancement in digital technology is helping pathologists to push the boundaries of science and healthcare. 

You can progress into a leadership position, training others, or a career in research.  Few other professions offer as much choice or opportunity for personal and professional growth. 

Pathologist is also known as Clinical Scientist, Biomedical Scientist, Anatomical Technician.

Role Characteristics

  • Examine blood, urine and body tissue for disease
  • Produce reports and advise clinicians on the results
  • Research and develop new tests
  • Make decisions based on test results
  • Organise work in laboratories and supervise staff
  • Work with other health and care professionals involved in treating patients

Skills

  • Attention to detail
  • Observation
  • Problem-solving
  • Operating equipment
  • Specialist skills
  • Using technology

Day in the life

Find out more about being a Pathologist

Routes into this role

Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.

  • GCSEs
  • BTEC
  • A-Levels
  • Undergraduate degree
  • Degree apprenticeship
  • Postgraduate degree

How to become

There are various different career paths into Pathology which is dependent on the role and speciality you choose from based on your interests, qualifications and previous experience. 

Choosing colleges and universities is dependent on the career path you choose to follow. Local Higher Education Institute’s may be providers such as: Leeds Beckett University, Leeds Trinity or University of Bradford. For the Apprenticeship and Scientist Training Programme (STP) schemes at LTHT, the Higher Education Institute will be dictated. 

To follow the biomedical scientist route the degree needs to be Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) accredited although top up modules can be undertaken to ensure your degree meets the IBMS accreditation to become registered.

If you are interested in the apprenticeship route you can start off with a BTEC level 2 Diploma in Healthcare Sciences - this apprenticeship consists of mandatory taught modules and assessments, combined with workplace modules, assessment and on the job training in your speciality area. You will develop your electronic portfolio of work culminating with an End Point Assessment. 

Depending on the level of apprenticeship you will be eligible to become a Healthcare Support Worker (Level 4), Healthcare Scientist (Level 6) or Advanced Healthcare Scientist (Level 7). 

It is important to check your preferred course provider's entry requirements for guidance.

To practice as a Pathologists, you must be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC)

Where can this role lead

No matter what role you start in or where you are in your career path, there are always opportunities to develop and progress in health and care.

With experience you could manage a team within a lab, progressing further in leadership roles as an Operational Manager or Service Manager. You could also study to become a Consultant Clinical Scientist. You could move into pathology research or training. If you are interested in IT you could become a Pathology Systems Manager supporting pathology teams with the technology needed to interpret test results. 

Location

  • Hospitals
  • Laboratories

Working hours

  • Full Time
  • Part Time
  • Weekdays
  • Weekends
  • Overtime

Leeds Opportunities

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BTECs, T-levels or A-levels
Leeds City College Health and Social Care courses
Find BTEC, T-Level or A-Level courses in Health and Care at Leeds City College
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Leeds City College
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Undergraduate Degree
Biomedical Science BSc
Discover how the human body works in health and disease. You'll learn to diagnose and fight diseases in our specialist labs on this biomedical science degree.
Organisation
Leeds Beckett University
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Undergraduate Degree
Biomedical Sciences BSc
Become an expert in biomedical sciences; a rapidly-growing area developing solutions to a range of challenges linked to maintaining health and wellbeing at each stage of life.
Organisation
IBMS
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Volunteering
Volunteering in Health and Care
Find out more about volunteering opportunities in Health and Care
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Volunteering Oppertunities
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