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Pathologists

Diagnose diseases using laboratory techniques.

Quick Facts

Wages:

Median wages for the broader occupation, Physicians and Surgeons, All Other, are / hour.

Education:

Graduate degree (any type) is typically required.

On the Job:

Typical Work Tasks
  • Diagnose medical conditions.
  • Conduct research to increase knowledge about medical issues.
  • Maintain medical or professional knowledge.
  • Prepare reports summarizing patient diagnostic or care activities.
Read more about the job

Job Title Examples:

Clinical Pathologist
Histopathologist
Pathology Laboratory Director

See more job title examples

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This page includes information from the O*NET 24.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.



On the Job

 

Pathologists are health care professionals who specialize in using human specimens (such as blood or tissues) to diagnose diseases. They work in laboratories, examining and testing specimens with special equipment or materials. They diagnose diseases using techniques such as histology, cytology, immunology, and others.

 

Typical Work Tasks

People who work in this career often:


Typical Working Conditions

 

O*NET in-it

This page includes information from the O*NET 24.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.

 


Education & Credentials

 

This is a new or emerging specialty. The information on this page is based on the broader career that this specialty is part of, Physicians and Surgeons, All Other.

 

Educational Requirements

Graduate degree (any type)

 

Education level attained (national data)

Education Level Attained (national data)
Education Level AttainedPercentage of workers in this occupation
Less than high school diploma0.2
High school diploma or equivalent0.2
Some college, no degree0.1
Associate degree0
Bachelors degree1.7
Masters degree0.9
Doctoral (Ph.D) or professional degree96.8

 

Work Experience and Training Requirements

Nationally, this career typically requires:

  • No related work experience for entry.
  • Internship/residency to become competent.

 

Majors

Click on any of the Majors listed below to find out more about preparing for this career.

 

Transfer Options

 

Licenses

Licenses are knowledge and skill credentials that are legally required in some careers.

This occupation requires a license.

Physician (Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.

 

Helpful High School Courses

Examples of helpful classes that help you prepare for this career:

  • Anatomy
  • Chemistry
  • Community Health
  • Computer Applications
  • Human Development
  • Medical Ethics
  • Nutrition
  • Research Methods
  • Safety and First Aid/CPR
  • Sociology
  • Statistics
  • World Languages

In Minnesota, your school may have developed a Program of Study in this career area. A Program of Study is an academic and career plan developed by your high school to help move you towards a career and college path. A Program of Study can help you:

  • Select high school classes that prepare you for college and getting a job
  • Understand how the classes you're taking in high school lead to a career
  • Identify extra-curricular activities that are related to your career interest
  • See what classes at your school offer early college credit that will save you time and money towards your college expenses
  • Graduate from high school prepared for your next step toward the career you choose

 

O*NET in-it

This page includes information from the O*NET 24.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.



Skills & Knowledge

 

Most Important Skills for Pathologists


 

Most Important Knowledge Areas for Pathologists



Interests


Different careers may be a good fit for your personality or interests. This career is:

Learn more about your interests. Take the MnCareers Interest Assessment.

 

Describe Your Skills


This is a new or emerging career specialty. Skill statements are still under development.

 

Careers that Use Similar Skills


The following careers use skills, knowledge, and abilities that are similar to those used for Pathologists.

 

View more careers in the Health Science cluster

View more careers in the Therapeutic Services pathway

 

O*NET in-it

This page includes information from the O*NET 24.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.



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Jobs



Real-time job data provided by Gartner TalentNeuron

 

Job Title Examples


Clinical Pathologist,  Histopathologist,  Pathology Laboratory Director,  Clinical Laboratory Medical Director,  Cytologist,  Dermatopathologist,  Forensic Pathologist,  Immunopathologist,  Molecular Pathologist,  Neuropathologist,  Ocular Pathologist,  Ophthalmic Pathologist,  Pediatric Pathologist,  Surgical Pathologist,  Veterinary Pathologist 

 

Where Do Pathologists Work?


Pathologists often work in the following industries.

 

Similar Careers


Below are careers that use skill sets that are similar to Pathologists.



Source: You can learn about our data sources in the About Us section.