Master\u2019s Degree in Pathology \u2013 Two Year Duration\nStudents who wish to become a certified pathologist generally do
not earn this graduate degree. Instead, they go straight to medical school. The master\u2019s in pathology qualifies individuals to work as an assistant to a certified pathologist, or in biomedical careers in positions such as research assistant or research scientist at academic and private sector laboratories. It does
not qualify a person to work as a pathologist. \n
This program is a combination of coursework and research. Here are examples of required courses:
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\n- Principles of Molecular and Cellular Biology
\n- Introduction to Biostatistics
\n- Seminar in Pathology
\n- Pathogenesis / Mechanisms of Major Human Diseases
\n- Principles of Scholarly Integrity and Ethics in Research
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Additional coursework is focused on the area or topic of the individual student\u2019s thesis project.
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Doctoral / Medical Degree in Pathology \u2013 Eight to Ten Year Duration (see breakdown below)
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Medical School \u2013 Four Year Duration
\nMedical school is a very challenging four years of study that is divided into two parts. The first part, comprising the first two years of the schooling, is focused on course and lab work that prepares students intellectually for patient interaction. This training is in the biological and natural sciences, physiology, chemistry, medical ethics, and the art and practice of medicine.
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To test their grasp of this portion of training, in the second year of medical school students pursuing a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree must take and pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) \u2013 Step 1. Those pursuing a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree must take and pass the United States Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA) \u2013 Level 1. A passing score on the USMLE or COMLEX-USA indicates that students are ready to begin supervised patient visits and gain clinical experience.
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The second part of medical school, the second two years, is called Rotations. During this time, students have the opportunity to experience a variety of medical specialties and a variety of medical settings under the supervision of experienced physicians.
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Rotations further students\u2019 understanding of patient care, situations, scenarios, and the teams that come together to help those that are sick. As they complete rotations, students tend to find out that they gravitate towards certain specialties or environments that fit their particular interests and skill sets. It is important that this time inform their decision of specialty or subspecialty, so that they find complete satisfaction as a physician.
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After part two of medical school, students take the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) \u2013 Step 2 or the United States Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA) \u2013 Level 2. The objective of these exams is to test whether or not students have developed the clinical knowledge and skills that they will need to transition into unsupervised medical practice.
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Pathology Residency \u2013 Three to Four Year Duration
\nDuring this period, pathology residents conduct procedures under the supervision of a certified pathologist. These procedures vary depending on whether the resident has chosen to specialize in anatomic (or anatomical) pathology, clinical pathology, or a combination of both. Part of the residency involves collaborating with other medical specialists and primary care physicians.
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Anatomic Pathology Residency \u2013 Three Year Duration
\nStudents of anatomic pathology learn how to conduct visual, microscopic, and molecular analyses of tissues and organs. Their training is focused on conducting procedures such as these:
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\n- Gross examination \u2013 examination of diseased tissue with the naked eye, a magnifying glass, or a standard light microscope
\n- Cytopathology \u2013 examination of tissues at the cellular level, comprising tissues and cells acquired via surgical biopsy or fine needle aspiration (a type of biopsy that uses a very thin needle and syringe to remove a sample of cells or tissue)
\n- Histopathology \u2013 microscopic examination of changes in cell or tissue structure
\n- Electron microscopy \u2013 a technique for obtaining high resolution images of the structures inside a cell
\n- Immunohistochemistry (IHC) \u2013 the process whereby immune proteins (antibodies) are used to detect proteins (antigens) in cells within a tissue section; IHC) can help to identify cancer and certain viral infections
\n- Fluorescence in situ hyrbridization (FISH) \u2013 a molecular technique for detecting and locating a specific DNA or RNA sequence in a specimen to identify cancers or chromosomal abnormalities
\n- Tissue cytogenetics \u2013 a set of molecular techniques used to identify chromosomal disorders by detecting errors in genetic sequence
\n- Flow immunophenotyping \u2013 also known as flow cytometry, this is a laboratory method that detects the presence or absence of white blood cell markers called antigens
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Clinical Pathology Residency \u2013 Three Year Duration
\nStudents of clinical pathology learn how to conduct visual, microscopic, and lab analyses of blood, urine, and other body fluids. Their training involves conducting tests based on a physician\u2019s suspicion and returning results that either confirm or eliminate that suspicion. Procedures in clinical pathology are described as:
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\n- Macroscopic examinations \u2013 visual examination of a specimen to look for abnormalities like color, density, coagulation, and sedimentation
\n- Microscopic examinations \u2013 use of techniques and stains (examples: bacterial gram staining and FISH) to examine a specimen microscopically
\n- Automated analyzers / lab tests \u2013 medical lab instruments used to measure the properties of blood and other fluid specimens to determine whether they fall within, above, or below the expected reference range of the general population
\n- Lab cultures \u2013 the application of a specimen to a culture medium (a solid, liquid, or semi-solid designed to support the growth of microorganisms) to identify bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens (disease causing organisms)
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Combined Anatomic and Clinical Residency \u2013 Four Year Duration
\nThere is one subspecialty that is shared by anatomic and clinical pathologists. Molecular Genetic Pathology is a relatively new field concerned with the diagnosis of disease via examination of molecules in organs, tissues, and body fluids.
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Pathology Fellowship \u2013 One to Two Year Duration
\nMost pathologists pursue a fellowship in a pathology subspecialty.
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Anatomic Pathology Subspecialties
\n- Cytopathology \u2013 the study of disease on a molecular level
\n- Forensic Pathology \u2013 examination of the bodies of people who died to determine the cause of death (homicide, suicide, accidental, natural, or unknown); forensic pathologists are also known as medical examiners and coroners
\n- Neuropathology \u2013 the study and identification of diseases in the central (brain and spinal cord) and peripheral nervous systems, and skeletal muscle
\n- Pediatric Pathology \u2013 the study and identification of diseases affecting the fetus, newborn, and child
\n- Surgical Pathology \u2013 the study of tissues removed from living patients during surgery to help diagnose a disease and determine a treatment plan
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Clinical Pathology Subspecialties
\n- Bloodbanking and Transfusion Medicine
\n- Chemical Pathology \u2013 the use of lab tests to diagnose and monitor disease; also known as clinical biochemistry
\n- Clinical Microbiology \u2013 focuses on all aspects of infectious diseases
\n- Cytogenetics \u2013 the study of chromosomal structure, location, and function in the cells and inheritance of chromosomal disorders
\n- Hematopathology \u2013 the study, evaluation, and diagnosis of blood disorders
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Board certification of pathologists is awarded by the American Board of Pathology (ABP).
", "display_order": 2, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:09.697398-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-01-07T14:08:51.794653-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 918, "page": 1, "title": "Degrees Similar to Pathology", "summary_markdown": "**[Pre-Medicine](/degrees/pre-medicine-degree/)** \r\nThere is no distinct pre-medicine degree. \u2018Pre-medicine\u2019 or \u2018pre-med\u2019 is merely a term that students planning to go to medical school use to describe their undergraduate studies. In fact, aspiring doctors enter med school having earned many different bachelor\u2019s degrees. \r\n\r\nA science program such as biology or chemistry is certainly a common choice, but it is not mandatory. In other words, a pre-med student can be a psychology major, a statistics major, or a Spanish major. The key for students is to incorporate into their studies the classes needed to apply to medical school. \r\n\r\n**[Biochemistry](/degrees/biochemistry-degree/)** \r\nThe focus of biochemistry is the chemical processes and reactions that occur in living matter. Biochemists apply principles of both biology and chemistry to issues in many different sectors, including the environment, medicine and health, industry and manufacturing, agriculture, biofuels, and marine science. \r\n\r\n**[Biology](/degrees/biology-degree/)** \r\nA general biology degree program may include subjects like animal biology, invertebrate biology, vertebrate biology, cellular and molecular biology, evolution, microbiology, and ecology. \r\n\r\n**[Cytotechnology](/degrees/cytotechnology-degree/)** \r\nCytotechnology is the study of cells and cellular anomalies. Cytotechnologists use a microscope to examine slides of human cells to uncover evidence of abnormalities that may reveal inflammation, infection, or disease. \r\n\r\n**[Genetics](/degrees/genetics-degree/)** \r\nGenetics is the study of heredity. It attempts to answer questions about how inherited traits are transmitted from parents to offspring. \r\n\r\n**[Microbiology](/degrees/microbiology-degree/)** \r\nMicrobiology is the study of all living organisms that are too small to see with the naked eye. These \u2018microbes\u2019 include bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi, prions, protozoa, and algae.", "content_markdown": "**[Molecular Biology](/degrees/molecular-biology-degree/)** \r\nDegree programs in molecular biology teach the composition, structure, and interactions of cellular molecules like nucleic acids and proteins that are essential to cell function. \r\n\r\n**[Nuclear Medicine Technology](/degrees/nuclear-medicine-technology-degree/)** \r\nNuclear medicine technology uses radioactive drugs or *radiopharmaceuticals* to help diagnose and treat illnesses. Programs in the field include courses in anatomy and physiology, physics, medical microbiology and immunology, radiobiology, and pathophysiology. \r\n\r\n**[Nutrition Science](/degrees/nutrition-science-degree/)** \r\nThis degree field is concerned with the complex relationships between the body, nutrients, and health. Classes cover human nutrition and how the body processes nutrients. \r\n\r\n**[Physiology](/degrees/physiology-degree/)** \r\nDegree programs in this field are concerned with how the parts of the body work to keep it alive. Physiology, a subsection of biology, covers a variety of interconnected topics including, organs, anatomy, cells, and biological compounds. \r\n\r\n**[Toxicology](/degrees/toxicology-degree/)** \r\nWe are all exposed to chemicals. Many of them benefit society. Some, however, may threaten our health. Pesticides in the food we eat, pollutants in the air we breathe, chemicals in the water we drink, adverse effects of drugs used to treat disease \u2013 these are the subjects of toxicology. These are the concerns of toxicologists, who seek to understand the effects of exposure to harmful substances, to improve the health and safety of humans and other living organisms, and to protect the environment in which we live. \r\n\r\nToxicology connects knowledge from biology, chemistry, medicine, veterinary medicine, pharmacology, public health, and environmental science.", "content_html": "
Molecular Biology
\nDegree programs in molecular biology teach the composition, structure, and interactions of cellular molecules like nucleic acids and proteins that are essential to cell function.
\n
Nuclear Medicine Technology
\nNuclear medicine technology uses radioactive drugs or radiopharmaceuticals to help diagnose and treat illnesses. Programs in the field include courses in anatomy and physiology, physics, medical microbiology and immunology, radiobiology, and pathophysiology.
\n
Nutrition Science
\nThis degree field is concerned with the complex relationships between the body, nutrients, and health. Classes cover human nutrition and how the body processes nutrients.
\n
Physiology
\nDegree programs in this field are concerned with how the parts of the body work to keep it alive. Physiology, a subsection of biology, covers a variety of interconnected topics including, organs, anatomy, cells, and biological compounds.
\n
Toxicology
\nWe are all exposed to chemicals. Many of them benefit society. Some, however, may threaten our health. Pesticides in the food we eat, pollutants in the air we breathe, chemicals in the water we drink, adverse effects of drugs used to treat disease \u2013 these are the subjects of toxicology. These are the concerns of toxicologists, who seek to understand the effects of exposure to harmful substances, to improve the health and safety of humans and other living organisms, and to protect the environment in which we live.
\n
Toxicology connects knowledge from biology, chemistry, medicine, veterinary medicine, pharmacology, public health, and environmental science.
", "display_order": 3, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:09.698447-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-01-07T14:18:25.682752-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 918, "page": 1, "title": "Skills You’ll Learn", "summary_markdown": "- Visual aptitude / the ability to build pictures in your mind \r\n- Pattern recognition \r\n- Ability to work both independently and in teams \r\n- Observation \r\n- Investigation and interpretation / analysis \r\n- Patience \r\n- Methodical approach \r\n- Conviction, imagination, an open mind, and capacity and willingness to question \r\n- Synthesizing and communicating information \r\n- Stress management \r\n- Organization \r\n- Problem solving \r\n- Ability to combine science and fact with art and intuition \r\n- Thoroughness \r\n- Extreme attention to detail \r\n- Information technology \r\n- Understanding statistical data", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "", "display_order": 4, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:09.699474-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-01-07T14:00:07.101013-08:00"}, {"degree_id": 918, "page": 1, "title": "What Can You Do with a Pathology Degree?", "summary_markdown": "Employment options for pathology graduates can be divided into two career sectors: medical laboratory science and medical practice. Here are some possible roles within each of these sectors: \r\n\r\n**Medical Laboratory Science** \r\nThese positions are generally with academic, clinical/medical, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical laboratories, and are often occupied by grads holding a master\u2019s in pathology: \r\n\r\n- Clinical / Medical Laboratory Technician \r\n- Clinical / Medical Research Associate \r\n- [Cytotechnologist](/careers/cytotechnologist/) \r\n- Forensic Technician \r\n- [Histotechnologist](/careers/histotechnologist/) (prepares surgical specimens for microscopic screening by a surgical pathologist) \r\n- Laboratory Manager \r\n- Medical Lab Technician \r\n- [Medical Technologist](/careers/medical-and-clinical-laboratory-technologist/) \r\n- Pathologist Assistant \r\n- Research Assistant / Technician \r\n- Research Coordinator \r\n- Research Laboratory Scientist \r\n- Research Laboratory Technologist \r\n- Researcher \r\n- Toxicologist \r\n\r\n**Medical Practice** \r\nMedical school / pathology graduates typically work in hospitals, labs, or morgues. Here are some of the titles commonly held by these medical doctors: \r\n\r\n- Anatomic Pathologist \r\n- Clinical Pathologist \r\n- [Coroner](/careers/coroner/) \r\n- [Forensic Pathologist](/careers/forensic-pathologist/) \r\n- Medical Examiner \r\n- [Pathologist](/careers/pathologist/) \r\n- [Professor](/careers/professor/) / Researcher", "content_markdown": "", "content_html": "", "display_order": 5, "created_at": "2019-10-01T11:36:09.700531-07:00", "updated_at": "2022-01-07T14:00:07.132171-08:00"}], "degree_specializations": []}">
