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What is a Pathologist?

Pathologist Definition Diagnose presence and stage of diseases using laboratory techniques and patient specimens. Study the nature, cause, and development of diseases. May perform autopsies.

List of Pathologist Job Duties

  • Develop or adopt new tests or instruments to improve diagnosis of diseases.
  • Conduct genetic analyses of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or chromosomes to diagnose small biopsies and cell samples.
  • Analyze and interpret results from tests such as microbial or parasite tests, urine analyses, hormonal assays, fine needle aspirations (FNAs), and polymerase chain reactions (PCRs).
  • Conduct research and present scientific findings.
  • Perform autopsies to determine causes of deaths.
  • Diagnose diseases or study medical conditions using techniques such as gross pathology, histology, cytology, cytopathology, clinical chemistry, immunology, flow cytometry, or molecular biology.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Pathologist?

These are the skills Pathologists say are the most useful in their careers:

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Types of Pathologist Jobs

  • Immunopathologist
  • Associate Professor of Pathology
  • Dermatopathologist
  • Attending Pathologist
  • Poultry Pathologist

Job Demand for Pathologists

In the United States, there were 372,400 jobs for Pathologist in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 11.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 42,300 new jobs for Pathologist by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 14,300 job openings in this field each year.

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The states with the most job growth for Pathologist are Arizona, Alaska, and Utah. Watch out if you plan on working in Connecticut, Rhode Island, or Illinois. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

How Much Does a Pathologist Make?

The typical yearly salary for Pathologists is somewhere between $60,280 and $208,000.

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Pathologists who work in Alaska, Arizona, or Colorado, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Pathologists in different U.S. states.

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $183,510
Alaska $244,220
Arizona $229,090
Arkansas $165,290
California $208,740
Colorado $219,310
Connecticut $221,870
Delaware $216,600
District of Columbia $182,910
Florida $205,020
Georgia $235,060
Hawaii $228,470
Idaho $241,670
Illinois $183,780
Indiana $237,470
Iowa $219,300
Kansas $191,430
Kentucky $223,770
Louisiana $183,920
Maine $257,550
Maryland $196,210
Massachusetts $207,990
Michigan $181,760
Minnesota $245,040
Mississippi $174,340
Missouri $203,440
Montana $247,260
Nebraska $161,880
Nevada $227,500
New Hampshire $275,840
New Jersey $208,820
New Mexico $229,100
New York $171,060
North Carolina $198,040
North Dakota $266,510
Ohio $212,160
Oklahoma $155,130
Oregon $202,750
Pennsylvania $195,810
Rhode Island $209,580
South Carolina $185,210
South Dakota $227,710
Tennessee $231,960
Texas $199,370
Utah $218,210
Vermont $176,520
Virginia $199,080
Washington $239,080
West Virginia $222,270
Wisconsin $239,610
Wyoming $234,610

What Tools do Pathologists Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Pathologists:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office
  • Laboratory information system LIS
  • CPSI CPSI System
  • Orchard Software Orchard Harvest LIS
  • STARLIMS
  • Sunquest Information Systems Sunquest Laboratory
  • Antek HealthWare LabDAQ
  • Aspyra CyberLAB
  • CSS CLS-2000
  • Cerner Millennium PathNet
  • ClinLab LIS
  • Clinical Software Solutions CLIN1 Suite
  • Comp Pro Med Polytech
  • Custom Software Systems StarLab
  • Elekta Impac Software IntelliLab
  • EpicLab Laboratory Information System
  • Fletcher-Flora Health Care Systems FFlex eSuite LIS
  • Fletcher-Flora Health Care Systems LabPak LIS
  • GE Healthcare Centricity Laboratory

How do I Become a Pathologist?

Are there Pathologists education requirements?

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What work experience do I need to become a Pathologist?

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Where Pathologists Work

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The table below shows the approximate number of Pathologists employed by various industries.

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Those interested in being a Pathologist may also be interested in:

Are you already one of the many Pathologist in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:

References:

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More about our data sources and methodologies.

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