When you face any disturbance in your body, your doctor would recommend a test. You have to conduct the examination as per the doctor’s instructions in some pathological labs. A pathologist is a medical professional who performs various body tests to find the actual cause of the disease. A doctor considers the report that is submitted by a pathologist and he starts medications and other mode of treatments. In medical terminology, the role of a pathologist is crucial as he is associated with diagnosing various diseases.
You must know that the body of a human is made of various organs. You may face any issues. Our body is like a machine. As a machine, it may get damaged or have any problems at any point in time. In this case, you require proper treatment. A pathologist can help you in knowing the actual body problem. He is an expert in this field. If you want to become a pathologist, you should have the passion and zeal to know about the subject right from the beginning. You have to acquire specific academic qualifications to become a pathologist.
Educational qualifications to become a pathologist:
You have to secure specific academic qualifications to become a pathologist. It would help if you tried to attain it under any conditions.
- You have to complete 10+2 from the science stream with subjects like Physics, chemistry, math’s, and biology. You have to secure 60% marks in the board examination.
- Then you have to complete your MBBS from a reputed medical college. If required, you must try to clear the entrance examination that the colleges conduct.
- After completing the MBBS degree, you can opt for a specialization in Pathology. This subject will require rigorous practical classes and experiments.
Also Read: List of Different Types of Medical Courses in India
Skills required becoming a pathologist:
It would help if you had an acquired some skills to become a pathologist. In the following lines, you will know about them.
- If you wish to become a pathologist, you should have a specific eye detail. In other words, you must have better observation skills. This can immensely help you in the subject.
- You must have better data analysis and interpretation skills. It is much required in this subject.
- You must have excellent communication skills. This is required while writing reports and interacting with people.
- You must also have a fair knowledge of the nature, cause, and development of the disease.
- It is essential to see that you have a positive approach towards the patients. You must remember that pathology is an integral part of medical science.
Steps of becoming a pathologist:
For becoming a pathologist, you have to follow specific steps. If you follow the steps, you can become a successful pathologist.
- If you intend to become a pathologist, you should make it a challenge in your life. It would help if you started the preparation after passing 10+2. You have to take science in this part with subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Maths. After passing out, you can take admission to some private colleges. Many times these colleges conduct entrance examinations. It is okay if you clear such examinations. Even separate tests are also conducted by AIIMS, AFMC Pune, and other institutes. The exams are conducted during the month of May and June. You have to stay updated about the notifications of the exam. These colleges conduct objective tests for the candidates. If you clear the exam, we will call you for an interview. The admission is taken based upon your performance in the exam.
- You have to complete the four and a half years of MBBS degree with anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, orthopedics, and other subjects. Soon after completing the MBBS degree, you have to opt for six months to one-year training program. This is mandatory, and you have to follow it. You can earn a lot of knowledge and experience in this phase. Now you can select pathology as the subject of specialization. During this time, you have to come across other subjects that are related to pathology.
- Now here comes the essential part that you must be trying to know. What can be the approximate fee for the pathology course? You must understand that the cost of the fees differs from college to college. However, the course’s approximate cost ranges from INR 10, 00.000 to INR 20, 00,000. If you wish, you can opt for an educational loan that you can repay after getting the job. If you are a bright student, you can also opt for a stipend and scholarship. Many educational institutions also offer this opportunity to talented and promising students. It would help if you should grab.
Job description of a pathologist:
It would help if you also were well-aware of the job description of a pathologist. If you are a pathologist, you have to deal with tissues, blood, stools, and urine of human bodies to diagnose the body’s problem. You have to be well-aware of the modern instruments that are used for testing. Based on the test, you have to prepare a report with thorough descriptions. These reports are submitted to the physicians. The physicians will start treating based on the information. Sometimes, you may have to deal with and handle the dead persons to find the actual cause of death.
Categories of Pathologist:
You must know that there are various categories of pathologists. You can choose the perfect one. The branch of pathology is divided into two parts. One is Anatomical pathology, and the other one is clinical pathology. Here are some of them.
- Anatomical pathology is divided into parts like cytopathology, histopathology, and forensic pathology. Cytopathology is the study of cells of the human body. Histopathology is the branch of pathology that deals with the task of tissues and cells that causes body changes. On the other part, forensic pathology is that branch of pathology that deals with the cause of death of a person. It is done through several tests. However, forensic pathology is considered to be the essential one.
- Clinical pathology is also divided into several parts, and they are hematology, immunology, and chemical pathology. Haemotology is a branch of pathology that deals with the tests related to various diseases in a human body. Immunology deals with the different set of conditions that is related to the immune system. Chemical pathology is that branch of pathology that deals with urine, blood, and stools of the human body.
Prospects of a pathologist:
You have ample options once you complete the course. You can choose it accordingly. Most Government hospitals and private clinics always look for an excellent and experienced pathologist. You can apply for those jobs. If you get selected, it can bring you great luck and prospects. The Government bodies can be much secured and better as they provide better salaries along with retirement pensions. You can also get an excellent job in a private hospital. These hospitals also pay decent wages to the employees.
On the other hand, you have the option to open clinics. You can independently carry out all the tests. This will give you better exposure and prospects. You might have to invest in opening a pathological clinic initially.
Top Indian institutes on pathology:
Here come some of the best Indian institutes that provide the subject of pathology. These colleges are run by the top and experienced faculties. If you get a scope to study in these colleges you should move ahead to make a better career.
- AIIMS, Delhi
- CMC Vellore
- J Medical College, Ahmedabad
- Armed Forces Medical Colleges, Pune
- Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow
- Neigrihms, Shillong
Conclusion:
If you are looking for a bright career in pathology, you should start. It is an essential branch of medical science that can help to know about the body’s exact problem. You must remember that to diagnose the health problem, you have to conduct a thorough test. It is only possible by a pathologist. The career of a pathologist is exciting and challenging.
Rahul Kumar is a passionate educator, writer, and subject matter expert in the field of education and professional development. As an author on CoursesXpert, Rahul Kumar’s articles cover a wide range of topics, from various courses, educational and career guidance.
