Requirements for Becoming a Pathologist

To become a top Pathologist, the list of requirements can be broadly divided into two parts. The first is academic requirements, which refer to the academic degrees that a student needs for employment or higher studies. The second part includes soft skills and expertise in the subject that will transform the aspirant into a top Pathologist in due course of time. The online Pathology course for MBBS students gives a fair share of ideas about what aspiring Pathologists can expect during their journey to becoming top Pathologists. In such online courses, the well-known faculty and established Pathologists themselves provide the conceptual clarity of the subject, learning tips with preparation strategies, and even share their real-life medical case experiences. Hence, a student can get a clearer notion about being a Pathologist as well as the necessary aspects that can help them become a top Pathologist.

Eligibility required for becoming a certified Pathologist

·         A student shall pursue an undergraduate degree (B.Sc. Pathology/ MBBS) that is validated throughout India and is an essential professional credential for any aspirant who wishes to pursue a career in Pathology

·         License for practicing disciplines of Pathology

·         Higher degrees, super-specialty courses, or advanced skill sets in Pathology (optional) can help boost a career as a Pathologist

After achieving all levels of academic qualifications, gain work experience and enhance your soft skills. Pathology for Undergrads deals with the basic knowledge and skills in Pathology whereas an MD degree/ Master’s in Pathology paves way for 4 chief career options:

·         First is pursuing a super-specialty course that guarantees experience as well as great exposure. A few super specialty courses that are highly in demand are – neuropathology, cytopathology, sociopathology, hematopathology, and molecular hematology.

      The second is joining Academics. There are government and private medical colleges and universities. Students who have obtained impressive academic credentials, for instance, received gold medals or got their papers published in national and international medical journals, can easily get admission to medical colleges or universities for pursuing a higher degree/super specialty course in Pathology or can also pursue their full-time career in academics.

·         Third is joining the government or corporate sector for full-time employment. On carefully considering the career options for a skilled Pathologist, a student can become an employee and gain valuable work experience. A Pathology Study Course usually equips a medico with the necessary knowledge and skills that find utilization at workplaces. As an employee, a Pathologist is expected to put in a lot of dedicated effort, hard work, and patience. Experience in any discipline of Pathology is highly valued. Hence, once you successfully gain years of experience, you can negotiate expensive pay packages.

·         Lastly, Pathologists can consider starting their own laboratory. Just like any start-up model, they have to make provisions for various pathological procedures, modern equipment, a network of manufacturers and suppliers, trained technicians, standard operational procedures, quality assurance, and obtain accreditations and certifications, including related documentation. Having clinical partners like hospitals, private clinics, and diagnostic specialists in different branches of Pathology would facilitate the functioning of a self-owned laboratory.

A Pathology course from a reputed medical institution or any renowned online learning platform provides access to the Pathology community. The chief requirement for becoming a top Pathologist is rendering service with utmost professionalism yet with a touch of compassion.