USA Career Guide- Pathologists
Education Required to be Pathologists in the USA
After completing the requisite 4 years of medical school, you must attend an accredited medical school and earn either a Medical Doctor (M.D.) degree or a Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.), pathologists conduct another 4 to 5 years of residency training before they are eligible to take board certification examinations. Many pathologists also undertake additional training in a subspecialty of pathology.
License and Certification
To practice as a pathologist, you must pass a national board certification exam in your specialty. You can apply for certification examinations by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC) after you have finished your educational and clinical requirements. Go to www.ascp.org/BOC for more information.
Standardized Test You must take the
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) before applying to any med school program.
Job Prospects of Pathologists in the USA
According to American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC) there are approximately 13,000 to 14,000 board certified pathologists in the United States who practice their specialty in community, university, and government hospitals and clinics, in independent laboratories, or in private offices, clinics, and other health care facilities. The workforce shortage for medical laboratory professionals means more jobs and opportunities for advancement nationwide.
Pay of Pathologists in the USA
Starting salaries for newly-certified pathologists can range from about $126,000 to $150,000 per year as per as per American Society for Clinical Pathology.