Pathologist
Diagnose, prevent, treat and study illness by looking at cells and tissue samples from patients and dead bodies.
About the job
A day in the life – Pathologist
What it's like
You would diagnose, prevent, treat and study illness by looking at cells and tissue samples from patients and dead bodies.
There are five main areas you could work in:
Chemical pathology/clinical biochemistry - study of chemicals in the blood
Haematology - study of disorders of the blood
Histopathology - study of disease in human tissue
Medical microbiology and virology - study of infection
Immunology - study of the immune system
You would work with doctors, nurses and other medical staff.
Your work would play an important part in the diagnosis of disease. It would be your responsibility to make sure that patients get the right treatment as early as possible.
Your daily tasks would depend on your specialism, but in general you would:
Look at blood and tissue samples to see if disease is present
Explain test results to other staff and give advice on the next steps
Treat diseases and make sure blood transfusions are safe
Develop vaccines against infectious diseases and inherited conditions
Research and develop new tests and treatments
Manage laboratory staff
Go to meetings to discuss the treatment of patients
You could become a forensic pathologist, specialising in performing autopsies on dead bodies to discover the cause of death. You would try to find out whether people died accidentally or by suicide or murder. You may sometimes have to go to court to give evidence in criminal cases.
You could also work as a veterinary pathologist and study animal disease. In this case you would have to train as a vet before specialising in pathology.
Hours
You will usually work Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. You may be expected to work occasional weekends and night shifts in emergencies. There are often part-time hours and opportunities for flexible working.
Environment
Pathologists work in laboratories, clinics and hospital wards. If you work in a laboratory, you will usually have to wear a lab coat. You will also wear protective gear such as safety goggles, a face mask or rubber boots depending on the work you are doing.
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Related industries
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Healthcare
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- ornithology
- immunohistochemistry
- in situ hybridization
- histopathology
- cytogenetics
- anatomical pathology
- field surveys
- executive coaching
- creating shared value
- cytopathology
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- problem solving
- observation
- researching
- social conscience
- supporting
- written communication
- analysing
- attention to detail
- making decisions
- resilience
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Chemistry
Human Biology
Physics
Skills for Work: Laboratory Science
You'll need to become a doctor and specialise in pathology as your career progresses.
Your training would include:
A 5-year degree in medicine (SCQF Level 10), recognised by the General Medical Council (GMC)
A 2-year foundation course in general training
6 years of specialist training to become a consultant in a pathology specialism
The Royal College of Pathologists has more information about becoming a pathologist.
To enter a medical degree (SCQF level 10) requires National 5 qualifications and at least five Highers at AAAAB or above, usually achieved at one sitting. Most people also study Advanced Highers in science subjects.
If you have five good Highers but do not have the science subjects required, Dundee University runs a 6-year course which includes a pre-medical year (SCQF level 10).
Glasgow Kelvin College offers an Access to Medical Studies (SWAP) for adults who do not have the required qualifications.
Perth College and the University of Highlands and Islands offer a Higher National Certificate (SCFQ level 7) Pathways to Medicine course requiring National 5 qualifications and at least one Higher.
Any extra qualifications that show your understanding of the sciences, health and medicine such as Skills for Work Health Sector (SCQF level 4/5) or Laboratory Science (SCQF level 5).
Before applying to medical school you must sit the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT).
You need to be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland.
You should be fit and healthy.
You must provide evidence that you do not have, and have been immunised against, Hepatitis B.
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