Forensic Pathologist Degree Requirements
- Forensic pathologists examine human tissue to determine the cause of death.micro image by Andrey Kiselev from Fotolia.com
Forensic pathologists are doctors who specialize in performing autopsies, which are usually performed with the intent of establishing whether the cause of death was accidental or intentional. The path to becoming a forensic pathologist requires extensive education and hands-on training. According to Payscale, as of July 2010 the average annual pay range for forensic pathologists was $52,139 to $165,147. - Training for a career in forensic pathology requires a student to obtain an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university. Entry to medical school requires a four-year bachelor's degree. Although many assume entry into medical school requires the completion of a premedical major as an undergraduate, many applicants have biological sciences backgrounds. Those who plan to become forensic pathologists would do well to pursue an undergraduate degree in biology, microbiology or physiology to obtain the necessary background for understanding the human body and its basic functions.
- Once admitted to medical school, students work to obtain their doctor of medicine (M.D.) or doctor of osteopathy (D.O.) degree, but an M.D. is preferable because it is less focused on preventative medicine. Medical school usually takes four to six years to complete, depending on the school and curriculum. Most medical schools introduce students to advanced science classes in the first two years of study. Coursework often includes studies in immunology, pathology and microbiology. Students with undergraduate degrees in these or related fields may not need to complete some of these courses and may accelerate their education as a result. During the remaining years of medical education, students are introduced to studies in various areas of medical practice and more advanced courses in science and pathological diseases.
- Residency programs allow doctors to receive practical hands-on training under the supervision of another doctor or group of doctors. Forensic pathology is one type of residency program. Several schools, including the University of Utah and the University of Minnesota, offer specializations in forensic pathology. Each program has its strengths, but the general requirements are similar. Residents are required to work at a hospital or in the county examiner's office to receive additional hands-on instruction. Residents at Minnesota perform supervised autopsies and are on call for crime scene investigations 24 hours a day. They are required to complete case reviews, provide documentation and attend various seminars in the area of forensic pathology.
