Forensic Pathology Job Information

Forensic pathology has become a popular career in recent years because of television shows, books and movies with glamorous actors solving murder mysteries while dodging bullets. In real life, the job usually isn't that dangerous but instead requires many years of training to aid the legal system with determining death in suspicious cases.

Job Description

Also known as medical examiners, forensic pathologists are physicians with special training to examine dead bodies of people who died unexpectedly or violently. In may states, in certain types of deaths, it is legally required for a forensic pathologist to perform an autopsy and make determinations about how the person died, what their drug or alcohol blood level was and attempt to determine a cause of death. In addition to performing an autopsy, forensic pathologists will study a dead person's medical history along with the scene where the body was found. The doctor will collect evidence from the body and listen to witness statements. The forensic pathologist's time is split between acquiring information from police officers, performing autopsies and testifying in court.

Training

A career in forensic pathology requires 13 to 15 years of school and training. First, a four-year bachelor's degree must be obtained, and then four years of medical school must be successfully completed. After earning a medical degree, an aspiring forensic pathologist must take four to five years of a residency in anatomic pathology and clinical pathology. Successful completion of a residency will make the doctor eligible for pathology board exams. After passing board exams, the pathologist may take a one- to two-year fellowship to explore a forensic subspecialty.

Working Conditions

Forensic pathologist fellows make about $26,000 annually. Once passing the board exams, forensic pathologists make $60,000 to $180,000. Forensic pathologists often work for city, county, state and federal governmental agencies. Others may work in medical schools and hospitals. The work day can be long, from 10 to 12 hours when working on a case. Travel may be required to examine a death scene.