Life As a Pathologist
Pathologist Job Description Diagnose presence and stage of diseases using laboratory techniques and patient specimens. Study the nature, cause, and development of diseases. May perform autopsies.
Pathologist Responsibilities
- Consult with physicians about ordering and interpreting tests or providing treatments.
- Examine microscopic samples to identify diseases or other abnormalities.
- Identify the etiology, pathogenesis, morphological change, and clinical significance of diseases.
- Conduct research and present scientific findings.
- Develop or adopt new tests or instruments to improve diagnosis of diseases.
- Read current literature, talk with colleagues, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in pathology.
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What a Pathologist Should Know
When polled, Pathologists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Other Pathologist Job Titles
- Attending Pathologist
- Oral Pathologist
- Clinical Pathologist
- Cytologist
- Clinical Laboratory Medical Director
Is There Job Demand for Pathologists?
In the United States, there were 372,400 jobs for Pathologist in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 11.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 42,300 new jobs for Pathologist by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 14,300 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Pathologist are Arizona, Alaska, and Utah. Watch out if you plan on working in Connecticut, Rhode Island, or Illinois. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of a Pathologist
Pathologists make between $60,280 and $208,000 a year.
Pathologists who work in Alaska, Arizona, or Colorado, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Pathologists in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $183,510 |
Alaska | $244,220 |
Arizona | $229,090 |
Arkansas | $165,290 |
California | $208,740 |
Colorado | $219,310 |
Connecticut | $221,870 |
Delaware | $216,600 |
District of Columbia | $182,910 |
Florida | $205,020 |
Georgia | $235,060 |
Hawaii | $228,470 |
Idaho | $241,670 |
Illinois | $183,780 |
Indiana | $237,470 |
Iowa | $219,300 |
Kansas | $191,430 |
Kentucky | $223,770 |
Louisiana | $183,920 |
Maine | $257,550 |
Maryland | $196,210 |
Massachusetts | $207,990 |
Michigan | $181,760 |
Minnesota | $245,040 |
Mississippi | $174,340 |
Missouri | $203,440 |
Montana | $247,260 |
Nebraska | $161,880 |
Nevada | $227,500 |
New Hampshire | $275,840 |
New Jersey | $208,820 |
New Mexico | $229,100 |
New York | $171,060 |
North Carolina | $198,040 |
North Dakota | $266,510 |
Ohio | $212,160 |
Oklahoma | $155,130 |
Oregon | $202,750 |
Pennsylvania | $195,810 |
Rhode Island | $209,580 |
South Carolina | $185,210 |
South Dakota | $227,710 |
Tennessee | $231,960 |
Texas | $199,370 |
Utah | $218,210 |
Vermont | $176,520 |
Virginia | $199,080 |
Washington | $239,080 |
West Virginia | $222,270 |
Wisconsin | $239,610 |
Wyoming | $234,610 |
What Tools & Technology do Pathologists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Pathologists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Laboratory information system LIS
- Sunquest Information Systems Sunquest Laboratory
- STARLIMS
- CPSI CPSI System
- Orchard Software Orchard Harvest LIS
- Healthvision TDSynergy LIS
- Clinical Software Solutions CLIN1 Suite
- Comp Pro Med Polytech
- Custom Software Systems StarLab
- Elekta Impac Software IntelliLab
- EpicLab Laboratory Information System
- Fletcher-Flora Health Care Systems FFlex eSuite LIS
- Fletcher-Flora Health Care Systems LabPak LIS
- GE Healthcare Centricity Laboratory
- HEX Laboratory Systems LAB/HEX
- ClinLab LIS
- Iatric Systems MobiLab
- LabSoft LabNet
Becoming a Pathologist
Are there Pathologists education requirements?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Pathologist?
Where Pathologists Work
Below are examples of industries where Pathologists work:
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming a Pathologist might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many Pathologist in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
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