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Pathology/Experimental Pathology

Program Description

Just the Facts

Pathology/Experimental Pathology. A program that focuses on the scientific study of the expression, initiation, maintenance and progression of tissue injury and disease, including death, and the relationship of pathogenesis to fundamental molecular and cellular mechanisms. Includes instruction in immunology, microbiology, gene expression, inflammation, cell injury, apoptosis, immunopathology, molecular markers of disease and toxins, neoplasia, growth regulation, and organ- and system-specific investigations.

This program is available in these options:

  • Bachelor's degree
  • Graduate Certificate
  • Master's degree
  • Doctoral degree

High School Courses

See the high school courses recommended for programs in this career cluster:

See the high school courses recommended for programs in this pathway:


Related Careers

Check out related careers


Additional Information

There are two ways to train in pathology: become a doctor and specialize in pathology, or study pathology at the master's and PhD level. The route you choose depends on your career goals.

You generally need to go to medical school and become an MD to do pathology work in a hospital. If you want to conduct scientific research, you can either become an MD or pursue a PhD.

"There is some overlap, in that there are many medically trained pathologists who are superb researchers, while pure PhDs sometimes work in hospital laboratories, providing laboratory services," says pathology professor Dr. Richard Hegele.

"The research pathologist can be either a pure MD, a pure PhD or both. These individuals are interested in basic research into the causes and mechanisms of disease, and may also have teaching responsibilities," Hegele explains.

Clinical pathologists work on advising other physicians about their patients' diseases. "Research pathologists use whatever technologies are necessary to answer specific research questions," says Hegele.

You probably won't find any bachelor's degrees in pathology. However, you can major in biology, chemistry, biochemistry or medical sciences in preparation for a master's degree in pathology or for medical school.

You can also specialize in a certain area of pathology. A few specializations include forensic pathology, veterinary pathology, cytopathology (cell pathology) and pediatric pathology.

You can do some preparation for your undergraduate degree while you're in high school. "A strong background in biology, chemistry and physics is very helpful toward a success in future undergraduate and postgraduate studies in anatomy, histology, biochemistry and other biomedical sciences, all of which are relevant to pathology," Hegele says.

Certain extracurricular activities will help, too. Dr. Michael Bissell of Ohio State University recommends spending time as a volunteer in a hospital or laboratory.

The main costs are tuition and books. Keep in mind that medical textbooks tend to be pricey.


Links

Occupational Outlook Handbook
For more information related to this field of study, see: Medical Scientists

For more information related to this field of study, see: Physicians and Surgeons

PathMax
Pathology education site, designed by a pathologist

Contact

  • Email Support
  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900
  • North Dakota Career Resource Network
    ndcrn@nd.gov | (701) 328-9733

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