How to Become a Pathology Technician

To become a pathology technician, one needs a strong background in the sciences, usually an Associates Degree as a minimum. Additional healthcare education or laboratory experience is usually necessary to take the certification exam. Pathology technicians are often trained by pathologists on the job as well. An interest in the human body, how it works, and prevention of disease is imperative. Certification isn't required, however earning a certificate from the American Society for Clinical Pathology would give a competitive edge.

Pathology Technician Job Description and Duties

A pathology technician's receives, prepares, and assists in examining slides of human tissues, organs, or specimens for research or diagnosis. Their main role is assisting the pathologist in his/her duties and keeping the lab running smoothly. They may work in large hospitals or in small academic centers, and may focus on post-surgery or post-mortem tissue samples. Forensic pathology technicians will often focus on the latter. They assist the pathologist in preparing specimens for analysis, performing tests, and interpreting results. They also are responsible for much of the record keeping and cataloging of information in computerized databases. They are also often responsible for keeping the lab organized, sterile, and ready for the pathologist's work.

Pathology Technician Salary and Job Outlook

According to the American Society for Clinical Pathologists, the national average salary for a full-time medical technician is $47,840. This salary climbs to $59,240 for medical technician supervisors and $72,800 for managers. and often includes benefits and health insurance.

The outlook for this profession is good for those interested, as laboratory science and pathology are fast growing industries, and many labs struggle to find qualified applicants. The American Society for Clinical Pathologists states that half of the country's laboratories struggle to find qualified lab technicians. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, thirteen percent of this workforce will be retiring by 2012, and 138,000 lab technician positions will need to be filled. This can mean fantastic job opportunity for those with a keen interest in the human body and research science.