The Education Process for Becoming a Forensic Pathologist
A forensic pathologist is a physician who examines the bodies of deceased people to find the cause of death. A forensic pathologist must go through the educational process of a doctor to work in the field. In addition to medical training and education, the pathologist must go through specialized training for work in forensics.
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Undergraduate
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Students seeking careers as forensic pathologists must first earn a minimum of a bachelor's degree. Medical schools may only require three years of undergraduate education, but most students complete four years and earn a bachelor's degree or higher. Students take courses such as biology, chemistry, physics, math and English to meet the requirements for medical school.
Medical School
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Students must take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and submit the scores to gain entrance to medical school along with transcripts, letters of recommendation and an application. Medical school consists of two years of classroom training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, biochemistry, medical law and ethics. The final two years of medical school consist of hands-on training under the direction of a physician. Students learn to work with patients and diagnose illnesses.
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Forensic Pathology Training
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After medical school, students must have four to five years of additional training in forensic pathology. While the education for a medical doctor can take eight years after high school, the education of a forensic pathologist may take 13 years to complete.
Residency
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After training, one year of residency is required. Residency allows forensic pathologists to work in the field under the direction of an experienced pathologist. This is paid on-the-job training for doctors to gain experience in medicine.
Certification
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Forensic pathologists must obtain board certification with the American Board of Pathology to work in the field. Pathologists can obtain certification by submitting a medical license and passing a written and practical examination.
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