Forensic Pathology Careers
Forensic pathologists or medical examiners use their knowledge of medicine to collect evidence and determine the cause of death for crime victims. In this capacity, careers in forensic pathology are the intersection of medical and law enforcement positions.
Other People Are Reading
-
Function
-
Forensic pathologists perform autopsies to examine the bodily organs and tissues of people who are believed to have died from something other than natural causes. They also collect evidence from the victims.
Effects
-
After examining a body, forensic pathologists produce written reports of their findings that often include information like cause and approximate time of death. Law enforcement officials then use this information to solve crimes and prosecute suspects.
-
Training
-
Forensic pathologists are medical doctors, meaning that they attend an accredited medical school after receiving a bachelor's degree. Medical programs typically last between 4 and 8 years.
Licensing
-
Prior to practicing as a forensic pathologist, states require doctors to receive special licensing. This usually involves a paid residency program at a hospital, followed by the successful completion of a written examination.
Career Outlook and Compensation
-
According to CareerBuilderSalary.com, the average forensic pathologist in the United States earns an annual salary of $75,963. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 14 percent growth for all physicians through 2016, which will result in 90,000 new jobs.
-
