Is a Forensic Science Pathologist Required to Attend a Graduate School to Meet the Requirements?

Forensic pathologists examine bodily tissue to determine cause of death.

In a word, yes. Forensic pathologists are trained physicians who conduct autopsies and other examinations to help determine the time and cause of a person's death. Forensic pathologists often work as medical examiners or coroners. As medical doctors, aspiring forensic pathologists face some of the most demanding education and training requirements of any profession, including four years of medical school after graduating college. However, a forensic doctor's training does not end with medical school.

Medical School

Men and women interested in careers in forensic pathology begin their training by attending medical school after completing a four-year college degree, often in a premedical course of study. After four years of study, medical students graduate with a doctor of medicine (M.D.) or doctor of osteopathy (D.O.) degree. Medical students generally spend their first two years of medical school completing required classroom and laboratory work in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology and numerous other subjects. They spend their last two years of medical school working in hospitals and medical clinics while being supervised by licensed physicians.

Additional Training

Medical school is only the beginning of a forensic pathologist's training. After graduation, a new physician undergoes a residency program, which involves paid training in a chosen medical specialty. The National Association of Medical Examiners reports that an aspiring forensic pathologist can enter the specialty by completing four years of training in clinical and anatomic pathology, followed by a one-year residency in forensic pathology, or opt for four years of anatomic pathology and a year of forensic pathology training.

Examinations

Forensic pathologists must complete a general medical certification test as all doctors must, as well as exams for board certification in anatomic or clinical pathology, and finally forensic pathology, according to the National Institute of Justice. The American Board of Pathology administers the exams.

Time Frame

NAME estimates that becoming a forensic pathologist requires about 13 years of study and training, including college and medical school. The time and costs associated with all of this education and training mean that new forensic pathologists could be in their 30s with significant student loan debt by the time they begin practicing as medical examiners.

References

• The National Association of Medical Examiners: General FAQs
• National Institute of Justice: Education and Training in Forensic Science

Resources

• National Association of Medical Examiners