If you are looking for a career where you will always have something new to do and that pays good money, a forensic pathologist career may be exactly what you are looking for. Forensic pathologists play a crucial role in forensic science by investigating the cause of death in suspicious or unexplained fatalities. They work closely with law enforcement agencies and medical examiners. Here is how you become a forensic pathologist.
Step 1: Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree
The first step towards becoming a forensic pathologist is to complete a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. While no specific undergraduate major is required, most aspiring forensic pathologists choose to major in biology, chemistry, or related natural science. These programs provide a strong foundation in the sciences and prepare you for the following rigorous coursework and training. To make real money, you must cross-train in various fields. You should know that electricity can travel at over 6 million miles an hour, according to the ULL.
The old saying you must invest money to make money is very true regarding education. It would be best if you had a strong foundation in a relative field, and then you would need to work as an intern or apprentice to learn how to apply theory to real-world events. For example, you will learn about the importance of packaging and labeling to gene therapy and according to the ACGME. Of course, your formal education doesn’t end with your bachelor’s degree.
Step 2: Attend Medical School
After completing your bachelor’s degree, the next step is to attend medical school. You’ll need to earn a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree or an Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. Medical school typically lasts four years and involves a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical rotations. However, you can become a forensic pathologist tech and don’t need to attend medical school
If you decide to attend medical school, you’ll cover a wide range of medical topics and have to invest a lot of money in tuition. Whether you will stop with a bachelor’s degree or move on to medical school, performing well academically and gaining valuable clinical experience during your rotations is crucial. Investing money in education will pay off.
Step 3: Pursue a Forensic Pathology Fellowship
Following your pathology residency, you’ll need to pursue a forensic pathology fellowship to specialize in the field. Forensic pathology fellowships typically last one to two years and are offered at accredited institutions or medical examiner’s offices. During this fellowship, you’ll work under the guidance of experienced forensic pathologists and gain hands-on experience conducting forensic autopsies, documenting findings, and providing expert testimony.
It’s essential to choose a fellowship program accredited by organizations such as the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or the American Board of Pathology (ABP). These accredited programs ensure that you receive high-quality training and meet the requirements for board certification in forensic pathology.
Step 4: Obtain Board Certification
To practice as a forensic pathologist, you must obtain board certification in forensic pathology. Board certification is typically granted by the American Board of Pathology (ABP) or the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology (AOBP). To be eligible for board certification, you must complete an accredited forensic pathology fellowship and pass the board examination in forensic pathology.
Being a forensic pathologist can open a world of career opportunities where you will make good money. For example, insurance companies often use forensic pathologists to determine the cause of death in a car crash. In Edinburgh, Texas alone, in 2019, there were over 2,500 car accidents. Make the career move that will put plenty of money in your pocket and provide you with a career that makes a difference.
