Anatomical pathology technician

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through an apprenticeship or a trainee position.

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could do a mortuary technician advanced apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

OtherRoutes

You'll need to complete a 2 year traineeship. Training and education in pathology combines learning on the job and in the classroom.

To begin with, you'll observe a pathologist in a mortuary to watch how it's done. Then you'll do some of the work yourself with the help of senior staff and pathologists.

You'll also attend classes for a level 3 diploma awarded by the Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH).

To become a trainee you'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs or equivalent at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English, maths and a science - usually biology
• to be sensitive to the issues facing families dealing with the death of a loved one
• an awareness and respect for different religious beliefs about death

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
• knowledge of biology
• the ability to work well with your hands
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to work on your own
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• customer service skills
• active listening skills
• concentration skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to read English
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of maths
• knowledge of English language
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• science skills

What you'll do:

Anatomical pathology technicians (APTs) help pathologists exam a body to work out the cause of death.

As part of your day-to-day duties you could:

• make sure tools are clean and ready for use
• keep accurate records
• track property and samples taken from the deceased
• work closely with other health professionals, funeral services staff and family members
• help train other healthcare professionals

During an exam of a body, how much you'll help will depend on your experience.

You could:

• take tissue samples
• help remove organs
• take samples for lab analysis
• record the findings
• help clean the body

Location : You could work at a mortuary.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £23,000
Experienced : £35,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

39 - 41 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays at short notice

Career Path:

With experience, you could get a senior position and perform specialised techniques. You could work in specific areas such as forensic pathology.

You could also move into mortuary management.