Education and Career Outlook for Forensic Pathology
Job Description Forensic Pathologist are highly trained scientist who specializes in determining the cause of death in criminal and civil cases. Forensic Pathologist are eligible to serve as Medical examiners or coroners or to work in the ME or coroners office, examine human bodies to asses the cause and manner of death, preform autopsies, supervise the pathology lab, perhaps supervise an entire crime lab, examine crime scenes, assist law enforcement officials with body search-and-recovery procedures, provide expert testimony in court, and represent the coroner's office in various public and legal arenas.
To preform these duties a Forensic Pathologist need a medical license, the knowledge of anatomy, pathology, anthropology, dentistry, microscopy, X-ray and laboratory testing, evidence rules, and court procedures, crime scene evaluation, and federal, state, and local laws.
Schooling 
A student that is intrested in Forensic Pathology (for any Forensic career) well rounded science background staring in high school.
In college initially you'll need to complete a bachelors degree in science related field such as biology, chemistry or physics. A student junior year of college, students must take the Medical College Admissions Test, which cover the basic topics in verbal reasoning, critical thinking, biological science and writing. A student intrested in this field will have to
preform well in studies to get accepted into a medical school. Also a student must have a G.P.A of at least 3.5 and higher, at least one year of general biology, general chemistry with laboratory, physics, organic chemistry with laboratory, English, and calculus, bachelors degree, volunteer work with no prior medical experience.
In medical school it will be four years of work and include two years of academic work, followed by two years of clinical work. During medical school that student specializes in Forensic Pathology.
Residency is another part, it is a program that offers training in anatomic (involves the examination of the human body to learn more about process of diseases and cause of death) and clinical (is analyses of body fluids and tissue) pathology. Residents can choose to complete an individual program in either or a combined program that involves both these areas. Opportunities are also available for residents to focus on research and subspecialties (ex. surgical pathology, cytogentics, hematopathology, molecular diagnostics, cellular therapy and transfusion medicine). Those who complete a Forensic Pathology residency program they must pass the examination offered through the American Board of Pathology.
Salary
The salary for a Forensic Pathologist varies around the world and between jurisdictions and offices. In the U.S generally its $75,000 to $200,000 per year. Although the average is around $80,000 to $120,000 per year. Private Forensic Pathologist work can pay much higher but workload and responsibilities are also much higher.
- example: Australia- 120,000 AUD = $119,611.19 USD
Hours
The hours of a Forensic Pathologist depends largely on the amount of work they do. Bigger offices have bigger workloads so they have more hours, it also depends on the number of Forensic Pathologists that are working. Normal hours are 8 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday. People who work in private crime labs often have longer working hours and the day vary. Forensic Pathologist that work the crime scene can require them to be on call 24 hours a day (criminals don't work a 9-5 day).Where they work (employment opportunities)
Forensic Pathologist have to work in a wide varieties of places, while most work in the lab, other can be visiting crime scenes, acting as expert witnesses in criminal and
civil cases around the world.
Forensic Pathologist are required in state, local, and federal governments as well as in medical offices,
hospitals, colleges and universities, police departments, district attorney's offices, private firms, the military, and federal agencies (DEA, Customs, FBI).
Working Conditions
Most of the day a Forensic Pathologist spends their time in the lab performing their usual tasks. This job is not for the weak your usually looking at very graphic things.
Qualifications
It requires intense dedication and skills. Also at least (minimum) of 13 years before being qualified.
Other Careers in Forensic Science:
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