Pathologist

Pathology is the study of the causes and effects of diseases, and the understanding of the impact they have on people. It involves the examination of tissues, organs, and bodily fluids and forms the foundation of every aspect of patient care. There are several different areas in which a pathologist may specialise, including chemical pathology, haematology, histopathology, and microbiology and virology. The work of pathologists is vital to the development of treatments for illnesses and life-threatening diseases.

Pathologists work closely with many different healthcare professionals, ranging from colleagues based in the hospital and laboratory to those based within the community, such as GPs and community nurses.

The basic salary for a resident doctor in Foundation Training in 2025 is £38,831 to £44,439. For a doctor starting their specialist training in 2025, the basic salary is £52,656 to £73,992. A speciality doctor will earn between £61,542 and £99,216; a specialist grade doctor will earn between £100,870 and £111,441, and a consultant will earn a basic salary of between £109,725 and £145,478.

To become a pathologist, you will need qualifications in English, maths, chemistry and biology.

There are two main routes into a career in pathology – either by becoming a medical doctor or a clinical scientist.

To become a pathologist via the medical doctor route, you will first need to complete a degree in medicine. After graduation, you will undertake the two-year doctor’s foundation programme, followed by two more years of core pathology specialty training. You will then undertake around five further years training in the pathology specialty of your choice, along with passing the Fellowship examination of the Royal College of Pathologists. Upon successful completion, you will be able to apply to work as a consultant pathologist. 

To become a pathologist via the clinical science route, you will first need to complete a science or clinical science degree. After graduation, you will undertake a three-year scientist training programme, at the end of which you will be able to apply for registration as a clinical scientist. You will then complete a further five years of higher specialist scientist training in your chosen pathology specialty. Upon successful completion, you will be able to apply to work as a consultant clinical scientist.

To find local education and training opportunities that could lead to a career as a pathologist, visit our partner website >log on | move on>.

Details of relevant degree courses can be found on the UCAS website.

The Royal College of Pathologists - Train to work in pathology

Pathology careers for doctors

Become a consultant clinical scientist

Pathology careers in the NHS