Anatomical pathology technologist
In this medicine career, you'll find answers for bereaved families by helping doctors discover how and why a person died.
Also known as: anatomical pathology technician, mortuary attendant, mortuary technician
About the job
What it's like
Play an important part in helping doctors investigate causes of death.
You'll assist a specialist doctor called a pathologist as they carry out post-mortems. Together, you'll examine a body to understand how and why the person died. With experience, you could work with forensic pathologists on cases involving suspicious deaths.
You'll work in a mortuary, where you'll support families who come to view relatives who have died. It's important to be respectful and empathetic at all times.
The work you do can help give answers to families about the death of a loved one. It can also save lives by supporting organ donation procedures.
The profession combines science, medicine and care, and needs people who are compassionate and have a keen eye for detail.
Your tasks might include:
receiving and releasing bodies from the mortuary
taking, delivering and disposing of samples, specimens and organs
reconstructing and cleaning bodies after examination
keeping equipment and instruments sterile and ready for use
helping families with viewings or information on funeral arrangements
supporting with paperwork such as identification records and death certificates
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
NHS Scotland Careers – how to become an anatomical pathology technologist
Royal Society for Public Health – learn more about careers in public health
NHS Education for Scotland – recruitment and careers support
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- understanding
- attention to detail
- respecting
- researching
- observation
- evaluating
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Chemistry
Human Biology
Science
Skills for Work: Laboratory Science
You can become an anatomical pathology technologist by getting a trainee role with the NHS.
You'll complete a distance learning training course that combines course work, task-based assessment and a written exam.
When you complete your training, you'll earn a Level 3 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology. You'll then be able to work in the role as a fully trained anatomical pathology technologist.
Learn more about the training on the Royal Society For Public Health website.
When qualified, you can register with the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS).
While in training, you'll need to build a good knowledge of:
anatomy
health and safety
infection control
manual handling
the diversity of religious and cultural beliefs about death
the Human Tissue Act
coronial law
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