Anatomical pathology technician
Also known as: pathology technician, assistant pathology technician, pathology laboratory services technician, assistant in anatomical pathology, anatomical pathology technical assistant, anatomical pathology technologist
About this occupation
Anatomical pathology technicians assist specialised doctors in pathology in conducting post-mortem examinations, keeping records of the samples, specimens, organs and the respective findings and taking care of their appropriate disposal under supervision, following the orders of the doctor of medicine.
A specialisation of biomedical scientist.
Essential skills and knowledge
- sterilization techniques
- medical informatics
- observe confidentiality
- hygiene in a health care setting
- follow control of substances hazardous to health procedures
- carry out an autopsy
- pathology
- communicate effectively in healthcare
- conduct visits to the postmortem room
- take samples during autopsy
- apply context specific clinical competences
- cope with unusual stimuli in the mortuary facility
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Forensic Science Technicians (O*NET 19-4092.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.
- Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques.
- Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes.
- Testify in court about investigative or analytical methods or findings.
- Use chemicals or other substances to examine latent fingerprint evidence and compare developed prints to those of known persons in databases.
- Measure and sketch crime scenes to document evidence.
- Typical education (US)
- Post-Secondary Certificate
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Investigative, Realistic, Conventional
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Complex Problem Solving
US median pay: US$72,060 a year (2025), 19,120 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentVery important (4.5)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.6)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.4)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.2)
- ChemistryO*NET: ChemistryImportant (3.1)
- BiologyO*NET: BiologyImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Post-Secondary Certificate
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
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Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
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- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
- Private Detectives and Investigators
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- Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.