Physicians, pathologists

SOC Code: 29-1222
Also known as:
Anatomic Pathologist, Animal Pathologist, Autopsy Pathologist, Chemical Pathologist, Clinical Pathologist
Median Annual Salary
N/A
+4.2% growth (2024-2034)
400
Openings/Year
13K
Current Jobs

What Physicians, pathologists Do

Diagnose diseases and conduct lab tests using organs, body tissues, and fluids. Includes medical examiners.

💰 Salary

N/A
Median annual wage (2024)

📈 Job Growth

+4.2%
Faster than average

🎓 Education

Doctoral or professional degree
Typical entry-level requirement

🚀 Annual Openings

400
Projected average per year

📚 On-the-Job Training

Internship/residency
Expected training period

Employment Projections (2024-2034)

Current Employment (2024)

12,600

Projected Employment (2034)

13,100

Related Careers

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Pediatric surgeons

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Top Skills Required

Reading Comprehension
Writing
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Science

Daily Tasks & Responsibilities

  • Examine microscopic samples to identify diseases or other abnormalities.
  • Diagnose diseases or study medical conditions, using techniques such as gross pathology, histology, cytology, cytopathology, clinical chemistry, immunology, flow cytometry, or molecular biology.
  • Write pathology reports summarizing analyses, results, and conclusions.
  • Communicate pathologic findings to surgeons or other physicians.
  • Identify the etiology, pathogenesis, morphological change, and clinical significance of diseases.
  • Read current literature, talk with colleagues, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in pathology.
  • Consult with physicians about ordering and interpreting tests or providing treatments.
  • Analyze and interpret results from tests, such as microbial or parasite tests, urine analyses, hormonal assays, fine needle aspirations (FNAs), and polymerase chain reactions (PCRs).
  • Review cases by analyzing autopsies, laboratory findings, or case investigation reports.
  • Manage medical laboratories.

Technology & Tools

Microsoft Access Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft PowerPoint SAP software

📚 Entry-Level Education

Doctoral or professional degree
Most common requirement

🎯 Recommended Education

Post-Doctoral Training
O*NET recommended level

Degree Programs for Physicians, pathologists

These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a physicians, pathologists:

Medicine

20,703 degrees awarded • 151 colleges offer this program
View Colleges →

Osteopathic Medicine/Osteopathy

8,465 degrees awarded • 36 colleges offer this program
View Colleges →

Best Colleges for Becoming a Physicians, pathologists

Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become physicians, pathologists.

# College Location Related Degrees Repit Grade
1 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI 181 A+
2 University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA 168 A+
3 Tufts University Medford, MA 187 A
4 Harvard University Cambridge, MA 182 A
5 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC 176 A
6 University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA 172 A
7 Boston University Boston, MA 154 A
8 University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA 148 A
9 University of Florida Gainesville, FL 147 A
10 University of Virginia-Main Campus Charlottesville, VA 144 A
11 University of California-San Diego La Jolla, CA 143 A
12 Columbia University in the City of New York New York, NY 142 A
13 Rutgers University-New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ 317 B+
14 University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, WA 254 B+
15 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN 235 B+
16 Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, OH 210 B+
17 University of Miami Coral Gables, FL 201 B+
18 Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus, OH 187 B+
19 Tulane University of Louisiana New Orleans, LA 178 B+
20 Texas A & M University-College Station College Station, TX 178 B+

Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do physicians, pathologists make?
The median annual salary for physicians, pathologists is N/A.
What education do physicians, pathologists need?
Most physicians, pathologists positions require a doctoral or professional degree. Common degree programs include Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine/Osteopathy.
Is becoming physicians, pathologists a good career choice?
Physicians, pathologists is projected to see +4.2% job growth from 2024 to 2034, which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 400 job openings expected annually, there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for physicians, pathologists?
Top colleges for aspiring physicians, pathologists include University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of California-Los Angeles, Tufts University, Harvard University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to physicians, pathologists?
Physicians, pathologists may also be known as: Anatomic Pathologist, Animal Pathologist, Autopsy Pathologist, Chemical Pathologist, Clinical Pathologist, Cytologist, Cytopathologist, Dermatopathologist, Forensic Pathologist, Hematopathologist, Histopathologist, Immunopathologist, Medical Pathologist, Molecular Genetic Pathologist, Molecular Pathologist, Neuropathologist, Ocular Pathologist, Ophthalmic Pathologist, Oral Pathologist, Pathologist. These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.