The pathological technician in a lab performs various tasks to assist the pathologist with their workload. They prepare samples, record lab results and examine them using lab equipment.

A pathology technician requires certain training and education to ensure they have the necessary skills. This blog discusses how you can become a pathology technician and the essential skills you need when working as one.

Who is a pathology lab technician?

A pathology technician helps a pathologist test and evaluate samples. They are also responsible for setting up the laboratory, processing and researching samples. They are also in charge of thoroughly cleaning the laboratory and storing samples.

How to become a pathology technician

Completing these educational and training criteria will allow you to work as a pathology technician.

Complete the pathology technician course

Similar to a lab technician course, the majority of laboratories require that pathology technicians should have a minimum of an associate’s degree. Math, chemistry, and biology are common subjects in pathology technician training courses. Anatomy and biochemistry are other topics included in advanced pathology technician courses.

The curriculum in this course is designed to give students the knowledge and skills they need to become pathologists.

Consider a bachelor’s degree.

Some students could decide to continue their studies by enrolling in a bachelor’s degree course. Attendance and solid academic performance might help you get great internship opportunities. You can develop strong laboratory skills through practical work experience.

You might expect to take forensic or molecular pathology courses as part of a bachelor’s degree course. To develop your research skills as a pathology lab technician, you may expect to spend considerable time working in a laboratory setting.

Study and take the licensing exam

In several states, pathology technicians must pass a test before they can start working. Others could decide to seek qualifications that would help them stand out when applying for pathology jobs. They can take various medical certification exams and lab technician training. This certification also needs ongoing laboratory technician education every three years.

Apply for an internship or entry-level positions

Most pathology technicians start their careers in entry-level or internship positions. The skills you need to become a pathology technician, including handling lab equipment correctly, can be learned through this work experience. Once you complete your course, you might also get a job as a research assistant in a pathologist’s lab, which will help you advance your path as a pathology technician.

You can continue training and education in pathology even after becoming a pathology technician. You can expect your employment responsibilities to grow as you progress from helping to finishing lab tasks.

Also Read: How to read your Pathology Report?

Essential skills required by a pathology technician

Problem-solving: The skill to diagnose is essential as a pathology technician. This role may also need basic problem-solving abilities like the capability to use the lab equipment.

Communication: Good communication is an art every expert must possess. Both written and verbal communication must be very clear. This ensures that the right information is communicated across all channels.

Research: You will have to do a lot of research during your lab tech course. It is a massive element of your job role. Conducting different experiments and producing reports based on findings is crucial.

Final thoughts

Pathology technicians are important to the healthcare profession as they evaluate human specimens to diagnose a condition or to rule out the reason for the death. Hard and soft skills are necessary for every profession. To operate in the pathology sector, you must have the skills and degrees mentioned above as a pathology lab technician.