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What do I have to do to get into Pathology?

#medicine #doctor #healthcare #biology #medical I am interest in medicine and I want to know how long it takes to go into certain fields of medicine. If you have anything else to add about Pathology, let me know!

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Richard’s Answer

In the US, to apply to medical school, you need a bachelor's degree. Any 4-year university should suffice.

Pick a college that suits your personality and a major that interests you. You will need to get good grades in college in order to apply for medical school. At the medical school I attended, the average GPA is reported to be 3.85, so even one or two B's can hurt your chances of acceptance.

During college study for and complete the MCAT. Apply to medical schools during your last year of college.

Medical school takes 4 years to complete.

After medical school physicians complete a residency for additional training. Pathology residency lasts 4 years.

The pathologists I know seem to be among the happiest physicians with better hours and less frequent night call.
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Rachel Plafker’s Answer

What a great career. My dad is a pathologist and my daughter is interested in it as well (I went the veterinary route). Find out if you can shadow a pathologist locally at some point to get exposure. Otherwise, the path is no different than any other pre-med path. Four years of college, four years of medical school and then a residency.

Good luck!
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Rachel’s Answer

Any 4 year university should be able to provide you with all of the premed requirements (1 year biology, 1 year inorganic chemistry, 1 year organic chemistry + labs, physics, calculus, and biochemistry). I would look at each school individually and see which fits your personality and desired major (does not have to be science) best. After 4 years of medical school, as long as you pass your classes and perform reasonably well on STEP 1, you can enter a pathology residency.
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Anthonia’s Answer

In addition to what others said earlier. Research on the med school you want to go while completing your four year college. Once you decides on the med school, look at their prerequisites and make sure you are completing those courses while in college.
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Melisa’s Answer

Hello Essie (and fellow Chicagoan)!

What a great question. While I’m not in pathology or a medical field, my daughter just completed Grad School as a Pathologists’ Assistant and is getting ready to move out-of-state for a new job opportunity.

The PA Assistant program she finished is with Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science in North Chicago and while it was very challenging, it is also very rewarding and a career she is passionate about starting. The PA program is somewhat newer, but her last year of grad school, before the COVID19, included both classes on campus and her clinical laboratory experience in a couple of hospitals and more. During this pandemic, some of her classes or tests were moved to virtual and online.

My daughter attended a 4-year university, then after applying and being accepted to RFUMS attended their 2-year PA program in the College of Health Professions.

If you want to check it out and learn more, see the links below.

Best wishes to you in your educational and career goals.

medicine doctor healthcare biology medical pathology PathologistsAssistant

Melisa recommends the following next steps:

Check out the RFUMS site at https://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/academics/college-of-health-professions/degree-programs/pathologists-assistant-ms/
Learn more about a Pathologists’ Assistants role here https://explorehealthcareers.org/career/allied-health-professions/pathologists-assistant/
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