How to Become a Pathologist

Key Steps to Becoming a Pathologist

To become a pathologist, you must complete a bachelor’s degree, graduate from medical school (MD or DO), pass licensing exams, complete a pathology residency, and obtain board certification. Many pathologists also pursue fellowship training.

Below is the complete breakdown of each step:

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree and Complete Your Med School Prerequisites

The first step is to complete a four-year undergraduate degree. You must finish certain medical school prerequisites, such as biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and biochemistry, but you can choose any major you want.

During your undergrad, it’s important to maintain a strong GPA and gain clinical, research, or laboratory experience to strengthen your medical school application and increase your chances of admission.

2. Take the MCAT

Register for and take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Most medical schools require this exam, and your score plays a major role in admissions decisions. Plan to take the MCAT once you have completed core science courses such as biology, chemistry, physics, and biochemistry.

Prepare with a structured study plan and take full-length practice exams under timed conditions. A strong MCAT score strengthens your application and increases your chances of earning interviews.

3. Apply to and Complete Medical School (MD or DO)

After earning your undergraduate degree and receiving your MCAT score, apply to accredited medical schools. Med schools evaluate your:

• GPA
• MCAT score
• Extracurriculars
• Clinical experience
• Research involvement
• Volunteer experience
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement

Inspira Advantage's application support ensures every component of your application is polished and ready for submission.

Once accepted to med school, you’ll spend four years earning either a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. 

4. Pass the Licensing Exams

During and after medical school, pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) if you are an MD or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) if you are a DO. You must pass these exams to enter residency and obtain medical licensure.

5. Complete a Pathology Residency

Match into and complete an accredited pathology residency program. Most residencies last 3–4 years, depending on the track:

• Anatomic Pathology (AP) – 3 years
• Clinical Pathology (CP) – 3 years
• Combined AP/CP – 4 years

Anatomic pathology focuses on tissue and organ diagnosis. Clinical pathology focuses on laboratory medicine, including blood and body fluids.

6. Pursue Optional Fellowship Training

Many pathologists complete an additional 1–2 year fellowship to subspecialize in areas such as surgical pathology, hematopathology, cytopathology, forensic pathology, or molecular pathology. Fellowship training increases expertise and can improve career flexibility.

7. Obtain Board Certification

After residency (and fellowship, if completed), pass certification exams administered by the American Board of Pathology (ABPath). Board certification demonstrates professional competence and is often required by employers. Pathologists must also participate in continuing certification to maintain credentials.

FAQs

1. How Hard Is It to Become a Pathologist?

Becoming a pathologist is challenging, demanding, and highly competitive. You must earn strong grades in college, score well on the MCAT, gain admission to medical school, complete four years of medical training, and match into a pathology residency program.

Medical school admissions are selective, and residency placement depends on your academic performance, board exam scores, and clinical evaluations. 

2. Is a Pathologist a Doctor?

Yes, a pathologist is a fully licensed physician. Pathologists earn either a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree, complete a pathology residency, and pass licensing and board certification exams. Although many pathologists work behind the scenes in laboratories, they are medical doctors.

3. What Should I Major In to Become a Pathologist?

You can major in any subject to become a pathologist as long as you complete your medical school prerequisites. Most students choose biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or another science-related major because these programs align closely with required coursework.

4. Is Being a Pathologist Difficult?

Yes, being a pathologist is difficult. Being a pathologist requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to make precise diagnoses. Pathologists examine tissues, cells, and laboratory data to guide treatment decisions, which carries significant responsibility. The role often involves high workloads and complex cases.

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Dr. Jonathan Preminger was the original author of this article. Snippets of his work may remain.