Brittani Valdez
Everest University Online
Becoming a Forensic Pathologist
Being a Forensic Pathologist is a career that many people would like to have. However, they are not always successful in following all of the steps to achieve this profession. Forensic Pathology is not just about concluding the cause of death for a deceased person; there are many rules you have to follow to make sure the autopsy is done right. This profession is a very high paying career and is also very costly to go to school for it. I will explain why I would like to be a Forensic Pathologist, along with the salary, the tasks that they perform and all of the educational requirements.
“Forensic Pathologists are paid very well for their career. In the USA, forensic pathologists generally earn between $75,000 – $200,000 per year, although the average is around $80,000 – $120,000 per year.” (Forensic Pathologist, 2009) The amount that a Pathologist makes usually depends on if they are Private Forensic Pathologists. Private Pathologists make more but they also have more responsibilities. Another factor is the state and even the country in which you practice. Australia pays their Pathologists a minimum of $120,000 a year. However, in any country you live in you have to earn your salary working a very difficult job. Overall, Forensic Pathologists get paid very well considering the tasks they need to complete. (Forensic Pathologist, 2009)
Being a Pathologist is not just about simply finding the cause of death for the deceased; other tasks and duties are also performed. Here are a few tasks: “Remove or supervise removal of bodies from death scenes, using the proper equipment and supplies, and arrange for transportation to morgues, locate and document information regarding the next of kin, including their relationship to the deceased and the status of notification attempts and observe, record, and preserve
References: Forensic Pathologist. (2009). Salary and job description. Retrieved from http://www.forensicpathologist.com/salary-job-description/ Forensic Science and Crime Scene Investigation. (2011). Forensic pathologist career: salary, requirements and education. Retrieved from http://www.itsgov.com/forensic-pathologist-salary-requirements-education.html National Center for O*NET Development. (2012). 13-1041.06-coroners. Retrieved from http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/13-1041.06