How to become a pathologist

Pathology is central to modern medicine. It involves the study of diseases at the genetic, molecular, cellular and organ levels. Pathology underpins decisions made by clinicians across every specialty, every day. 

Are you exploring a career in medicine and wondering how to become a pathologist? This guide will walk you through what pathologists do, the study pathway, the skills involved and the career possibilities ahead. Whether you're just starting your studies or looking to specialise after medical school, understanding the pathologist career path will help you unlock a rewarding future in medical science.

What do pathologists do?

What a pathologist does on a daily basis will vary depending on their role. However, contrary to popular belief, it's not all about blood tests. Pathologists guide diagnoses, shape treatment plans and support patient care from behind the scenes. While patients may never meet their pathologist, the work they do is vital to every clinical decision.

Common activities include reviewing laboratory findings, advising doctors on complex cases, overseeing testing processes and contributing to research that advances medical knowledge. 

Pathologists work in areas such as microbiology, anatomical pathology, chemical pathology, genetics, immunology and haematology.

Pathology vs haematology​: What’s the difference?

A common question we encounter is: What's the difference between a pathologist and a haematologist? 

Pathologists cover a broad range of diagnostic disciplines, from cellular analysis to molecular diagnostics. Haematologists, on the other hand, specialise specifically in blood disorders and blood cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma. A haematologist may provide direct patient care, whereas many pathologists work primarily in laboratories, interpreting results that support clinical teams across the hospital.

What skills do you need to be a pathologist?

The skills needed to be a pathologist rely on a mix of scientific expertise, analytical ability and strong attention to detail. Pathologist skills don't develop overnight; students build on them throughout medical training, research experience and early clinical exposure.

What qualifications do you need to be a pathologist?

As pathology is a medical specialty, pathology qualifications begin with completing an accredited medical degree. Graduates then continue through hospital-based training before applying for pathology specialty training through the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA).

Students interested in the field often explore laboratory medicine and biomedical science during their undergraduate years. UNSW offers pathology majors within the following degrees: 

• Bachelor of Science

• Bachelor of Medical Science

• Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours)

While these programs provide a strong foundation and help students confirm their interest, formal entry into pathology as a medical specialty requires a medical qualification. UNSW's Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine is the most in-demand degree in NSW (Universities Admissions Centre (UAC), 2018 - 2025). It equips you with the research skills and clinical experience you need to navigate the complex and ever-changing medical industry.

How do you become a pathologist in Australia?

The career pathway to becoming a pathologist depends on where you are in your studies. Here's a simple breakdown: 

If you are beginning your studies:

1. Complete an accredited medical degree
2. Build a foundation in anatomy, physiology, microbiology and laboratory science
3. Gain early exposure to labs or research to confirm your interest 
4. Begin your internship and residency, observing different clinical teams

UNSW offers multiple entry pathways into medicine, including:

• Gateway Entry Scheme
• Lateral Entry Scheme
• Rural Entry Admission Pathway
• Indigenous Entry Scheme. 

Visit the special entry schemes page for detailed information.

If you already hold a medical degree:

1. Complete hospital residency years that provide relevant clinical and laboratory experience
2. Apply to join the RCPA training program
3. Train within your chosen subspecialty and complete examinations
4. Move into specialist practice once you achieve Fellowship 

Mapping your career in pathology

The pathologist career path offers a wide variety of professional directions. Early-career doctors often rotate through laboratory departments such as microbiology, anatomical pathology, chemical pathology or genetics before choosing a subspecialty.

UNSW graduates benefit from strong connections to leading teaching hospitals, access to cutting-edge laboratories and opportunities to engage in world-class research. 

How UNSW will prepare you for your future in pathology

UNSW is home to one of the top medical schools in the world. Our Bachelor of Medical Studies / Doctor of Medicine equips you with the research skills and clinical experience you need to navigate the complex and ever-changing medical industry.

Studying pathology at UNSW gives you access to: 

• a strong medical program with research-active academics

• leading laboratories and teaching hospitals

• opportunities for scientific research

• varied clinical placements that build scientific insight and practical skills

Plus, we're globally recognised for setting student sup for career success:

•  Australia's most employable students for seven years in a row years in a row (AFR Top 100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020–2026)
• #1 for career outcomes (Australian Financial Review Best Universities Ranking 2025)
• UNSW students earn the highest median salaries among graduates of Go8 universities (QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024)
• #1 in Australia for employability (QS World University Rankings, 2026).