Nature of Work

       Forensic pathology is the practice of performing autopsies on corpses to determine the cause of death. This is a career that can last a lifetime. A forensic pathologist's skills can only get better with age and experience, and many of them work for over fifty years. Forensic pathology is critical in solving crimes, determining origins of disease, and in helping families of the deceased get closure.
They are often the person who (after examining a body) determines whether or not the case should be continued to be investigated, or even if the case will go to court at all. Overall, forensic pathologist play a critical role in the field of crime.

Working Environment

         A forensic pathologist must be able to work in a variety of environments, and still be able to produce quality results regardless of circumstances. According to Barry Franklin of ForensicsColleges.com, the goal of forensic pathology is to "help solve a criminal case such as a suspected murder or suicide, and also to determine if a case should even be considered as a criminal case". In order to do this, they must be able  to adapt quickly. Forensic pathologists not only work in the lab, but in active crime scenes, and may even have to testify in court. They mostly work in either private labs, hospitals, or morgues and often work extremely long hours.

 

 

Training, Qualifications, and Career Advancement Potential

        Since they will always be crime, and always be deaths, there will always be a need for forensic pathologists. Although it takes at least thirteen years to get certified, once someone is a licensed forensic pathologist, they can work for over fifty years! One must go to college, go to medical school, and then partake in a five year certification process. According to Barry Franklin, "Certification can be a 4 to 5 year process that requires completion of graduate-level medical education in anatomic and/or clinical pathology, as well as a forensic pathology subspecialty". After attending medical school, one must perform at least fifty autopsies, and then must be evaluated by the ABP. Certification must be reviewed every ten years as well. Opposite of most careers, forensic pathologists tend to get better as they get older, because of the variety of experiences they encounter.

Employment

          Forensic pathologists are able to be employed  by a variety of places. Anything from state to federal governments, hospitals, or even police departments (as shown by Figure 1). In an article on forensics, Barry Franklin states: "The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics includes forensic pathology in the same category as many of the other forensic sciences, and it indicates that the outlook for jobs in the field is healthy and growing. According to the 2010 BLS report, the rate of growth in the general field of forensic science should be about 19 percent". This shows what a healthy, flourishing career field forensic pathology is.

Figure 1 (Employment options)

Job Outlook & Prospects

          Forensic pathology is a small, but incredibly important field. Article writer Barry Franklin writes that "the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) is recommending that the nation double its forensic pathologist workforce of nearly 500 to approximately 1,000". Forensic pathology is a slowly growing occupation, which is party due to the extensive education required to become certified. Franklin also states that the "BLS predicts that there should be about another 2,400 jobs in the forensic sciences by 2020".

Earning Potential

           The average salary range for a forensic pathologist is about $50,000 to $250,000 per year. Location, employers, experience, and demand are all factors for how much one can be paid. The average salary for a forensic pathologist is around $166,000, according to ForensicCollege.com. A forensic pathologist can earn over $70,000 per year, straight out of college/certification! See the graph below for more information on salaries.

Fun Facts & Other Information

Forensic pathology was first reported being used in 44 B.C. when Julius Caesar was killed.
Recent digital autopsies have shown that out of 23 stab wounds, only the second stab was fatal.
Read more here! http://bambooinnovator.com/2014/03/16/autopsy-report-on-julius-caesars-death-gave-rise-to-the-term-forensic-in-latin-which-means-before-the-forum/

Forensic pathologists can use hair, teeth, skin, and bone samples to find DNA

Dr. Saroyan from the TV show "Bones" is a forensic pathologist!