Typical Tasks
Consult with physicians about ordering and interpreting tests or providing treatments.
Diagnose diseases or study medical conditions, using techniques such as gross pathology, histology, cytology, cytopathology, clinical chemistry, immunology, flow cytometry, or molecular biology.
Read current literature, talk with colleagues, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in pathology.
Identify the etiology, pathogenesis, morphological change, and clinical significance of diseases.
Educate physicians, students, and other personnel in medical laboratory professions, such as medical technology, cytotechnology, or histotechnology.
A day in the life
What kind of work is this?
Investigative
Studying, Research based work
Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
What personality traits do you need to succeed?
Attention to Detail
Dependability
Integrity
Achievement/Effort
Stress Tolerance
Analytical Thinking
What key skills are needed for this job?
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Writing
Active Listening
Complex Problem Solving
Active Learning
Expected Knowledge
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Common Activities
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Processing Information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
