Occupation information for

Diagnose presence and stage of diseases using laboratory techniques and patient specimens. Study the nature, cause, and development of diseases. May perform autopsies.

Currently Employed: 2,202

Yearly Projected Openings: 60

Typical Hourly Wage: $25.67 - $80+

Typical Annual Salary: $53,400 - $166,400+

• Examine microscopic samples to identify diseases or other abnormalities.
• Diagnose diseases or study medical conditions using techniques such as gross pathology, histology, cytology, cytopathology, clinical chemistry, immunology, flow cytometry, and molecular biology.
• Write pathology reports summarizing analyses, results, and conclusions.
• Identify the etiology, pathogenesis, morphological change, and clinical significance of diseases.
• Analyze and interpret results from tests such as microbial or parasite tests, urine analyses, hormonal assays, fine needle aspirations (FNAs), and polymerase chain reactions (PCRs).
• Communicate pathologic findings to surgeons or other physicians.
• Diagnose infections, such as Hepatitis B and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), by conducting tests to detect the antibodies that patients' immune systems make to fight such infections.
• Read current literature, talk with colleagues, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in pathology.
• Consult with physicians about ordering and interpreting tests or providing treatments.
• Conduct genetic analyses of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or chromosomes to diagnose small biopsies and cell samples.

• Dropping pipettes
• Immunology analyzers
• Microtomes
• Non vacuum blood collection tubes or containers
• Temperature cycling chambers or thermal cyclers

• Accounting software
• Information retrieval or search software
• Medical software