Some people look at a forensic pathologist as a cool profession. However, some people may also see this job as a horrible job because a forensic pathologist works with corpses.
A forensic pathologist works on a corpse whose death is caused by suicide, accident, homicide or is unknown. After a forensic pathologist conducts an autopsy, then they have to determine the cause of the death.
Before someone becomes a forensic pathologist, they have to take several years of study and also training. They also have to make sure that they are brave enough to face the corpse.
To be able to be a forensic pathologist, you have to take a bachelor’s degree for four years and get medical school requirements which then followed by completing medical school for four years to earn a degree as Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic (D.O.).
After completing medical school, then you have to complete 4 to 5 years of training in certain areas such as clinical pathology, anatomic pathology, or forensic pathology.
Now, the question is, how much does it cost to be a forensic pathologist? Since the journey to be a forensic pathologist is not short, it seems that the cost is not cheap as well. You are able to find out the estimation of cost to be a forensic pathologist below.
The Cost for Becoming a Forensic Pathologist
As explained earlier, to be a forensic pathologist, you have to get a bachelor degree and a medical degree. Taking a bachelor degree can cost around less than $5,000 and more than $30,000 per year. The cost for taking a bachelor degree is different for each individual because it depends on the school that is chosen and also the program which is chosen.
After completing a bachelor degree, you have to attend medical school for four years. If you choose a public school, the cost is around $200,000, but if you choose a private school, the cost can be around $270,000.
If you have completed medical school, then you have to complete a residency for four years. And then, you are required to have a state license and a credential from the American Board of Pathology.
How about the cost of having a certification? From the American Board of Pathology (ABP), you are able to get voluntary certification. As of January 2016, the cost of the application and examination for the Combined Anatomic Pathology and Forensic Pathology Specialty Certification is $2,200. If you want to get the Forensic Pathology Subspecialty certification alone, the cost is $1,800. The exams are held at the testing center of ABP in Tampa, Florida through a computer.
Well, to be a forensic pathologist, the journey is quite long. However, it is understandable because the responsibility of a forensic pathologist is not easy. A forensic pathologist works with a corpse where they will have to conduct an autopsy, record all the details of the corpse’ body, investigate crime scenes, and even report findings to law enforcement and the families of victims.
If you want to be a forensic pathologist, prepare not only the finances for your study, but also you have to be ready for all of the challenges of this job which means that you also have to be mentally prepared.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
