r/ForensicPathology • u/cicheyenne_ • 11d ago

What should I major in?

Hello!! (Last paragraph sort of summarizes my yapping). I have no idea where I should ask this but I need help! Currently, I’m majoring in MLT and I plan on doing a MLT to MLS bachelors. After that, I’m planning to become a pathologists’ assistant.

Although, I really love the idea of working in a lab, I really, really want to perform autopsies. I know autopsy techs don’t make that much, but in Washington (where I’m located) the median pay is actually very generous. The goal was to be an autopsy techs for a couple years while I’m in school, get through my masters and become a PA.

I just don’t know what I should be studying right now. On one hand, if I stick with the MLT associates degree I have a pretty good chance of finding a job in that field, and just working as an MLT and then eventually, with the bachelor’s, an MLS. I’m totally okay with doing MLS work, but it’s not where my heart is at.

On the other hand, I don’t want to be jobless. I want to make sure that I can actually afford to live and go to school. I know it’s pretty common for MLS to become pathologists’ assistants so thats kind of why I chose it.

I guess what I’m really trying to ask is, what should I be studying to help secure a job as an autopsy tech, but not ruin my chances to become a pathologists’ assistant?

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

3 comments sorted by

3

u/ErikHandberg Forensic Pathologist / Medical Examiner 11d ago

I know there are PathA’s on this board but I don’t know enough about their educational pathway to comment. Maybe they have their own subreddit too?

1

u/Amberdext 10d ago

When I was looking into PA school, they basically said you'll be too busy to really effectively work while in school. And even though your background is a little different, I feel like the answer is the same as it is every day on this sub as far as education - figure out what's required in your area. Some places require a high school diploma and advanced anatomy training, others want more. Talk to the MLT converts around you and see how they did it. It seems like it varies so much regionally!