How To Become A Forensic Pathologist In South Africa

The forensic pathologist is a subspecialist in pathology whose area of special competence is the examination of persons who die suddenly, unexpectedly or violently.

What does a forensic pathologist do?

Post-mortem examinations

Assisted by a Forensic Pathology Officer, the pathologist examines dead individuals to accurately establish their identity, the day of death and the cause of death.

They consider the body of the deceased to be a crime scene that they, as medical detectives, process in order to find and preserve evidence to present in future court evidence.

Where can I study forensic pathology?

University of Cape Town – http://www.forensicmedicine.uct.ac.za

Stellenbosch University – http://www.sun.ac.za/english/faculty/healthsciences/pathology/Pages/default.aspx

University of the Witwatersrand – http://www.wits.ac.za/academic/health/academicprogrammes/postgraduate/honours/22629/forensic_science.html

Who helps the forensic pathologist at the mortuary?

The forensic pathology officer, who is trained on the job. These officers are not medically qualified, but are taught how to assist. They need a Grade 10, a valid driver’s licence and the ability to work respectfully with living and dead people.

Below are steps To Become A Forensic Pathologist In South Africa

Step 1: Graduate high school

(four years) – A high school diploma or GED is required to pursue the forensic pathology career. Students should do their best to excel in all areas in order to be admitted to a well-respected undergraduate program and have the best chance of earning a spot at a good medical school.

Step 2: Complete an undergraduate degree

(four years) – Those pursuing this career will need to complete a bachelor’s degree. Some students may choose a “pre-med” major, but sciences such as biology, chemistry, or microbiology are all highly relevant as well.

Step 3: Complete medical school

(four years) – From the initial application to the final certification exams, medical school is a grueling process. Students should be prepared to spend a good deal of their lives in class, clinical work, or studying for exams. In medical school, students take classes in advanced anatomy, physiology, medical law, and microbiology, to name a few.

They must also complete supervised clinical rotations to apply their newfound abilities in internal medicine, surgical, obstetrics, and other types of medical settings.

Step 4: Earn a medical license

To become a medical doctor, students have to complete their board exams. The licensing process includes a three-step examination that begins the second year of medical school with the final exam taking place after one year of residency.

Licensing requirements beyond this exam can vary between states, so those pursuing a medical career should be sure to consider where they plan to live and work prior to becoming licensed.

Step 5: Obtain a pathology residency

(three years) – After completing medical school, students will need to be admitted to a specialized residency program where they can learn about the specifics of pathology and begin practicing as a physician.

Most residencies take at least three years to complete. Applicants should look for programs that have been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Most of these residencies instruct students in clinical pathology (CP) or anatomic pathology (AP).

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION FOR FORENSIC PATHOLOGISTS

Forensic pathologists are advised to get certified by the American Board of Pathology (ABP). To qualify for professional credentialing, students must have the following:

Official transcripts from medical school

Medical licensure (achieved by passing the South Africa Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)

Proof of having completed a pathology (or pathology subspecialty) residency program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)

Having at least one year of additional specialized, structured training (e.g., fellowship)

What qualifications do I need to be a forensic pathologist?

3 or 4 years for a degree or master’s in a pure or applied science subject like biology, chemistry, clinical or biomedical science. a 3 year, work-based Scientist Training Programme leading to a master’s degree. 5 year Higher Specialist Scientist Training following the pathology specialty.

Where can I study forensics in South Africa?

This can be done at a number of Universities such as Pretoria, University of Cape Town, University of Stellenbosch, University of Free State and the University of KZN. The B.Sc. degree takes 3 years to complete. two Universities offering such a degree.

How many forensic pathologists are there in South Africa?

Believe it or not, there are only about 40 registered forensic pathologists in South Africa, each of which perform from hundreds of autopsies a year.

What is a forensic pathologist salary in South Africa?

The average pay for a Forensic Pathologist is ZAR 296,635 a year and ZAR 143 an hour in South Africa. The average salary range for a Forensic Pathologist is between ZAR 222,495 and ZAR 362,810. On average, a Doctorate Degree is the highest level of education for a Forensic Pathologist.

Is there a high demand for forensic pathologist?

Career Outlook for Forensic Pathologists

There is ample evidence of opportunities for aspiring forensic pathologists in years to come. For forensic science technicians, there’s an anticipated 14 percent increase in job openings, and for physicians and surgeons, the anticipated growth rate is 4 percent.

Is it hard to become a pathologist?

Becoming a forensic pathologist is not easy. It takes a minimum of 13 years of education and training after high school to become a forensic pathologist. It also takes a strong stomach because it can be a gruesome, smelly and disgusting job.

How many years do you study to become a forensic pathologist?

This is a summary of qualifications and time required to become a forensic pathologist: Matric/Grade 12/Umalusi with recommended subjects such as Life Science, Physical Science, Mathematics and English. Six years of medical school. One year of internship under supervision.

How much does it cost to become a forensic pathologist?

Forensic pathologists need a bachelor’s degree and a medical degree. A bachelor’s degree program can cost you anywhere between less than R 75565.49and more than R 453392.94 a year, depending on the school you choose and the program itself.

Do forensic pathologists go to crime scenes?

Forensic pathologists have three major duties to perform. They are called to crime scenes to make a preliminary examination of the body and perhaps an initial determination of the postmortem interval (the time since death). The possible manners of death are homicide, accident, suicide, and natural causes.