In order to become a pathologist you will need to first of all complete a medical degree after completing secondary school and three grade A A- Levels in at least two Science subjects. Biology and Chemistry are considered the most useful for careers in medicine. It is wise to check the entry requirement of the university you wish to enrol in to be exact in understanding the entry requirements.
It is absolutely essential that you have a medical based degree and are a vet, dentist or doctor of medicine before you attempt to become a trained pathologist. This is the only route into pathology. The degree you will require usually takes five years to complete.
Training to become a pathologist can take anywhere between five and ten years for UK- based students and there are at least two exams you must pass within this period. Often pathologists choose to research a particular organ such as skin (dermatology) or the study of perinatal (still births, miscarriages and terminations.) Once you are working in a hospital you may be required to work along several different areas but still be known for being a specialist in your chosen field.
If you are a graduate with a degree that is science or health orientated then you may be able to get onto an accelerated medical degree, these cut one year out of the total completion time meaning it will take you four years instead of five. Completing the medical degree is the only route into becoming a pathologist.
If you do not do well enough in your A Levels in order to get into medical school then you will need to resit as doing a degree in any other discipline will be a waste of time and only result in you having to enter medical school at a later date for a further four years at least.
If you need a job in healthcare, then visit Nuffield Health for a list of Pathology Jobs in your region.