Anatomical Pathology Technician
What is the work like?
As an anatomical pathology technologist (APT), or mortuary technician, you would give support to pathologists (specialist doctors) during post-mortem examinations. These examinations aim to identify the cause of death, and involve analysing and dissecting the deceased.
During a post-mortem, your duties would include:
- passing instruments, such as scalpels to pathologists
- taking tissue samples
- weighing the organs as they are removed from a body
- taking samples for laboratory analysis
- recording the findings of a post-mortem exam.
At the end of a post-mortem you would assist with reconstructing and cleaning the body ready for storage or release to the undertakers for burial or cremation. With experience, you may also assist forensic pathologists examining murder victims.
As well as post-mortem work, you would be responsible for the day-to-day running of the mortuary service, for example:
- making sure instruments are clean, sterile and ready for use
- receiving bodies into the mortuary at short notice
- placing the deceased into cold storage units
- keeping accurate records required by law
- tracking property and samples of the deceased.
You would also work closely with doctors, police, coroner's office staff, funeral directors and the relatives of those who have died.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You may not need any specific qualifications to become a trainee anatomical pathology technologist. However, some hospitals or NHS Trusts will prefer you to have knowledge of science and possibly some GCSEs (A-C) including science, maths and English. You will also need to be able to show employers that you have an awareness and respect for different religious beliefs surrounding death.
You may have an advantage if you have previous work experience of record keeping, dealing with legal issues, and using practical manual skills.
What further training and development can I do?
Before you can assist in a post-mortem examination, you will spend some time observing experienced pathologists and technicians at work. During your first two years, you will combine on-the-job training with studying for the Royal Institute of Public Health (RIPH) Certificate in Anatomical Pathology Technology. On the course you will cover areas such as:
- anatomy and physiology
- manual handling
- infection control
- health and safety
- legislation and codes of practice
- post-mortem room techniques.
Once you have completed the RIPH Certificate (including a written paper and oral test) you can apply for Associate Membership of the RIPH.
It may help your career prospects to continue studying and progress to the RIPH Diploma in Anatomical Pathological Technology, which aims to teach you the skills you need to run a mortuary. With the Diploma, you can apply for full RIPH membership.
You can also join the Association of Anatomical Pathology Technologists (AAPT UK), who represent and promote the profession and work closely with other organisations linked with mortuary services. As a member, you would have access to a range of professional development opportunities.
Where can I go for more information?
28 Portland PlaceLondon
W1B 1DE
Tel: 020 7580 2731
London
EC1R 5HL
Tel: 020 7278 2151
Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Anatomical pathology technologists can earn between £14,000 and £18,500 a year.
- Senior technicians, managers or supervisors may earn around £30,000.
There are additional payments for overtime and on-call duty.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would typically work around 40 hours a week, which may include shifts and on-call duties.
For post-mortem work, you would be based in a stark and clinical setting and to maintain health and safety, you would wear protective clothing, such as rubber gloves, a theatre gown, visor and boots.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- tact and sensitivity when dealing with bereaved relatives
- a genuine interest in science and how the human body works
- a mature and responsible attitude to work
- a strong stomach for dealing with unusual sights and smells
- good communication skills
- to the ability to lift heavy items
- IT skills
- awareness of health and safety issues
- a methodical approach to work
- good attention to detail.
What opportunities are there?
You will find most job opportunities within the NHS, but you could also work with local authority run public mortuary facilities. Currently, there are more applicants for APT posts than vacancies.
With experience and relevant qualifications (such as the RIPH Diploma) you may have the opportunity to train other healthcare professionals and progress your career towards more advanced technical work or a managerial post.
You can contact the human resources or mortuary services department of your local NHS Trust for details of jobs in your area, and you may also find the following links useful for vacancies and general reading:
NHS Jobs
A-Z list of NHS Trusts
Association of Anatomical Pathology Technologists
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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