How to Become a Anatomist

About Anatomist

An Anatomist is a Biological scientist who studies the internal structure of living beings. Most of the anatomists are educators or biomedical researchers that are focused on the anatomical form of human and their function. Anatomists mostly specialise in areas like cell biology, biological imaging, endocrinology, genetics, histology, molecular development, microscopy, neuroscience, physical anthropology, forensics, etc. Many anatomists usually work in colleges laboratories or medical centres or universities. They carry out their research along with teaching and training scientists or dentists or doctors or professionals in the health care sector.

To become an anatomist, one must first be a medical student and major in medicine, biology, or chemistry. Anatomists can specialise in a variety of fields such as genetics, endocrinology, histology, anthropology, forensics, microscopy, and so on.

To become an anatomist, students must first complete their MBBS, after which they can undertake MD and further specialisations to advance their careers. There are 511 Top MMBS Colleges in India, with 250 being government colleges and 261 being private. There are no specialisations available in these Indian colleges because MBBS is a general programme. Among these medical colleges, 420 institutions have MCI (Medical Council of India) approval, and 95 have UGC approval (University Grants Permission). Candidates will be better able to advance their careers as anatomists if they have prior experience working as researchers or at any type of medical facility.

Roles and Responsibilities of an Anatomist 

Anatomists are medical scientists who specialise in the study of the structure and form of various living things, including animals. Examining organ systems of various bodies through the dissection and comparison of various species' structures is a daily task for an anatomist. The ability of various living organisms' bodies to regenerate their damaged parts is determined by an anatomist. It ensures that organs from living organisms can be transplanted from one living body to another.

Research: The main duty of an anatomist is to conduct research to stay abreast of new advancements in the field of medical science. He or she studies the organs of different living things.

Study: Dissecting and analysing the structures of living things' organs is the work of an anatomist. He or she decides whether the organs can be transplanted between living things.

Documentation: Anatomists must efficiently record the research and its results for publications as part of their job. Both laypeople and medical science researchers could easily understand it.

Providing Assistance: A job as an anatomist also entails giving other healthcare professionals like doctors, scientists, nurses, dentists, and pharmacists the support they need.

Eligibility to become Anatomist

Subject Requirements: Subjects related to biology, medicine, chemistry, physical and behavioural sciences, etc

Educational Qualification: A doctoral degree in a relevant field

Experience: Many years of study

Key Skills:

How to Become an Anatomist?

Candidates can become an anatomist by following the steps outlined below:

Step 1: 10+2 Completion

Do you want to learn how to become an anatomist? Following are the steps to becoming an anatomist after high school. Aspirants must have completed 10+2 in physics, chemistry, and biology from a recognised board with a minimum of 50% marks.

Step 2: Entrance Examination

Entrance exams are held at a number of universities and colleges to admit students. The entrance exam must be taken and passed in order for applicants who want to become anatomists to be admitted.

Anatomist Entrance Examinations

Step 3: Bachelor

Students must enrol in a bachelor's degree programme after successfully completing the 10+2 programme. The main undergraduate anatomy courses are listed below.

Undergraduate Anatomist Courses

Undergraduate degrees such as BSc and BTech are preferred for an Anatomist career.

Individuals can also pursue a career as a physician anatomist by enrolling in an MBBS programme.

Step 4: Post Bachelor

Individuals with a bachelor's degree have several options for pursuing an anatomist career after graduation. We have provided two major options below.

Option 1: After completing a bachelor's degree, individuals can begin working in an entry-level position. After gaining a few years of experience, they can pursue a master's degree programme.

Option 2: After earning a bachelor's degree, individuals can pursue a master's degree programme in the relevant specialisation. They can also begin working in the industry as an entry-level employee.

Postgraduate Anatomist Entrance Examinations

Postgraduate Anatomist Courses 

Types of  Anatomist

Check out the types of Anatomy professions listed below.

Occupational Therapist: Occupational therapists play an important role in providing quality care to patients. They care for injured, ill, and disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They also assist patients in developing quickly and do their best to recover the patients. Aside from that, they maintain the skills required for daily living and working.

Pharmacologist: Pharmacologists are in charge of overseeing the development of new chemical compounds and other substances that are used as medications. Pharmacologists also focus on the consequences of some dangerous chemicals. They also start investigations into the potential effects of chemicals on particular body systems, such as the respiratory or cardiovascular systems.

Radiographer: Radiologic technologists are another term for radiographers. They are mainly healthcare professionals who operate specialised scanning machines to create the image for medical purposes only. They make use of CT scanners, X-ray machines, and advanced technologies such as digital fluoroscopy.

Sonographer: Sonographers, also referred to as diagnostic medical sonographers, create images of different body parts using sound waves and imaging technology. They are referred to as ultrasounds. The doctors can diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions with the aid of these images.

Paramedic: A paramedic is responsible for responding to 911 calls for emergency medical assistance, such as bandaging a wound or performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. They also assess patients' conditions and decide what kind of treatment will be given to them. They also give injured and sick patients life support or first-aid treatment.

Medical Inspector: Medical Examiners are responsible for managing a medicolegal death investigation office, starting investigations pertaining to it, interpreting toxicology, completing autopsies, and interpreting some other related laboratory test results. Additionally, they are in charge of gathering and maintaining evidence and managing expert testimony.

Skills Required to Become an Anatomist

There are several prerequisites for becoming an anatomist. One of the most important requirements for effective functioning is the possession of a specific skill set. We have listed anatomist skills below.

Research Skills: Anatomists must be proficient in research skills. Because it is a research-based position, the primary responsibility is to study the organs of living bodies to determine their ability to regenerate damaged or destroyed parts.

Analytical Skills: Working as an anatomist necessitates strong analytical abilities. He or she must examine the structure of living organisms' organs to determine whether or not they can be transplanted.

Problem Solving Skills: Working as an anatomist necessitates determining the severity of problems and providing the best possible solutions to resolve them.

Communication Skills: Working as an anatomist necessitates documenting research in an effective manner that is easily understood by both research scholars and laypeople. He or she must communicate with stakeholders and other team members.

Types of Job Roles Anatomist

An Anatomist during her/ his research can take up a number of roles. Some of the roles are mentioned below.

Medical Scientist: A medical scientist organises studies to analyse or investigate different human diseases, their development processes for medical application and analysis of medical samples. 

Veterinarian: A veterinarian examines animals to diagnose their problems and then treats them. They perform surgery on animals that need attention, prescribe medication, administer vaccinations and maintain a healthy relationship with their owners. 

Chiropractor: A Chiropractor deals with treating patients that suffer problems pertaining to their musculoskeletal system (containing muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments).

Epidemiologist: An epidemiologist studies outbreaks of diseases, its cause, means of communication for the prevention of future outbreaks. 

Athletic Trainer: An athletic trainer analyses the medical conditions of athletes and provides them with emergency attention when needed.

Employment Sector/Industry for Anatomist

• The work description of an Anatomist includes studying and researching out the structure of living beings. 

• They are biological scientists who focus on areas such as neuroscience, microscopy, endocrinology, genetics, histology, physical anthropology, forensics, etc. 

• Some anatomists are specialised in the study of plant anatomy and their forms. 

• These kinds of botanists deal with studying the internal structure of plant development.

• Some anatomists specialise in animal anatomy. 

• They are usually veterinarians or zoologists or physicians who focus on studying the anatomical structure of animals, including human beings, and the development of different parts of their body. 
   

Where Do Anatomists Work?

• Anatomists are generally employed in the health care sector while working on their research work.

• They may work in college laboratories or medical centres or universities. 

• Many anatomists carry out their research while teaching. 

• Some of them train scientists or doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists or other health care professionals. 

• Some of the anatomists work in government agencies or scientific publishing firms. 

• There is also job scope for anatomists in private companies that manufacture artificial limbs or organs. 

Career Path Progression for Anatomist

Junior anatomist: A junior anatomist typically has one to four years of professional experience. He or she is in charge of aiding other experts, including medical personnel, researchers, nurses, dentists, and pharmacists.

Senior Anatomist: A Senior Anatomist has more than ten years of professional experience. He or she might be a botanist, zoologist, educator, or doctor. Typically, a senior anatomist instructs medical specialists.
 

Benefits of Becoming an Anatomist

When you are an anatomist, it is simple to find a well-paying and prestigious job both in India and abroad. Experts in anatomy can always find work in a demanding setting. The following are additional advantages of a career in anatomy:

• Pay: An anatomist can make a very good living. An anatomist's annual starting salary can range from INR 4,00,000 to INR 6,00,000
• Job Security: All anatomists receive a competitive salary, ensuring job security. There is a high degree of job security for anatomists
• Positive Career Impact: An anatomist or any other medical professional can address some of the most pressing issues facing the world today, even during a pandemic. They have the power to advance society and make life better. Global issues can be addressed by medical professionals
• Highest Studies: The doctoral degree in medical courses in the field of anatomy is the highest degree an anatomist can pursue. The most challenging courses in any medical programme are research courses
   

Pay Scale/Salary of Anatomist

• The salary of an anatomist varies highly from country to country. 

• An anatomist can earn up to INR 39 LPA in the US. 

• In India, the minimum salary can range from INR 20,000 - INR 25,000 per month. 

• There are many hospitals that charge a visiting anatomist by the hour. 

• Since an anatomist is also employed in other job roles, the salary may differ highly.

Books & Study Material to Become Anatomist

Here are some of the top anatomy preparation books for beginners that aspirants can refer to.

• The Atlas of Human Anatomy 

• Anatomy and Physiology for Dummies 

• Anatomy: A Photographic Atlas

• Gray’s Anatomy

• Human Anatomy and Physiology by Elaine N. Marieb and Katja Hoehn

• The Language of Medicine by Davi Ellen 

• The Human Brain Book by Rita Carter

• Netter’s Concise Orthopaedic Anatomy by Jon C. Thompson MD
   

Pros of becoming a Anatomist

• Anatomists are paid very well both in India and abroad.
• The job of the anatomists involves conducting research, and attending conferences across the world. They get to travel a lot which is one of the added perks.
   

Cons of becoming a Anatomist

• Anatomists spend a lot of time conducting research and in laboratories due to which their working hours are more than expected.
• The work life balance can suffer as Anatomists travel a lot.