How to Become a Chemical Pathologist

About Chemical Pathologist

One of the many specialisations in the field of Pathology is Chemical Pathology, which facilitates the collection of data such as blood, urine and cerebrospinal fluids, study and analysis of the human body and its diseases. A career as a Chemical Pathologist would require candidates to work in laboratories, specifically, a biochemistry lab, where human fluid samples are tested and analysed for various diseases. However, as a Chemical Pathologist, you will find yourself assisting doctors, surgeons and specialists in offering your findings regarding abnormal test results, thus, providing further insight towards a patient’s diseases.

While pursuing a career as a Chemical Pathologist, some of the major roles may include the following:

• Day-to-day analysis of samples

• Carry out investigations and interpret results

• Provide substantial advice to doctors and specialists

• Perform autopsies in order to confirm the cause of death and understand the evolution of diseases.

Chemical Pathologist Highlights

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What does a Chemical Pathologist do?

Chemical pathologists are the healthcare professionals who are responsible for monitoring and examining the samples of bodily fluids. They are responsible to collect body fluid samples such as urine, saliva or blood to examine the changes in the human body. They are responsible for the diagnosis of various diseases and monitoring. They are also responsible to interact with patients to investigate test results and provide them with treatment support.  

Eligibility to become Chemical Pathologist

In order to pursue a career as a Chemical Pathologist, all aspirants are required to go through medical school, avail the necessary medical education at different levels and specialisation. Here are the eligibility criteria to become a Chemical Pathologist.

• A valid MBBS degree obtained from a recognised medical college, approved by the Medical Council of India.

• Candidates should also pursue a Diploma or MD in Pathology

• All candidates are required to be registered and licensed doctors in order to pursue a career as a Chemical Pathologist.

How to Become a Chemical Pathologist in India

Students who are looking for ways to become a Chemical Pathologist, there are plenty of ways after 12th class and graduation. Students can also pursue diploma courses to make a career as Chemical Pathologist. 

How to Become a Chemical Pathologist in India After 12th Class

Students who are in school and interested in making a career as Chemical Pathologists can opt for short-term or long-term courses. Students can start preparing while in class 12th with the Science stream. Once the students complete their 12th-class education, they can enroll themselves in various courses after completing their 12th class. Students must have the Physics, Chemistry, and Biology subjects in the 12th class as compulsory subjects. Here are some famous courses for Chemical Pathologists:

Entrance Exams to Become a Chemical Pathologist in India After 12th Class 

To pursue graduation courses after completing the 12th class, students can opt for the entrance exams. Here are some famous entrance exams for chemical pathologists in India after the 12th class. 

How to Become a Chemical Pathologist in India After Graduation 

Students can become a Chemical Pathologist in India after completing graduation or post-graduation. However, students will need to have Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects in the 12th class. Students can also pursue post-graduation courses or internships after completion of graduation. Here are some famous post-graduation courses mentioned in the table:

Entrance Exams to Become a Chemical Pathologist in India After Graduation 

Students can easily pursue post-graduation courses to become a successful chemical pathologist in India after graduation. Here are some top entrance exams for chemical pathologists in India. 

Types of Job Roles Chemical Pathologist

Being a specialised field in the healthcare industry, there are a limited number of roles that can be pursued as a career in Chemical Pathology. Ranging from research and analysis to providing consultancy services to hospital and patients, the roles of a Chemical Pathologist can be dynamic and challenging in their own manner. Here are some of the types of job roles found in a career as a Chemical Pathologist.

Consultant Chemical Pathologist: As a Consultant Chemical Pathologist, you will provide your expertise and knowledge in the field in analysing the different lab test results and interpreting the information correctly. Usually, you will find yourself providing consultancy services to hospitals and doctors, however, from time-to-time, you may also offer services to patients as well.

Diagnostic and Treatment Planner: Chemical Pathologists have a crucial role in mitigating the effects of certain tests and medical procedures on a patient. They are required to have a critical and analytical understanding of the chemical metabolism of a human being, in order to provide effective solutions that can help a patient in being relieved of their illnesses. To facilitate this, chemical pathologists need to plan out the appropriate tests, the duration of such tests and provide substantial test reports of such tests along with the professional opinion or solution to the issues unveiled in the tests.

Quality Control or Quality Assurance: In order to provide substantial reports and test results and more importantly, correct results, the tests and the methods of testing need to be monitored and supervised. One of the important tasks of a Chemical Pathologist is to ensure that the tests are conducted in the correct manner and are up to the minimum standards.

Employment Sector/Industry for Chemical Pathologist

The employment opportunities for a Chemical Pathologist are immense, especially since the medical industry continues to grow and expand. The need for Chemical Pathologists keeps growing, which will facilitate even better career opportunities for aspirants. Here are some of the employment opportunities that can be available to aspiring Chemical Pathologists in India.

• Government and Private Hospitals

• Pathology Laboratories/Clinics

• Medical Laboratories

• Medical Instrument Manufacturing Industries

Top Recruiting Companies for Chemical Pathologists

There are many hospitals and pathology labs across India offering exceptional services and several job opportunities to those who wish to pursue a career in the field. Here are some of the top recruiting companies for Chemical Pathologists in India.

• SRL Diagnostics

• Thyrocare 

• Conquest

• AIIMS

• Christian Medical College

• Apollo Hospitals

• Fortis Hospitals

Roles and Responsibilities of Chemical Pathologists 

The roles and responsibilities of Chemical pathologists require multiple things such as collecting fluids, examine them, and analysis. They are also responsible for the diagnosis of the disease. Here are some of the roles and responsibilities of Chemical Pathologists functions are mentioned below:

Testing Fluids: Chemical pathologists collect the testing fluids of the patients and test them. They are responsible for interacting with patients to make them comfortable injecting syringes. They need to be skilled to perform painless tiny cuts on patients’ wrists or arms for taking blood samples. 

Sample Analysis: Chemical pathologists are required to do an analysis of the collected fluids to know the changes and results in the chemistry of the body or sample. 

Diagnosis: A chemical pathologist is responsible for the diagnosis of diseases, while for the analysis and monitoring of the illness of the patient. They perform various levels of tests on fluids to determine the changes and causes of illness. 

Managing Laboratory: Chemical pathologists are also responsible for managing their laboratory on a daily basis. Their daily job routine involves managing and taking care of all the equipment required in the laboratory. They are responsible for the cleanliness of equipment.

Skills needed to be Chemical Pathologist

To successfully become a Chemical Pathologist, candidates require some basic skills. The candidates should have an interest in Science, communication, and so much more. Here is a list of the skills required to be an outstanding Chemical Pathologist:

Pay Scale/Salary of Chemical Pathologist

The medical and healthcare industry has been booming, over the past few decades, especially. This has resulted in lucrative salaries being paid to various specialists, including Chemical Pathologists. As per the trends witnessed in the salaries of a Chemical Pathologist in India, annual packages ranging between ₹5,00,000 - ₹19,00,000. Check out the salary details of a career as a Chemical Pathologist in the table given below.

Note: The salaries that have been mentioned above are just for reference purposes and the actual salaries of a Chemical Pathologist may vary depending on different parameters. The actual salaries can be higher or lower than the ones that have been mentioned above.

Books & Study Material to Become Chemical Pathologist

In order to excel in your area of expertise, learning has been one of the more effective methods. Listed below are some books that you can read to enhance your understanding and skills in the field of Chemical Pathology.

• Clinical Chemistry, Immunology and Laboratory Quality Control by Amitava Dasgupta

• Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics by Carl A Burtis PhD, Edward R Ashwood MD and David E Burns MD

• Clinical Chemistry: Theory, Analysis and Correlation

• Urinalysis and Body Fluids by Susan Strasinger

• Cases in Chemical Pathology: A Diagnostic Approach by RN Walmsley, LR Watkinson and HJ Cain

• Robbins Basic Pathology by Vinay Kumar, Abul Abbas and Jon Aster

Fees to Become a Chemical Pathologist 

The aspirants who wish to become a Chemical Pathologist and want to know the fees for Chemical Pathologist can check the details mentioned below. 

• The average fee of pursuing the master courses in India to become a Chemical Pathologist ranges from INR 30,000 to INR 2,00,000.
• The PhD programs for Chemical Pathologists can range from INR 10,000 to INR 50,000. 
• The graduation courses in India to become a Chemical Pathologist are from 50,000 INR to 3,00,000 INR. 

Internships & Certificates to become Chemical Pathologist 

There are multiple internships and certification courses available to become a Chemical Pathologist. Students can also opt to work under an experienced doctor or lab to understand the work and responsibilities. 

Pros of becoming a Chemical Pathologist

• Flexible Working Hours

• Students are exposed to Lead and Management roles at the beginning of their careers

• Dynamic working culture as you will be providing consultancy services to patients, work with General Physicians and supervise scientists in the laboratory.

Cons of becoming a Chemical Pathologist

• Extensive training and skills are required, which may take a couple of years of education and work experience as well.

• Requires immense patience and a wide array of knowledge regarding human anatomy and physiology.

• Can get stressful as many-a-times, Chemical Pathologists are required to juggle numerous tests and other consultancy services within a limited period of time.