Anatomical pathology technologist
Find answers for bereaved families by helping doctors discover how and why a person died.
Also known as: mortuary technician, mortuary attendant, anatomical pathology technician
About the job
What it's like
Would you like to work in a vital medical role, helping doctors investigate causes of death? In this career, you'd provide an important service to families, giving them answers about the death of a loved one.
You'd assist a specialist doctor, known as a pathologist, conduct post-mortems. They'd need your help to dissect a body to discover how and why a person died. With experience, you could work with forensic pathologists to examine murder victims.
You could also help save people's lives by taking samples for organ transplants. Another part of your role would be assisting people after the loss of someone close to them.
You'll need a keen eye for detail and to be able to communicate in a compassionate and respectful way. If you're interested in a medical career and enjoy science, this could be the job for you.
Your tasks might include:
receiving and releasing bodies from the mortuary
taking, delivering and disposing of samples, specimens and organs
reconstructing and cleaning the deceased after examination
looking after the mortuary and post-mortem room
keeping equipment and instruments sterile and ready for use
helping with viewings in the mortuary quiet room
recording identification of the deceased
preparing and providing legal documents, such as death certificates
offering advice on funeral arrangements
Hours
You'd typically work about 37.5 hours a week, which may include shifts and on-call duties
Environment
For post-mortem work, you would be based in a stark and clinical setting. To maintain health and safety, you'd wear protective clothing, such as rubber gloves, a theatre gown, visor and boots.
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Life sciences Healthcare
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- anatomical pathology
- anatomy
- pathology
- auditing
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- understanding
- attention to detail
- respecting
- researching
- observation
- evaluating
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Biology
Chemistry
Human Biology
Science
Skills for Work: Laboratory Science
You'd need to apply for a trainee post with the NHS . To apply, you'd likely need five National 5 qualifications, including English, maths and a science (ideally biology).
You'd start your training in a mortuary, observing common practices. You'd then work under the supervision of senior anatomical pathology technologists and pathologists. You'd also do a level 3 diploma course awarded by the Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH).
Topics include:
anatomy and physiology
post-mortem room techniques
hygiene
health and safety
legislation and codes of practice
administration and documentation
Once you complete the training, including an exam, you'll achieve a level 3 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology. This will allow you to begin working fully in the role.
It's useful to have a good knowledge of the practices of different religions.
To work in anatomical pathology, you’ll need:
great attention to detail
to be able to work to a high standard under pressure
strong verbal and written communication skills
to be confident with technology and systems/processes
to be able to work as part of a team as well as use your own initiative
a good knowledge of anatomy and be able to identify a wide range of commonly found pathology
a good understanding of health and safety including infection control, manual handling and risk assessment
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