What degree do you need to be a forensic pathologist?

Medical schools typically require students to take anatomy and physiology, biology, and medical law courses. In addition to the coursework, students will be gaining real-life experience through clinical rotations. Forensic pathologists should elect to spend their clinical rotations in a county medical examiner's office or morgue.

To become a legally practicing physician, medical students must complete a three-step process to earn their medical license.

All three steps are typically completed during medical school and involve rigorous multi-day examinations sponsored by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME).

After earning a medical degree and obtaining a medical license, students will need to complete a residency program. These typically last three years, and residencies in forensic pathology typically include advanced didactic and practical courses in toxicology and medical laboratory testing.

After residency, forensic pathologists will need to complete a fellowship. This provides an opportunity to learn more in-depth knowledge and gain practical experience through supervised mentorship. Advanced studies in medicolegal documentation, toxicology, and trace evidence are recommended as well as DNA technology, firearms, and ballistics.

Fellowships are often required to earn board certification. In addition, specialization programs in forensic pathology can be arranged through local, state, or federal medical examination offices. The final step is to earn board certification.

Physicians who complete a fellowship in forensic pathology are eligible to apply for board certification in forensic pathology through the American Board of Pathology. Having board certification may be required for some medico-legal examiner positions and can lead to expanded career options and higher salaries.