How to Become a Chemical Pathologist: Career Guide, Courses, Salary, Jobs, Scope

What does a Chemical Pathologist Do?

The biochemical investigation of bodily fluids such as blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid is known as chemical pathology (also known as clinical biochemistry). Diseases can be diagnosed and monitored by figuring out how and where the body's chemistry has changed.

• Clinical biochemistry services are provided in hospitals by clinical scientists, medical consultants, and biomedical scientists.
• The majority of the daily analytical work is done by skilled biomedical scientists. Complex analytical work can be performed by both Chemical pathologists and biomedical scientists.
• The appropriate use of investigations and interpretation of results, as well as the development of the service, are the responsibility of the Chemical Pathologist and medical personnel.

Types of Chemical Pathologists

There are 3 booming careers in Chemical Pathology, namely, Consultant Chemical Pathologist, Diagnostic and Treatment Planner, and QC Lab Chemist. Following is the detailed information about these careers.

Consultant Chemical Pathologist

A Consultant Chemical Pathologist can be recruited on a Contractual or Permanent basis. The average salary of a Consultant Chemical Pathologist is approximately INR 7.5-10 LPA. The key role of a Consultant Chemical Pathologist to handle and control the biochemistry laboratory. Performing hundreds of wide-ranging tests on samples that are analyzed each day. He\She may also have to contribute consultancy services to doctors, hospitals and provide multidisciplinary care to patients.

Diagnostic and Treatment Planner

Chemical Pathologists have a crucial role in guiding the selection of apt tests and assessing the connotation of the results of medical procedures on a patient. They also administer quality assurance as an element of their strategic leadership role.

They must have critical and analytical skills for examining the partitions and provide proper diagnosis of their illness. After the diagnosis, the Chemical Pathologist can provide the patient with the possible solution or treatment for their illness. The average salary of a Diagnostic and Treatment Planner is approximately INR 495,220 in India, according to payscale.com

QC Lab Chemist

Laboratory testing of patient samples is a convoluted process, it depends on the microbiological study, blood banking testing, or clinical analysis is among other facets of the clinical laboratory. A Lab Technician has a crucial duty of Quality control (QC). It is one of the most important impacts on laboratory testing—it ensures both accuracy and precision of patient sample results. A lab technician controls the quality of the samples and manages both meeting requirements of proficiency testing and overall quality. The average salary of a QC Lab Chemist is approximately INR 2-3 LPA in India.

Steps to become a Chemical Pathologist 

Candidates who wish to become a clinical pathologist can consider the following steps to ease their process.

Make a decision

Before you opt for Chemical Pathology as your career choice, you should be thorough with your interests, what subjects intrigue you, and whether you have had a keen interest in them in your 12th standard, and what is the eligibility criteria for becoming a Chemical Pathologist.

Appropriate skills 

Ability to communicate effectively with patients and staff from a wide range of backgrounds, outstanding practical skills, solid interest in biochemical processes and how they affect disease, ability to work independently and self-motivation, good problem -solving and decision-making skills are the key skills for becoming an outstanding Chemical Pathologist.

Choosing the right discipline 

Work on yourself and figure out what aspects of medicine or science fascinate you. Then go for selecting the field of your choice. (Chemical Pathology, Anatomic Pathology, Cytopathology, or Forensic pathology).

Choose the correct Subjects

The students must choose the correct subjects for their graduation and higher studies.

Students must have English, Chemistry, Physics, and Biology (PCB) as subjects in 12th standard to be eligible for admission to an academic degree program in Chemical Pathology. The minimum percentage in the core subjects should be above 50 percent. Students having a percentage below 50 may not be eligible for selection in the Bachelor’s program.

Entrance Exam Preparation 

Top entrance exams for admission in Chemical Pathology are JEE Main, NEET, CLAT, AIIMS, and IPU CET. The paper consists of MCQs (Multiple choice questions). These tests will have a syllabus of the B.Sc level. The tests will contain Questions from topics like Biochemistry, Chemistry, Botany, Physics, Zoology. The time duration of these tests is usually 2 - 3 hours, aspiring students should prepare accordingly.

Selecting Correct Colleges

Students must score exceptionally in these entrance exams if they are to secure a seat in top colleges. If Students are not able to score high marks they may have to compromise with a mediocre college\ university, which may also affect their future career. These entrance exams are stepping stones for getting into a top college/ university and building a career. Students should be thorough with their research and eligibility criteria about the top college/ university in the country right from the beginning. This would help you plan and it will be very fruitful in the future.

After Qualifying Exam 

After qualifying for the entrance exam students are free to choose from a pool of colleges for their full-time two-year undergraduate program in B.Sc Pathology, according to how they have scored. Keep in mind this is just the beginning of your journey in the Science stream, you need to be hardworking and focused throughout.

How to become a Chemical Pathologist in India? 

To become a Chemical Pathologist, you need to start inculcating skills like; Problem-solving skills, Leadership skills, Ability to work in a team, Analytical skills, Emotional stability, Ability to absorb a huge sum of information, Professionalism, Good Communication skills, and Integrity at early stages. Working on internships and jobs can also prove to be beneficial for the candidates.

School Level Preparation 

Students must have Chemistry, Physics, and Biology (PCB) as core subjects and English as a compulsory language in their 12th Standard. Opting for the Science stream will help students to commence interest in the medical field. This will make them grow curious and fonder about the subject. Students should be attentive, as these school years are crucial for passing the entrance exam with good marks in the future.

How to Become a Chemical Pathologist after 12th?

Undergraduate Preparation

Students can pursue B.Sc in Pathology course right after compiling the 12th standard from a recognized board.

The students need to be thoroughly prepared with the requirements and eligibility criteria of the College\ University they want to apply for. Students must have at least 50% in their Board examination in aggregate and outstanding marks in their competitive entrance examination held by the national, state-level examination bodies, universities, and colleges to have the possibility of getting into a top college. Some Colleges also provide merit-based admissions.

Postgraduate Preparation

After completing their undergraduate program, students can opt for a Postgraduate program in Chemical Pathology. This would benefit the student in gaining more academic experience and score a job with a higher salary. Students can pursue internships, part-time jobs, or work as an assistant before applying for the postgraduate program, this practical experience would help them to get admission to a reputed college.

Courses to Become a Chemical Pathologist

Diploma in Pathology

Diploma in Pathology can last one or two years. Diploma courses are designed for candidates who want to gain specialised knowledge in a particular field. This diploma program allows you to save both time and money. This level is preferred by candidates seeking employment over lengthy education.

Admission process

After finishing 12th standard or its equivalent from a recognized board of education, students can go for a diploma pathology course with desired specialization. Students must secure at least 50% marks in aggregate to pursue this course.

B.Sc in Pathology 

B.Sc in Pathology course is a two-year full-time Undergraduate program. B.Sc in the field of pathology offers around seven specializations, namely,Chemistry,Human Anatomy,Medical Laboratory Technology,Clinical Pathology,Biochemistry,Biology,and,

Chemical Pathology.

Admission process 

After finishing their 12th standard from a recognized board of education, students can go for a Bachelor in Science degree in Pathology with relevant specialization. Students must score at least 50% marks in their board examination in aggregate to be eligible for admissions

After completing their B.Sc in Pathology course students can also pursue an M.Sc program for further education, or they can apply for entry-level jobs as a chemical pathologist.

MBBS

Candidates can apply for the MBBS program in pathology after completing their 10+2 from a recognized board of examination. The minimum percentage for the MBBS program in pathology is 50% in aggregate in PCB; Physics, Chemistry, and Biology to be eligible for admissions. After completing their MBBS degree students can also opt for an MD program for further education, or they can also step into the industry and apply for entry-level jobs as a chemical pathologist.

Admission Process 

• Students should have completed their 10+2 with more than 50% marks in aggregate with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as core subjects and English as a compulsory language.
• CMC, Vellore, AIIMS, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh are some of the top medical colleges for the B.Sc Pathology and MBBS program
• Students have to qualify for entrance exam tests, such as JEE Main, NEET, CLAT, AIIMS, IPU CET, or other university entrance tests with exceptional marks.
• Students must clear the cut-off for the college\ university they are applying to be eligible for the admission
• Some colleges also accept students based on merit

Eligibility criteria for NEET

• Students who have passed the class 10+2 Board examination are eligible to apply for the NEET
• Students who have qualified in their 12th examination from a recognized board with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate, with Physics, Chemistry, Biology\ Biotechnology, and English as core subjects are eligible to apply for NEET
• Candidates above 17 and below 25 years of age are allowed to apply for the NEET
• Indian Nationals, OCIs, NRIs, Foreign Nationals, and PIOs aspirants are eligible to apply for NEET

Entrance Exam

Below are the details illustrating one of the important entrance exams; NEET for Pathology students, for MBBS and B.Sc courses.

MD in Chemical Pathology

After finishing their MBBS degree, students can apply for an MD in Pathology with relevant specialization. Students must have a valid MBBS degree obtained from a recognized medical college or university, approved by the Medical Council of India. Without an MBBS degree, the student cannot apply for an MD course. Students have to qualify for one of the entrance exam tests, some of them are: NEET PG, AIIMS PG EE, JIPMER PG. Students need to pass any of these entrance tests with exceptional scores to be admitted into a decent college or university.

Admission Process for MD program 

• Students should have completed their MBBS degree recognized by the Medical Council of India or B.Sc Pathology course with more than 50% marks in aggregate, in relevant specialization from a recognized university or college
• CMC Vellore, JIPMER, BHU, and Aligarh Muslim University are some of the top colleges for the MD program
• Students have to qualify for entrance exam tests, such as NEET PG, AIIMS PG EE, PGIMER EE, JIPMER EE, or other university entrance tests with exceptional marks.
• Students must clear the cut-off in the entrance examination of the college\ university they are applying, to be eligible for the admission
• Colleges accept students based on merit, entrance exam, and personal interview in these programs

Eligibility Criteria for NEET PG

• Students must have a Provisional MBBS Pass Certificate or an MBBS degree or recognized by the Indian Medical Council, Act 1956
• Students are required to have an MBBS qualification registration; provisional or permanent to qualify for the eligibility criteria. This registration is supposed to be issued by the State Medical Council (SMC) or Medical Council of India (MCI)
• Tor qualify for the eligibility criteria of NEET PG students must finish their one-year internship before or on March 31,
• There is no upper or lower age limit for the NEET PG

Entrance Exam: NEET-PG

NEET PG is a national level entrance test conducted each year to enroll the eligible candidates into MS/ MD/ Post Graduate Diploma programs at various private medical universities and colleges

How to Become a Chemical Pathologist Abroad

Students who wish to pursue a career as a Chemical pathologist abroad can refer to the details mentioned below.

How to Become a Chemical Pathologist in UK 

Admission Process 

• Students can apply for the Postgraduate program from the official website of the University they wish to apply for.
• Please keep in mind to upload all the required documents mentioned in the application form. If a candidate fails to do so, the applicant may get rejected.
• Students should apply for the desired course as early as possible as most of the colleges use the first come first serve method. The Universities have to right to close their applications early for the course in case the seats get full

Educational requirements 

• Students are required to; be about to obtain, or to hold, an Upper Second class Honours degree (or foreign degree equivalent) in a related subject area for entry to a Ph.D. program.
• If the applicant also holds a Master's degree with a Merit classification a Lower Second class Honours degree can be permitted
• International students are required to demonstrate and qualify for English proficiency through an approved and secure testing system.
• Specifically, Universities require a minimum of:

1. IELTS Score: 6.5 overall (6.0 in all components)
2. TOEFL Score: 90 (minimum of 20 in each component)

Following are the top colleges that provide Postgraduate program for pathology students:

How to Become a Chemical Pathologist in USA 

Admission Process 

• Select the Program of your Interest in the application form
• Assemble and submit your Supporting Documents in your application form
• Once you are finished with filling in all the details, submit your completed application
• Review the status of your application at any time via the Graduate Application Center of the University.

Educational requirements 

• Students must have an undergraduate degree from a recognized college or university with a major in biological sciences. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to fulfill the Master's Degree Requirements
• The candidate must have completed 12 credit hours in genetics, biochemistry, molecular genetics or molecular biology, and population genetics or statistics Students must have qualified for the GRE Entrance Test to be eligible for admissions.
• Universities require a minimum of:

1. TOEFL: 550 (Paper Score)
2. TOEFL IBT: 80

Following is the top college that provides a Postgraduate program for pathology students:

Courses available

How to Become a Chemical Pathologist in Australia

Admission Process 

• Students must apply through an agent, if they are a citizen of India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Ghana, Iraq, Iran, Kenya, Lebanon, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Turkey, Nepal, Vietnam, or Zimbabwe (unless you are residing in Australia)
• Citizens of countries not listed here, please note that those may also be required to apply through an agent. Students will be advised of this when their application is reviewed.
• Applicants from other countries, living or studying in Australia, can choose to apply through an agent or directly to Murdoch online (on University’s official website)

Educational requirements

1. Students must have AQF Level 7, University level qualification in subjects:

• Biological Sciences
• Chemical Sciences
• relevant Health-related fields or other natural and physical sciences OR 2 years or more relevant professional experience or training subject to the compliance of the Academic Chair

1. Students should complete a variety of English proficiency tests to pass the eligibility requirements.

Following is the top colleges that provide various programs for pathology students:

Benefits of Career as a Chemical Pathologist

Salary

The medical and healthcare industry is growing with prosperity and rapidity in the past few decades due to the advancement of technology. As per observation in the trends of the salaries of a Chemical Pathologist in India, annual packages range between INR 17- INR 35 LPA from entry-level to senior-level jobs.

Job Security

Working as a Chemical Pathologist has impenetrable job security, as Chemical Pathologists are usually the only specialist of their kind in most general hospitals. The healthcare industry is growing and the jobs are in abundance for Pathologists.

Positive Impact of the career 

Chemical Pathologists work across the medical discipline and spectrum making the role fascinating. There is a huge opportunity to make a real difference in People's lives and make them better. The development of chemical factors and technological transformation has made the job easy, hence the patients are diagnosed early. Chemical pathologists may have direct contact with patients as there is often the chance for the long-term follow-up of the patients in the clinic, this helps to make the topic rewarding. Although, the demand for out-of-hours working is less in certain other medical specialties. On-call duties are usually handled from home.

Unique Experience

The job is very challenging yet very interesting and varied. In this job, chemical pathologists may work in close quarters with other medical professionals such as endocrinologists. Teaching medical trainees and students and research are also significant aspects of working as a Chemical Pathologist.

Skills Required to Become a Chemical Pathologist

Following are the skills required to be an outstanding Chemical Pathologist:

Salary of a Chemical Pathologist in India

Average Annual Salary: Sector Wise 

Salaries of different job roles of a Chemical Pathologist may vary as per their experiences and the level of seniority in the Government and Private Sector.

The following table presents Salary earned by Chemical Pathologist in Government and Private Sector:

Specialization Wise 

Following are the details of the salary of a chemical pathologist in the specializations; Consultant Chemical Pathologist, QA Lab Technician, and Diagnostic and Treatment:

Experience Wise 

Following are the details of the salary of a chemical pathologist according to their experience: