Anatomical Pathology Technician
An Anatomical Pathology Technician (APT) provides assistance to a Pathologist in conducting post mortems. This is a vital area of work as understanding the causes of death enables promotion of good health in others and, in many cases when death is unexpected, the cause of death can have legal implications.
APTs liaise with a range of people including other medical staff, including Pathologists and Doctors, with the Police and, of course, with the relatives of those who have died. APTs should be able to ensure that people in grief are dealt with sympathetically and given respect for their cultural and religious attitudes.
Other responsibilities an APT may have include:
- Record Keeping.
- Maintaining the Mortuary and Post Mortem room.
- Ensuring equipment and instruments are kept clean, sterile and ready for use.
- Taking samples for clinical examination.
- Keeping track of property.
- Ensuring Legal documentation is dealt with correctly.
Once qualified, many APTs can undertake further study leading to a Diploma awarded by the Royal Institute of Public Health and Hygiene. Many continue their careers into advanced technical work or management.
Entry Requirements
There are no minimum qualifications for trainee Anatomical Pathology Technicians. Hospitals will often look for some evidence of knowledge in science and a good range of Standard Grades is beneficial. Most trainees start straight from school, but other candidates are welcome.
Training
Trainees start their training with a short period of watching, listening and asking, followed by direct involvement in work under the supervision of Pathologists and Technicians. During the training you will attend teaching sessions on a course designed by the Royal Institute of Public Health and Hygiene (RIPHH). The teaching will involve day release and some block study time, totalling 40 hours at least.
Topics for study include:
- Anatomy and physiology.
- Post-mortem room techniques.
- Hygiene.
- Hazards and precautions.
- Legislation and codes of practice.
- Administration and documentation.
Trainees usually finish the course within a period of two years. At this point they will be eligible to sit an examination leading to the RIPHH Certificate in Anatomical Pathology Technology, combining written and oral work.
How to apply
Click here to search for current Anatomical Pathology Technician vacancies within NHS Scotland
Vacancies are also advertised in local and national press.
Further Information
For more information about careers in Anatomical Pathology, please contact:
The Association of Anatomical Pathology Technologists UK (AAPTUK)
