Starting Point: Graduate from High School

College: 4 years

Any major is okay

Generally need a minimum of:

• 1 year of biology
• 1 year of physics
• 2 years of chemistry + biochemistry

To gain entrance to Medical School you will need, in addition to a college education:

• Very good grades
• High admission test scores
• Some type of practical experience in health care
• Strong letters of recommendation
• Be able to handle a personal interview well

Medical School: 4 years

General outline:

• 2 years of basic sciences [anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, etc.]
• 2 years of clinical rotations [internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics, psychiatry, etc.]

Residency Training: 4 years of training after graduation from medical school

Hospital and clinic based training in Anatomic or Anatomic and Clinical Pathology

Forensic Pathology Fellowship: 1 year of training after completion of residency

Board certification in forensic pathology requires completion of the training listed above and passing an examination administered by the American Board of Pathology.