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Anatomical pathology technician
Anatomical pathology technologist, APT, mortuary technician
Anatomical pathology technicians (APTs) help pathologists exam a body to work out the cause of death.
Average salary (a year)
£27000.0
Starter
£36000.0
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
37.0 to 42.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
evenings / weekends / bank holidays
at short notice
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through an apprenticeship or a trainee position.
Apprenticeship
You could do a mortuary technician advanced apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
More Information
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
Other Routes
You'll need to complete a 2 year traineeship. Training and education in pathology combines learning on the job and in the classroom.
To begin with, you'll observe a pathologist in a mortuary to watch how it's done. Then you'll do some of the work yourself with the help of senior staff and pathologists.
You'll also attend classes for a level 3 diploma awarded by the Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH).
To become a trainee you'll usually need
5 GCSEs or equivalent at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English, maths and a science - usually biology, to be sensitive to the issues facing families dealing with the death of a loved one, an awareness and respect for different religious beliefs about death
More Information
Career Tips
You might find it easier to apply for trainee positions if you have experience of record keeping or dealing with legal issues.
Professional And Industry Bodies
Once you have your diploma, you can apply to join the Royal Society of Public Health and the Association of Anatomical Pathology Technology.
Further Information
You can find out more about becoming an anatomical pathology technician from Health Careers and the Association of Anatomical Pathology Technology.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    To be thorough and pay attention to detail
    The ability to work well with others
    Knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
    Knowledge of biology
    The ability to work well with your hands
    To be flexible and open to change
    The ability to work on your own
    The ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
As part of your day-to-day duties you could
make sure tools are clean and ready for use, keep accurate records, track property and samples taken from the deceased, work closely with other health professionals, funeral services staff and family members, help train other healthcare professionals
During an exam of a body, how much you'll help will depend on your experience.
You could
take tissue samples, help remove organs, take samples for lab analysis, record the findings, help clean the body
Working environment
You could work at a mortuary.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
With experience, you could get a senior position and perform specialised techniques. You could work in specific areas such as forensic pathology.
You could also move into mortuary management.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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