Am I qualified to be a Pathologist's Assistant?

Question

I hope this doesn't seem dumb.

Recently I graduated from a Funeral Service College, with a A.S. in Funeral Service. Many people have informed me I could use my degree to work with pathologist, is that true? That is something I'm seriously interested in doing.

A few job path. assistant openings have become available in my area, and I read over the min. qualifications that were listed. There were very few simularities between it and my educational background. Needless to say, that made me feel inadequate but I applied anyway! ( Its worth a try) But I'm a little hesitant about following through. I'd hate to sound unintelligent about my qualifications. I need to put together in my mind some fundementals about how embalming and pathology correlate.

I could benefit from some brutal honesty here. I'd like to sound confident when contacting HR.

Thanks.

Answer 1

I did a little research on this, and this is what I found. It looks like you might be qualified to be a PA, but in a different aspect...

In autopsy pathology, pathologists' assistants perform post-mortem examinations under the supervision of a pathologist. They perform the external examination, evisceration, and dissection of the body, followed by recording of measurements, weights, and other findings, culminating in the dictation of a gross description.

Answer 2

Why not talk to your local pathologists office first to see what they require for assistants. Pathology might require more biology, chemistry, anatomy than you probably were given in your training but if you really are interested you might want to take these classes in addition to what you have.