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Studies & Degrees in Histology and Pathological Anatomy

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Histology and pathological anatomy are two medical studies that, though defined as separate fields, are often studied alongside one another. Histology entails the microscopic examination of cells, in order to determine their specific traits and biological makeup. Anatomical pathology, however, uses microscopic cellular examination (along with large tissue, naked-eye examinations) in order to correctly detect or diagnose a disease.
 
Histology and pathological anatomy are not typically offered as a joint course, regardless of where applicants study. It is more than likely that students will need to take a double study course in the two areas. Universities, colleges, technical institutions and medical schools are the only places that offer studies in these fields, as they are both advanced medical sciences. Some of these institutions will require a double major in histology and pathological anatomy, while others will only offer one or both of these courses at a certain academic level (such as bachelor or master’s).
 
Online certification programs exist through certain universities, along with some public workshops. Public histology and pathological anatomy workshops, however, typically provide lectures or introductory courses on certain areas (such as the history of histology).
 
Skills, Qualifications, and Prerequisites for Studies in Histology and Pathological Anatomy
 
Universities, colleges and technical institutions will typically require a secondary school completion certificate and a passing score on a standardized aptitude test prior to acceptance. A medical school requires a previous degree in a related field, as well as a passing score on certain entrance exams. Studying histology and pathological anatomy at a master’s or doctorate level will require several years of schooling beforehand.
 
Online programs will either ask for a secondary school completion certificate or a certain number of college credits, alone with a passing score on an aptitude test. A public workshop may not have any prerequisites, though it is not unusual to possess the same type of requirements as online courses.
 
Multi-taskers flourish in this field, as do detail-oriented students, since employees are expected to effectively perform a wide variety of tests and examinations in a certain time frame. Since these fields hinge on the diagnoses of illnesses (fatal and non-fatal), candidates need to handle stress well and be able to clear their work of error. Interpersonal skills, communication skills and the ability to work well on a team are all highly beneficial characteristics in a prime candidate.
 
Skills and Qualifications Acquired from Studies in Histology and Pathological Anatomy
 
Both courses in histology and pathological anatomy will teach students how to successfully:
  • Prepare specimens for examination.
  • Identify details and functions of microscopic technology.
  • Use different types microscopic in examinations.
  • Understand history of histology/pathological anatomy.
 
The histological half of this course will provide skills and expertise in the following areas:
  • Characteristics of human tissues (bone, nerves, etc.).
  • Structure of human cells and tissues.
  • Characteristics and functions of human organs.
  • Human biological systems (nervous, respiratory, etc.).
  • Interdependence between cells, tissues or organs.
 
The pathological anatomy half of this course will provide skills in these areas as well:
  • Morphology and classification of specific disease (tumors, etc.).
  • Structural abnormalities in cells.
  • Effects of various diseases on healthy cells.
  • Diagnosis process using biopsy tissue.
  • Diagnosis process using autopsy tissue.
  • Diagnosis process using surgical tissue.
 
Careers for Studies in Histology and Pathological Anatomy
 
Those who study histology and pathological anatomy together are ideal candidates for work in research labs and medical facilities. They mainly work as technicians to identify and diagnose a patient’s disease(s). Sometimes they work to help develop treatments or cures, prepare surgical tissue, manage research projects or return to school as professors.