Anatomical pathology

Anatomical pathology technologists (APTs) work in NHS and public mortuaries.

Your role will be varied, and you’ll need expertise in many different areas.

Life as an anatomical pathology technologist (APT)

Your main duty will be to assist pathologists in the crucial work of conducting post-mortems. Establishing the causes of death improves our understanding of a disease and how it developed in a patient. There may also be legal implications, depending on the circumstances of a death. 

You’ll also work alongside GPs, nurses and often the police and funeral directors, as well as liaising with the deceased’s family.

On a typical day, you’ll:

  • manage the day-to-day running of the mortuary including administration and record keeping
  • maintain the mortuary and post-mortem room
  • record samples, specimens and organs and arrange for their appropriate disposal
  • take samples for clinical examination, transplant or research
  • reconstruct the body of the deceased after examination
  • ensure equipment and instruments are kept clean, sterile and ready for use

Equally important will be your role in:

  • providing advice on documentation and medico-legal issues
  • ensuring legal documentation is dealt with correctly
  • advising medical staff on post-mortem procedures and examinations
  • guarding the personal belongings and effects of the deceased
  • liaising with families, healthcare staff, funeral directors and the police

How much can I earn?

You’ll be employed on a national pay and conditions system called Agenda for Change (AfC). 

There are nine pay bands and below are examples of the pay band you’ll be on, depending on your role within anatomical pathology. 

  • Mortuary assistant - B2/B3
  • Anatomical pathology technologist– B4/B5
  • Senior anatomical pathology technologist – B6/B7
  • Mortuary manager – B6/7/8a

How about the benefits?

  • make a difference
  • flexible and part-time working
  • high income early in your career
  • work anywhere in the world
  • excellent pension scheme
  • good holiday entitlement
  • NHS discounts in shops and restaurants

Must-have skills

  • excellent communication skills to manage a wide range of relationships with colleagues, patients and their families 
  • emotional resilience, a calm temperament and the ability to work well under pressure 
  • teamwork and the capacity to lead multidisciplinary teams 
  • problem-solving and diagnostic skills 
  • outstanding organisational ability and effective decision-making skills 
  • first-class time and resource management for the benefit of patients

Entry requirements

There are several different ways to start your career in anatomical pathology.

  • You could look for an entry level job as a mortuary assistant.
  • You could look for a level 2 apprenticeship as a Healthcare Science Assistant - typically GCSEs 9-4/A-C in maths, English and a science.
  • To become an APT, you will need to complete a level 3 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology
  • You can further your APT training by completing a level 4 Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology

How to become an anatomical pathology technologist (APT) in anatomical pathology

Starting your career in anatomical pathology might be easier than you think. You could undertake study at university or find an apprenticeship that takes you straight into a job. 

Where a career in in anatomical pathology will take you

As you gain experience, and with further training, you’ll be able to apply for vacancies that demand greater technical work or extend your career into mortuary management.

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