Pathological Anatomy and Cytodiagnosis is a little-known specialty, but essential in the health system . The work carried out in pathology laboratories is key to diagnosing numerous pathologies, as well as determining the prognosis of diseases and designing the treatment of many patients.

Physicians need to have the professionals who process biological samples, biopsies and autopsies to help them interpret or validate clinical results, so Pathology and Cytodiagnosis technicians have become an essential profile and one of the professionals most in demand among support health workers . Therefore, job opportunities in Pathology and Cytodiagnosis are guaranteed.

What is Pathological Anatomy and Cytodiagnosis?

Pathological anatomy is a branch of Medicine that focuses on the study of the causes, origin and nature of different diseases through macroscopic and microscopic observation of tissues, organs and body fluids.

Analyzes the morphological changes that occur in the body to determine if it is a pathology and predict its development and consequences. Therefore, it is an essential area of ??Medicine for the diagnosis and treatment of patients, as well as for the practice of Forensic Medicine.

The functions of a technician in Pathological Anatomy and Cytodiagnosis

The Anatomic Pathology and Cytodiagnosis technician performs different tasks on a daily basis, almost always in collaboration with the pathologist. In fact, its main function is to assist the pathologist in the selection, collection and analysis of clinical samples . If you decide to study the Higher Degree in Pathological Anatomy and Cytodiagnosis you will be able to take care of:

  • Manage a unit of a pathological anatomy and cytology laboratory, taking charge of the control and replacement of the necessary materials and instruments.
  • Carry out the selection and diagnostic approach of cytologies, imprints and biological samples under the supervision of the pathologist.
  • Apply the techniques and procedures of immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, hematopathology and molecular biology under the supervision of the pathologist.
  • Collaborate with the pathologist in carrying out clinical or medicolegal necropsies.
  • Carry out the photographic registration of pieces and preparations at the macroscopic, microscopic and ultramicroscopic level for their subsequent observation and analysis.
  • Manage patient files.

Higher Technician in Pathological Anatomy and Cytodiagnosis: Job Opportunities

Pathological Anatomy and Cytodiagnosis job opportunities are concentrated in private clinics that perform this type of tests and public hospitals . In them you can work as:

  • Specialist radiology technician
  • Higher technician in pathological anatomy and cytology
  • Technician specialized in pathological anatomy and cytology
  • Prosector of clinical and medico-legal autopsies
  • forensic assistant
  • Thanatopractor
  • Collaborator and assistant in molecular biology
  • Collaborator and research assistant

Salary of a Superior Technician in Pathological Anatomy and Cytodiagnosis

If you study the Superior Technician in Pathological Anatomy and Cytodiagnosis, the average salary is around 25,300 euros gross per year , depending on whether you work in the public or private sector. Years of experience count a lot, since the salary of the most experienced technicians can exceed 35,000 euros per year.

Where to study Pathological Anatomy and Cytodiagnosis?

At the European University you can study the Superior Technician in Pathological Anatomy and Cytodiagnosis . In this program, the practices represent 50% of the schedule, so you can learn to process histological and cytological samples, select and make the diagnostic approach of gynecological and general cytology, as well as collaborate in the performance of clinical and forensic necropsies using the techniques most advanced laboratory