Pathologist's Assistant - It's just a job
02-September-2010
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Pathologist's Assistant - It's just a job

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I must admit my job wouldn't suit everyone as I'm employed as a Pathologist's assistant and also work in the mortuary of a local hospital.  The thing that really gets to me is the fact that people think I must be odd to do such a job.  Why is working in a mortuary so strange to them?  A pathologist's assistant is a job like any other, you go to work, you do what is required of you and then come home at the end of the day.

I suppose its only human curiosity really...

I try to explain that someone has to do it, and since I have now as I've done it for years it doesn't bother me in the least.  The job itself is clinically done and there's nothing ghoulish about it in any way whatsoever.  If for instance I'm in a company and my job comes under discussion, there's always the same old questions, for example "What happens to any artificial hip joints or pace makers, are they removed and used again?"  I suppose its only human curiosity really.

Working in a mortuary

I suppose any of the emergency services i.e. Fire, Police or Ambulance etc. have all at sometime or other experienced this.  It would appear that someones misfortune is someone else's interest, for example: why do drivers slow down to look at an RTA on the opposite carriageway, or why do they watch a building burn when they know there's someone inside?  It can only be described as a natural inborn inquisitiveness. In cases like this the emergency services are always at the sharp end and meet these tragic events head on.

These people can only be admired as they don't know what gruesome site is waiting to greet them whereas in my job as a Pathologist's Assistant, I know exactly whats waiting for me.  I more or less put things back together again and make things look more presentable.  I have often thought that if people could see the results of a fatal road traffic accident caused by their stupidity, would it make an ounce of difference - I fear not though...

It would be interesting to know if anyone else has experienced this kind of thing due to the nature of their job or their profession.  Are others who work in a mortuary perceived in the same way?

By: Aldo


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I would advise everyone to be cautious regarding the comment by "jeanie" 10-aug 03:52. If it is somebody asking for charity and providing an e-mail it is almost certainly a nigerian. Beware!
*Mr Hicks  10-Aug-2010 09:05

 
My daughter is interested in mortuary science and she loves it, has worked at several funeral homes but, needs the steady income. E-mail Jane316@comcast.net
*Jeanie  10-Aug-2010 03:52

 
hello im in school and I would love to be one of you its looks exciting and I would like to have the chance aswell but I will take science up
*cake  08-Jul-2010 13:48

 
I have wanted to work in the funeral profession, as an embalmer or in a mortuary since my baby son died 7 years ago. People look at me as if I am mad and call me Mortitia from the adams family. I have no idea how to get into this line of work or what qualifications I will need as there isn't much info out there! As I am about to have my last child, I am seriously starting to think about getting into this line of work. My husband is leaving the RAF next year and I will be able to start looking for training. Do you have any idea where I should start?
*Jenn Stanley Mum of 7.  08-Jul-2010 08:15

 
im 16 and trying to find out things about becoming an APT I found that www.aapt.co.uk was very helpfull. go on the website or give them a ring. they did say that gcses dont matter you just need expirience. :) hope this helps. oh they did say thats its really hard to get a job as an APT. from natalie :)
*natalie  03-May-2010 19:02

 
If your looking on the NHS website for a mortuary assistant position I think you are using the wrong key words, you need to search for 'pathology assistant' or to get in the right department and a foot in the door ' Pathology support officer'
I am attending an inteview for the pathology assistant this week in the sussex area, my qualification which I found to help me were A Levels in Human Biology and chemistry (both not necessary for the job) and im doing a diploma in Criminology. At the moment im a care assistant with NVQ3 health and social and an A Level in the same subject.
I was given some advice to ring up the manager of the mortuary/ path lab of my local hospital and talk to them about what are ideal qualities etc for the job and if they know of any posts coming up, I made sure I gave them my name to show enthusiasm and hoped when I gave in a future application they might remember me.
I hope this helps, as there is hope for anyone wanting to persue this sort of career.
*Tara  25-Apr-2010 23:11

 
Im looking for a job as a mortuary assistant but after 2months of searching within the south east I find nothing and the funeralcare homes, co-operative are unable to assist me in my direction to find this line of work. It appears that to get this kind of work you must either join a school (mortuary) or by word of mouth.
If you folk out there can help, please get intouch to guide me in the correct direction to become a mortuary assistant.( hodnett34@hotmail.co.uk )
*F35BBW  06-Apr-2010 12:17

 
It would appear I am like everyone else - the same information for becoming a mortuary assistant is on the internet BUT not on how to actually get close to the job to begin with. You can get all the different training courses and experience from working in a morgue but hey...how do I get to do that? you can't have one without the other. So please any information would be good because i'm getting annoyed of going been the NHS and AAPT and just seeing the same pages. thank you
*Exiled  11-Mar-2010 13:22

 
I've been looking all over the internet for information on becoming a mortuary assistant, I can't find a single thing thats simple to follow. I've been interested in this profession for years now and I have nvq level 2 and 3 in Social care. Please help me, I live in the Nottingham area and if u can e-mail me i'd be very grateful. Kate x
k.toon@gmx.com
*kate  01-Mar-2010 10:52

 
could some one please email me information as th where I casn get training for this kind of work as this is something I want to do, lush_lish08@hotmail.com. THanx
*lisa  28-Feb-2010 20:29

 
Hi please could someone send me any details on how to get training / work in a mortuary im 26 years old and for as long as I can remember its always been what I wanted to do with my life, in high school at the age of 13 I asked could I do my work experience in one? the short answer was NO I have looked all over the web and cannot seem to find what training? courses? to do ..
please help!
samantha E.mail barry.hanks@talktalk.net
*sammie1983  06-Feb-2010 15:32

 
Please can someone help me get some Mortuary work anywhere in Central Scotland? I've been trying to get into training as an APT for most of my adult life. Having been told when l left school in the 80's that "girls just didn't do that kind of work" l settled for the banking office job. Now at the age of 37 l'm returning to education after the summer to do an access to uni course in anatomy and l'm looking for some part time work in a mortuary even voluntary l don't care l just need some help?

My email address is karenscott_ks@hotmail.com l'd love to hear from anyone who can help or point me in the right direction.

Thanks in advance
*karen  10-Jan-2010 11:52


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