HomeCareersPathologist

Pathologist

Healthcare · Laboratory Medicine Official scale

Diagnose disease by examining tissue, cells and body fluids. Ministry of Health pathologists at the National Public Health Laboratory report on surgical and post-mortem specimens, perform autopsies for hospitals across the island, and supervise laboratory teams.

Salary Breakdown

$6,799,334 JMD – $8,082,271 JMD
0 - 4 years

Residents start on the doctors' scale: Senior House Officer / HPC/MO 1 at $6,799,334 - $8,082,271 per annum (Ministry of Finance / JMDA scale, 1 April 2024).

Estimated Take-Home Pay

Based on the midpoint of the Entry salary range ($7,440,803 JMD), after NIS, NHT, Education Tax, and PAYE.

Est. Net / Month$463,857 JMD
Est. Net / Year$5,566,292 JMD
Show deduction breakdown
Gross (annual)
$7,440,803 JMD
NIS (3%)
−$150,000 JMD
NHT (2%)
−$148,816 JMD
Education Tax
−$164,043 JMD
PAYE Income Tax
−$1,411,650 JMD
Net (annual)
$5,566,292 JMD

Estimate only — illustrative rates and thresholds, not tax advice. Confirm current figures with Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).

Career Path Roadmap

  1. 1

    High School & CXC Subjects

    Pass CSEC Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and English. CAPE Biology and Chemistry are needed for medical school.

    5 years (Forms 1-5)
  2. 2

    Medical Degree (MBBS)

    Complete the MBBS, the internship year, and full registration with the Medical Council of Jamaica.

    5 - 6 years
  3. 3

    Residency in Anatomical Pathology (DM)

    Enter the DM Pathology residency at UWI Mona, working in hospital and public health laboratories.

    4 years
  4. 4

    Senior Resident Pathologist (HPC/MO 3)

    Report on histology slides, perform autopsies and supervise junior residents.

    1 - 3 years
  5. 5

    Consultant Pathologist (HPC/MO 4)

    MOH posts require a DM or equivalent in Anatomical Pathology, five years' experience in pathology, peer approval and Medical Council registration.

    5+ years
  6. 6

    Chief Consultant Pathologist (HPC/MO 5)

    Direct island-wide surgical pathology, autopsy and cytology services.

    5+ years
Build My Roadmap for This Career

Required Education

  • CSEC/CXC Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, English
  • CAPE Biology and Chemistry
  • Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
  • DM (Doctor of Medicine) in Anatomical Pathology or equivalent

Common Local Certifications

  • Full registration with the Medical Council of Jamaica
  • Peer approval (required for MOH consultant posts)

Where to Train

University of the West Indies, Mona

Kingston & St. Andrew · Public University
Accredited 12 accredited programmes

A recommended place to train as a Pathologist

Local Institutions Offering Programs

  • University of the West Indies, Mona (UWI) - Faculty of Medical Sciences (MBBS and DM Pathology)