Anatomical Pathology

Overview

This includes attaining technical and interpretive skills at macroscopic and microscopic levels, providing clinically relevant opinions from biopsy, excision and cytology specimens, as well as for post-mortem examinations.

Candidates will develop research skills, including scientific writing, laboratory  and data analysis skills. Candidates will undertake FC Path Part 1 and Part 2, subject to fulfilling requirements of the training programme. 

The Department of Anatomical Pathology is part of the School of Pathology.

Career Opportunities

Anatomical Pathologist

Curriculum

Candidates in the Anatomical Pathology training programme receive comprehensive instruction in diagnostic histopathology and are trained to perform post-mortem examinations.

Progression through the programme is contingent upon successful completion of the following coursework, notwithstanding attendance at seminars, workshops, departmental academic meetings and presentation at scientific conferences.

Year of Study I:

• ANAP7002A Application of Basic Sciences in Pathology

Year of Study II:

• ANAP7012A Anatomical Pathology I
• ANAP7015A Research Report I

Year of Study III:

• ANAP7013A Anatomical Pathology II
• ANAP7016A Research Report II

Year of Study IV:

• ANAP7014A Anatomical Pathology III

Entry Requirements

Candidates may be considered for admission should they meet the following criteria:

1. Registration as a medical practitioner with the Health Professions Council of
   South Africa and have completed internship and community service, or s/he has a qualification from another university that would allow the candidate to register as a medical practitioner, or in the case of a foreign graduate wishing to train as a supernumerary registrar, s/he has limited registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa; and
2. Be in an HPCSA accredited registrar post; and
3. accepts the condition that, whether as Registrar or Supernumerary Registrar, s/he
   may be subject to a period of probation of a maximum of one year and that at the end
   of this period, the department or division concerned may advise the Senate that the
   registration of the candidate be cancelled.

Course Application Process

A limited number of positions are available for Registrars. Applications are not handled through the University application portal. Admission is usually contingent on securing a registrar post with the NHLS.

Positions for posts are advertised on the NHLS website. Please check the NHLS website regularly for updates and follow the application process as outlined for the post. 

An MBChB/MBBCh degree is required for all disciplines, as well as registration with the HPCSA as a Medical Practitioner (Independent Practice).

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees. The Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.

For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, click here. The University's Postgraduate Funding portal is a database of scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities available to Wits postgraduate students. Please also check your School website for bursary opportunities. NRF bursaries: The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.