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Veterinary Pathologist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

College of Veterinary Medicine Department: Biomedical Science Location: Blacksburg, Virginia ... pathogenesis. The candidates will utilize both in vitro and in vivo model systems to investigate ...

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Veterinary Pathologist information

See Virginia salary details

$45.1K

$246.9K

$383.7K

How much do veterinary pathologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for veterinary pathologist in Virginia is $246,865.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $201,800.00 and $298,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Veterinary Pathologist vs Veterinary Laboratory Technician?

AspectVeterinary PathologistVeterinary Laboratory Technician
Required CredentialsDoctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent, specialized training in pathologyAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in veterinary technology or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, diagnostic laboratories, universities, or veterinary hospitalsVeterinary clinics, diagnostic labs, research facilities
Industry UsageFocuses on diagnosing diseases through tissue analysis and researchPerforms laboratory tests, prepares samples, and assists in diagnostics

While both roles work within veterinary diagnostics, Veterinary Pathologists specialize in disease diagnosis through tissue examination and research, requiring advanced degrees. Veterinary Laboratory Technicians support diagnostic processes by performing tests and preparing samples, often with less formal education. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in veterinary diagnostics.

What Does a Veterinary Pathologist Do?

As a veterinary pathologist, your duties are slightly different depending on whether you work in small or large animal veterinary medicine and whether you run a practice that deals mainly with pets or a business that involves consulting and research services for a rancher or other livestock operation. As a small animal or family practice pathologist, your responsibilities are to diagnose diseases in animals. You study tissue samples from organs and body fluid to reach a diagnosis. In livestock veterinary pathology, a veterinary pathologist studies herds for communicable diseases that may affect production. Some veterinary pathologists work for the FDA or other federal programs to investigate outbreaks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Veterinary Pathologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Veterinary Pathologist, you need a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, board certification (such as from the ACVP), and expertise in animal disease diagnosis. Familiarity with laboratory diagnostic tools, histopathology techniques, and digital pathology systems is typically required. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital for collaborating with veterinarians and researchers. These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring accurate disease identification, advancing animal health research, and supporting effective treatment decisions.

What is a veterinary pathologist?

A veterinary pathologist is a specialized veterinarian who studies diseases in animals by examining tissues, organs, bodily fluids, and laboratory test results. They play a crucial role in diagnosing illnesses, understanding disease processes, and supporting animal health by working in laboratories, research institutions, universities, or diagnostic centers. Veterinary pathologists use their expertise to assist in disease surveillance, support public health, and contribute to advancements in both animal and human medicine. Their work can involve both clinical pathology (analyzing blood and other bodily fluids) and anatomical pathology (examining tissues and organs).

What are some common challenges faced by veterinary pathologists in their daily work?

Veterinary pathologists often encounter the challenge of diagnosing complex cases where clinical signs and laboratory findings may be ambiguous or overlap between different diseases. Additionally, they must stay current with rapidly advancing diagnostic techniques and emerging animal diseases. Balancing casework, research, and collaboration with clinicians or other scientists can also be demanding. Effective communication is essential, as pathologists frequently explain findings and recommendations to veterinarians, researchers, and sometimes animal owners.
What job categories do people searching Veterinary Pathologist jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Veterinary Pathologist jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Veterinary Pathologist jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Veterinary Pathologist job openings:
Infographic showing various Veterinary Pathologist job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $246,865 per year, or $118.7 per hour.

Assistant or Associate Clinical Pathologist

Virginia Department of Human Resource Management

Blacksburg, VA • On-site

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


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Job description

Assistant or Associate Clinical Pathologist

The Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology (DBSP) at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (VMCVM) at Virginia Tech invites applications for a clinical-track faculty position in Veterinary Clinical Pathology. The position will be filled at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor, depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

Required Qualifications

  • DVM or equivalent degree.
  • PhD in a relevant field.
  • Board certification as a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP).
  • Excellent communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in diagnostic clinical pathology.
  • Experience in laboratory quality assurance methods.
  • Excellent teaching skills and experience in test development.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work as a collaborative team member.

Pay Band {lPayScaleID}

Appointment Type Regular

Review Date 9/1/2024

Additional Information The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Amanda Atkins at amanda1@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer


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