Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

The Work

• Receive, identify and store bodies/deceased in secure and hygienic conditions.

• Keep accurate records of the deceased and their property in the Mortuary Register.

• Prepare and reconstitute bodies under supervision to agreed standards after post mortem examination.

• Perform the cleaning, disinfection and care of the Mortuary to ensure that it is hygienic, safe and efficient at all times. • Clean, Sterilise and maintain equipment and instruments required by the Pathologists.

• Arrange for relatives and Gardaí to identify and view the deceased, and deal sympathetically with bereaved persons.

• Assist with the discharge of the deceased to authorised Funeral Director’s.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Conduct chemical analyses of body fluids, such as blood or urine, using microscope or automatic analyser to detect abnormalities or diseases and enter findings into computer.
• Analyse the results of tests or experiments to ensure conformity to specifications, using special mechanical or electrical devices.
• Set up, maintain, calibrate, clean, and test sterility of medical laboratory equipment.
• Prepare standard volumetric solutions or reagents to be combined with samples, following standardised formulas or experimental procedures.
• Collect blood or tissue samples from patients, observing principles of asepsis to obtain blood sample.
• Supervise or instruct other technicians or laboratory assistants.
• Conduct blood tests for transfusion purposes and perform blood counts.
• Inoculate fertilised eggs, broths, or other bacteriological media with organisms.
• Obtain specimens, cultivating, isolating, and identifying microorganisms for analysis.
• Examine cells stained with dye to locate abnormalities.

Further Information

• Anatomical Pathology Technician - from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Naturalist

Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.

Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Applicants for this occupation should ideally have previous mortuary and/or post mortem examination based skills.

• Have experience in a healthcare or other relevant setting

• Have some knowledge of the role of the Coroner 

• Have some knowledge of Health & Safety procedures in use in a Mortuary

• Have a good knowledge and awareness of Health & Safety Legislation and Regulations, the implications for the organisation and their application in the workplace

Training & Development

FET Centre Traineeship: Care & Healthcare in centres around Ireland NFQ Level 5 Search FET Courses

FET PLC Courses: Care skills, Healthcare at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: Healthcare advanced practicioner NFQ level 6 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Healthcare, Applied healthcare, Medical science/ Biomedical courses at NFQ Levels 6-8 Search CAO courses

Postgraduate Study Options Pathology, Biomedical science NFQ level 9

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €33k - €53k

Salaries vary depending on employer, location, experience, and duties.

Data Source(s):
Public Appointments service/ HSE

Last Updated: June, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The annual employment growth rate over the five-year period was above average for this occupation, with employment increasing by almost 2,000 persons between 2021 and 2022. Almost a third of employment was in industry with the remainder spread across many sectors. The number of new employment permits issued grew from 164 to 506 between 2021 and 2022, with two fifths of permits issued for roles in the manufacturing of chemicals/pharma sub-sector for scientists and analysts (e.g. quality control, chemists); other roles include medical scientists/technologists, microbiologists, process development and R&D scientists.

In June 2022, medical scientists were moved to the Critical Skills Employment Permit List due to issues with sourcing suitable candidates; in Summer 2023, the Government announced plans to expand the number of training places for medical scientists by 20 places. The Recruitment Agency Survey identified difficult-to-fill vacancy mentions for analytical and process scientists. Online job adverts for this occupation grew slightly in 2022, almost all related to posts for R&D managers.

This was the most frequently occurring occupation in online job adverts in 2022. With employment levels increasing and demand still evident, shortages are expected to persist for this occupation, particularly in the chemical/pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, for those with experience and/or in niche areas. The recent decline in the value of pharmaceutical exports in Ireland is unlikely to have a significant impact on the demand for skills as, in addition to being in strong demand in the pharma & biopharma processing industry, they are much sought after elsewhere in both the life sciences sector (e.g. medical devices) and other manufacturing (e.g. food & beverage); in addition, Government focus (and investment) on research and innovation will also sustain the already strong demand for these skills. Shortages of analytical, process and medical scientists are likely to continue.

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