Trainee Anatomical Pathology Technologist

NHS; Hereford; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Hereford is seeking a Trainee Anatomical Pathology Technologist to assist in post-mortem activities and gain hands-on experience. Successful candidates will enroll in a diploma program that supports their professional development. The ideal applicant will possess a good educational background and a compassionate nature, ready to support bereaved families while ensuring high standards of care.

Qualifications

• Good educational background in relevant subjects.
• Experience working in healthcare or professional settings is preferred.
• Experience of dealing with the deceased and supporting bereaved families.

Responsibilities

• Assist in post-mortem activities and support qualified APTs.
• Maintain records and ensure compliance with health standards.
• Support bereaved families during distressing moments.

Skills

Understanding of patient confidentiality

Awareness of health and safety matters

Good telephone manner and written communication skills

High degree of accuracy in ID checks

Knowledge of Human Tissue Authority (HTA)

Education

GCSE grades A-C or equivalent in Maths, English and a Science

A-Level Science subject or equivalent

Job description

Trainee Anatomical Pathology Technologist

This is an exciting opportunity to join our Mortuary and Bereavement Services team as a Trainee Anatomical Pathology Technologist (APT). The successful candidate will be supported to develop the skills and knowledge required for this specialist role and, as part of the position, will be enrolled onto the RSPH Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Science (Anatomical Pathology Technology) in January 2026.

The diploma will take between 18-24 months to complete, and during this time you will work under the supervision of experienced APTs while gaining hands-on experience in the mortuary. Upon successful completion and qualification, you will progress to a Band 4 APT role, with further opportunities for professional development, additional qualifications, and continuing professional development (CPD) to support future career progression.

We are looking for motivated, resilient, and compassionate individuals with a genuine interest in this unique career pathway.

See job description and person specification for further details.

Main duties of the job

Assist qualified APTs in post-mortem activities, including preparation of the post-mortem room, supporting pathologists during examinations, and handling and storing samples in line with Human Tissue Authority (HTA) standards.

Safely admit, label, store, and release the deceased, ensuring accurate records and identification procedures at all times.

Support bereaved families with dignity and sensitivity, including attending viewings, liaising with funeral directors, coroners, and other professionals.

Maintain cleanliness, infection control, and health and safety standards within the mortuary and associated facilities.

Accurately maintain electronic and paper records, ensuring compliance with GDPR, Trust policies, and HTA codes of practice.

Undertake all required training, including mandatory Trust training and the RSPH Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Science (APT).

See job description and person specification for further details.

About us

Wye Valley NHS Trust is a member of an NHS Foundation Group with South WarwickshireUniversity NHS FT, George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust and Worcestershire Acute NHS Hospitals Trust.

Located on the border with Wales in the shadow of the Black Mountains, we provide acute and community services across Herefordshire and into parts of Powys and run Hereford County Hospital and the community hospitals in Bromyard, Leominster and Ross-on-Wye.

We are a progressive and forward looking trust with ambitious plans to improve quality and integrate patient pathways through close collaborative working with our partners to deliver the quality of care wed want for our family and friends.

More than 3,000 people work for the Trust they tell us its a great place to work, blending the busyness of a DGH with the benefits of working in a beautiful rural and unspoilt county like Herefordshire.

We can offer a great work-life balance and have a fine tradition of working with staff to help them achieve their full potential.

Russell Hardy, Trust Chairman: "The strength of the Trust is its amazing staff; a great place to work, a great place to develop your career and a great place to reach your potential."

Our values -Care, Accountability, Respect and Excellence - are at the heart of all we do. We believe in providing the right care in the right place at the right time.

Job responsibilities

For more information about the role and responsibilities please see the attached job description and person specification.

Person Specification

Education & Qualifications

• Good standard of Education demonstrated by GCSE grades A-C or equivalent in Maths, English and a Science subject.
• A-Level Science subject or equivalent

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Understanding of patient confidentiality
• Awareness of health and safety matters
• Good telephone manner and written communication skills
• Works with a high degree of accuracy when competing ID checks
• Knowledge and awareness of the Human Tissue Authority (HTA)

Experience

• Experience working in a healthcare or other professional setting
• Experience of dealing with the deceased
• Experience communicating with and supporting bereaved people
• Experience dealing with the public in a professional capacity.

Personal attributes

• Adaptable, flexible, and willing to learn
• Professional, calm, and resilient in distressing situations
• Empathetic, trustworthy, and honest
• Organised with effective prioritisation skills

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.