A Faster Path to Renal Pathology

Arkana Laboratories has developed a program that allows practicing pathologists to transition into renal pathology without starting over. From day one, you’ll train on real biopsy cases under board-certified renal pathologists, earning a competitive salary throughout training, not just after it. There’s no second residency required. When you finish, our goal is for you to step directly into a full-time position with us.

You’ll join one of the country’s most active renal pathology practices, based in Little Rock, a city with a lower cost of living and no shortage of culture, food, or outdoor life. Our administrative team handles the paperwork and logistics, so your time goes to cases and diagnoses, not admin work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why this program?

Most pathologists who want to specialize in renal pathology have to go through a traditional one-year fellowship, which usually means pausing your career, taking a pay cut, and possibly relocating twice. This program removes those trade-offs. You train on real cases under board-certified renal pathologists, you’re paid a competitive salary the entire time, with the goal of moving into a full-time role with us when training ends, with no separate job search afterward. It’s also worth noting that we accession thousands of biopsies a year, so you’re learning from a volume, range, and rarity of cases that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Will I have to relocate?

Yes. The program is based at Arkana’s single site in Little Rock, Arkansas, so you’ll need to be able to relocate there for training and, after successful completion of the program, to remain for a full-time position. You’ll also need to be eligible to hold a medical license in Arkansas.

How competitive is admission to the program?

We look for pathologists who are already board certified and bring around five years of practice experience, along with genuine curiosity about renal pathology. Because the program is intentionally small and hands-on, we’re selective, but a strong application from a motivated, qualified pathologist stands a real chance.

We provide equal opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability, in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. Accommodation is available to applicants with a disabling condition when applying or interviewing for a position.

Do I need a prior fellowship?

No. That’s actually the point of this program. You don’t need to have completed a renal pathology fellowship before applying. As long as you hold an MD or DO, are board certified by the American Board of Pathology in Anatomic Pathology, and have at least five years of practice experience, we’ll train you in renal pathology directly, so this program takes the place of a traditional fellowship for pathologists further along in their careers.

What will the transition look like?

You’ll start with a period of focused learning: daily case conferences, one-on-one microscope sessions, and dedicated reading to build your foundation in renal pathology. From there, you’ll gradually take on more cases yourself, moving from a handful of biopsies a week to a full independent caseload, all under the guidance of our staff pathologists. Throughout training, you’re earning a competitive salary, and once you successfully complete your training, you move directly into a full-time position on staff, with no gap and no separate hiring process.

Still have questions or want more information?

Please feel free to reach out to our team directly if your questions are not covered here. We’re happy to talk with you further, explain the details of the mid-career transition program, and help determine if this is the right path forward for you. Either contact us via email or call our office at 866.736.2529.

How do I apply for the program?

You can apply directly through the application link on this page. From there, our team will walk you through next steps, including verifying your credentials and licensure eligibility in Arkansas.