Drexel University College of Medicine

The Pathologists' Assistant (PathA) program, combines intense academic studies with one-year of practical work in the field. Students earn a Master of Science that prepares them to work, under the direction of a pathologist, as a highly qualified allied health professional in anatomic pathology laboratories throughout the country.

Learn more about the Pathologists' Assistant (PathA) program

Download a Pathologists' Assistant (PathA) program fact sheet. (pdf file)

What is a Pathologists' Assistant?

A pathologists' assistant is an intensely trained allied health professional who provides anatomic pathology services under the direction and supervision of a pathologist. Pathologists' assistants interact with pathologists in the same manner that physicians' assistants carry out their duties under the direction of physicians in surgical and medical practice.

A pathologists' assistant is someone who has the ability to relate to people, the capacity for calm and reasoned judgment, and who demonstrates a commitment to quality patient care.

Typical Background of Pathologists' Assistants

Pathologists' assistant program courses are ideal for:

• Recent college graduates with a degree in a biological or allied health science, with exposure to anatomy, physiology and microbiology
• Those with previous exposure to pathology
• Cytotechnologists, histotechnologists and medical technologists
• Allied health professionals
• Graduates with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score in the 50 percentile

Career Opportunities for Pathologists' Assistants

Pathologists' assistants are employed in community hospitals, academic centers such as medical schools and university hospitals, private pathology laboratories, medical research centers, government hospitals, and medical examiner offices.

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