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
Pathologists' Assistant Student Wins Scholarship Contest
Anthony Pinto, a second year Pathologists' Assistant student, received a $2,500 scholarship for his entry in the American Association of Pathologists' Assistant (AAPA)/Leica Microsystems annual student essay contest. Anthony was awarded this scholarship for his winning essay about "How can the AAPA enhance your professional experience as a pathologists' assistant?" Anthony's essay was chosen from over twenty entries from pathologists' assistant programs across the United States. Congratulations Anthony!
- 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 50th 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.
"The challenging program at DUCOM has a balanced approach between the classroom and clinical settings which adequately prepared me for my job position and board certification."
Janet Galloway, MS, PA(ASCP)
Class of 2010
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