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“Pathologists’ assistants are specifically trained to recognize certain diseases, properly handle specimens, and ensure accurate evaluation. Beyond the importance of the work itself, this career also offers a wonderful work-life balance.”
– Natalie Martinez, MHS, Admissions Chair for the PathA Program, Loma Linda University School of Medicine
Answer: To work in this field, aspiring pathologists’ assistants must earn a master’s degree in science, health sciences, or biomedical sciences from a National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) accredited program. These programs take two years to complete and include extensive clinical rotations to gain hands-on experience. They then must pursue certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
Pathologists’ assistants are physician extenders who work in forensic and surgical pathology labs. They work under the direct supervision of a pathologist or other physician, although they typically work independently. Day-to-day job duties include performing post-mortem examinations and autopsies, preparing samples for examination or lab tests, photographing specimens, participating in research, and writing detailed reports of findings.
Professionals in this field must be detail-oriented, work well under pressure, and follow procedures with utmost precision.
Continue reading to learn what it takes to enter this in-demand field, including top programs and a detailed step-by-step guide.
Meet the Expert: Natalie Martinez, MHS, PA (ASCP)
Natalie Martinez is the clinical coordinator and chair of admissions for the pathologists’ assistant program at Loma Linda University School of Medicine. A board-certified pathologists’ assistant and instructor in pathology and human anatomy, she helps educate future pathologists’ assistants through classroom instruction, clinical training, and admissions leadership, with a focus on developing skilled professionals in anatomic pathology.
MedicalTechnologySchools.com: What is something you wish the public understood about pathologists’ assistants?
Martinez: I wish the public better understood that our work, although often behind the scenes, is absolutely vital to proper patient care. Pathologists’ assistants are specifically trained to recognize certain diseases, properly handle specimens, and ensure accurate evaluation. Beyond the importance of the work itself, this career also offers a wonderful work-life balance. It is a two-year master’s program that leads to a fulfilling profession where you can contribute meaningfully to patient care while still being able to separate your work life from your personal life.
MedicalTechnologySchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring pathologist’s assistant students?
Martinez: I think it is important to thoroughly research the profession before applying to and starting a program. The two years are rigorous and demand a lot from students, but at the end of it, you earn a wonderful degree with excellent career opportunities. Work hard, stay on top of your studies during your bachelor’s program, and understand that admission can be competitive. Most importantly, make sure you truly understand what a pathologists’ assistant does and the role they play in patient care.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Pathologists’ Assistant?
Pathologists’ assistants perform painstaking, detail-oriented work that requires both experience and education. It takes approximately six years of education post-high school to become a pathologists’ assistant.
Schooling for pathologists’ assistants starts with a bachelor’s degree. There are several majors students can choose from to enter this field. The most common majors are chemistry, biology, pre-medicine, or health sciences. Upon completing a bachelor’s degree, students must then complete a master of science in pathologists’ assistant (PAA) or a master’s degree in health sciences with a pathologists’ assistant specialization. These master’s programs are typically completed in two years of full-time study and include extensive clinical experiences.
Students who attend a National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) accredited program are eligible to sit for the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) pathologists’ assistant exam.
Obtaining national certification is an industry standard and is required for most employment. Certification demonstrates competency in the field and assures employers that candidates are prepared to perform essential job duties. Licensing is required in only a few states, although some states consider pathologists’ assistants laboratory personnel and may require a license under that designation. Aspiring pathologists’ assistants should contact their local board to learn if any licensing requirements exist.
Pathologists’ Assistant Program & Certification Cost
Pathologists’ assistant master’s degree program costs vary depending on the institution. State universities cost less.
For example, the West Virginia University School of Medicine is only $20,655 per semester for out-of-state residents. Private universities, such as Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, cost $42,988 or more per semester for non-residents.
National certification adds an additional cost. Pathologist assistants who pursue certification must pay $540 for the exam fee. State licensing fees can vary, so candidates should contact their local board to learn the cost. In New York, for example, licensing costs $200.
There are specialized skills required to be a successful pathologists’ assistant. Top skills employers look for include:
- Detail-oriented: Much of the work pathologists’ assistants do involves the most minute details. Pathologists’ assistants must have keen discernment to notice even the smallest variation from the norm.
- Critical thinker: Often, it may not be immediately apparent why a tissue sample, organ, or fluid differs. Pathologists’ assistants are relied upon to solve problems, determine why things are the way they are, and identify solutions or causes.
- Follows procedures: Autopsies and postmortem examinations but be completed the same way each time in order to ensure not a single detail is missed. Pathologists’ assistants must be comfortable following prescribed procedures repeatedly.
While most pathologists’ assistants work in public or private hospitals, some are employed in morgues, labs, medical teaching facilities, or government agencies. Hours vary by employer, but pathologists’ assistants generally work eight to five on weekdays.
Continue reading to learn how to become a pathologists’ assistant with this detailed step-by-step guide.
Steps to Become a Pathologists’ Assistant – Education & Experience
The path to becoming a pathologists’ assistant is pretty straightforward. Here is a detailed guide:
Step 1: Graduate from High School or Complete a GED (Four Years)
A high school diploma or GED is required to become a pathologists’ assistant. Classes such as biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology will help prepare students for further studies. Students should take as many Advanced Placement classes as they can, as this can help boost a college application, provide college credit while in high school, and help prepare students for the rigors of college coursework.
Step 2: Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree (Four Years)
The next step in becoming a pathologists’ assistant is completing a bachelor’s degree. Students can pursue a variety of different majors, including chemistry, pre-medicine, biology, or health sciences. Pathologists’ assistant programs require prerequisite coursework, so students should ensure they take the appropriate classes. Students can learn about which courses are required by contacting prospective pathologists’ assistant programs.
In addition to prerequisite coursework, many pathologists’ assistant programs require applicants to have observed an autopsy or shadowed professionals in this field. Master’s degrees in this field are extremely competitive, so students should strive to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA or higher.
Step 3: Complete a Graduate Degree (Two Years)
Pathologists’ assistants must complete a two-year master’s in science in pathologists’ assistant or a master’s in health science with a pathologists’ assistant specialization. Students should ensure the program they attend is NAACLS-accredited, as this is required for certification.
Currently, there are only 20 such programs in the US and Canada. Most programs have relatively small cohorts of only six to 14 students.
The first year of most programs includes classroom courses where students learn the skills necessary to be pathologists’ assistants. The second year typically consists of intensive clinical rotations where students apply their classroom learning to real-world examinations and autopsies.
Please visit the section below for an overview of what to expect from varied master’s degree programs.
Step 4: Obtain ASCP Certification (Timelines Vary)
Graduates of a NAACLS-accredited program are eligible to sit for the pathologists’ assistant (PA) certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). This exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed in 2.5 hours. The exam costs $540 to register for. Topics covered in this exam include:
- Fundamentals of pathology (40 to 50 percent)
- Anatomic pathology techniques (10 to 15 percent)
- Anatomy (10 to 15 percent)
- Autopsy pathology (10 to 15 percent)
- Laboratory operations (5 to 10 percent)
To prepare for this exam, here are some of the suggested review texts:
- Fundamentals of Pathology: Medical Course and Step 1 Review, 2022 edition by H.A. Sattar (2022)
- Autopsy Pathology: A Manual and Atlas (3rd ed.) by A.J. Connolly et al. (2016)
- Fischbach’s A Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests (11th ed.) by F.T. Fischbach, M.A. Fischbach, & Stout, K (2021)
- Robbins Basic Pathology (11th ed.) by Kumar, V (2022)
This review materials list is not comprehensive, so candidates should visit the ASPC website for more recommendations.
Step 5: Obtain State Licensing if Required (Timelines Vary)
Only a handful of states require pathologists’ assistants to be licensed. Some that require licensing classify pathologists’ assistants as laboratory personnel. Since licensing requirements aren’t always clear, pathologists’ assistants should contact their local licensing board to ensure they hold the necessary credentials and qualifications.
Accredited Pathologists’ Assistant Master’s Degree Programs
All pathologists’ assistant programs are exclusively on-campus due to the hands-on nature of the skills students need to learn. There are only 20 NAACLS-accredited pathologists’ assistant programs in the US and Canada. Here is a look at six of them:
Loma Linda University offers a master of science in pathologists’ assistant that prepares students for careers in surgical and autopsy pathology. The full-time, two-year program combines classroom instruction with clinical training and prepares graduates for the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification examination.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, a minimum 3.0 GPA, completed prerequisite science coursework, shadowing experience, three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and personal and shadowing statements. Qualified applicants may also be invited for an interview.
The curriculum includes coursework in anatomy, pathology, anatomical techniques, laboratory management, and clinical pathology, followed by clinical rotations in surgical and autopsy pathology. Graduates are prepared for careers as pathologists’ assistants in hospitals, academic medical centers, private laboratories, and research institutions.
- Location: Loma Linda, California
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC); National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
West Virginia University School of Medicine
West Virginia University School of Medicine in Morgantown, West Virginia, offers a master’s degree in health science with a specialization in pathologists’ assistant. This program consists of 74 semester-credits that are completed over the course of two years.
Applicants for this program must hold a bachelor’s degree in a science-related background. Students spend the first year of the program in lectures and labs, while the second year is spent in clinical rotations. This program boasts a 100 percent pass rate on the ASPC PA exam.
The curriculum includes courses such as pathology review; autopsy and surgical procedures; advanced microanatomy; medical laboratory management; microbiology; fundamentals of physiology; systemic pathology; and path assistant microanatomy, among others.
- Location: Morgantown, WV
- Accreditation: National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS); Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
University of Toledo College of Medicine
The University of Toledo College of Medicine, in Toledo, OH, offers a master of science in biomedical sciences (MSBS) in an assistant in pathology training program. Students in this program receive their education from board-certified pathologists and ASPC-certified pathologists’ assistants. In addition to traditional pathologists’ assistant training, this program also offers training in forensics and surgical pathology.
GRE scores are not required for admission, although applicants do need a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, letters of recommendation, prerequisite coursework, and a statement of purpose.
Integrating both clinical and didactic phases, this 22-month program includes courses such as anatomy for physician assistants; basic and advanced light microscopy; introduction surgical pathology; introduction to postmortem pathology; embryology and teratology; histology and cell physiology; pathology assistants: medical ethics; and pathology.
- Location: Toledo, OH
- Accreditation: National Accrediting Agency of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS); Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: 22 months
Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University
The Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University offers a master’s degree in health science with a specialization in pathologists’ assistant. Graduates have the skills to perform gross (initial) examinations, conduct autopsies, and process specimens. The capstone project required for graduation entails completing an investigation and case study and may merit publication.
Students in this program are well prepared for certification as the program also boasts a 95.32 percent cumulative average pass rate on the ASCP PA exam. Scores from students in this program are more often above the national average.
The program’s curriculum includes courses such as introduction to anatomical laboratories; medical ethics; essential physiology & primer for human anatomy; histotechnology; anatomical foundations; neuroanatomy; pathophysiology; embryology; autopsy & surgical pathology technique; organ system pathology; and medical photography.
- Location: Norfolk, VA
- Accreditation: National Accrediting Agency of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS); Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
Duke University School of Medicine
At Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, North Carolina, the master’s in health science with a specialization in pathologists’ assistant consists of 93 semester hours of coursework, including extensive practicums. Students are trained in both autopsy and surgical pathology as well as laboratory analysis, creating well-rounded graduates with a variety of highly desirable skills.
Faculty in this program include pathologists, certified pathologists’ assistants, and technical staff, allowing students to learn from top professionals in all aspects of this field.
The curriculum includes courses such as neuroscience and the autopsy; introduction to practical anatomic pathology techniques; introduction to autopsy pathology; anatomic pathology and digital analytics; introduction to surgical pathology; photography; forensic pathology; and pathologic basis of clinical medicine.
- Location: Durham, NC
- Accreditation: National Accrediting Agency of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS); Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: 23.5 months
Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Detroit, Michigan, offers a master of science in pathologists’ assistant. This program maintains small cohorts of only 12 to 14 students per year, resulting in a personalized and intimate education that allows students ample time to work closely with top faculty in the field. Offered exclusively on-campus and full-time, this program can be completed in two years. There is a strong emphasis on laboratory skills such as histotechnology in addition to general pathologists’ assistant skills.
The full-time program takes 24 months to complete while the part-time track takes 39 months. The clinical year, the second year in the full-time track and the third year in the part-time track, includes clinical rotations in several settings throughout Michigan and out of state.
Made up of 80 credits, the program includes courses such as clinical terminology and methodology for the pathologists’ assistant; medical photography and techniques in pathology; human anatomy and physiology for pathologists’ assistants; medical microbiology for technical professionals: pathologists’ assistant; histochemistry for the pathologists’ assistant; introduction to autopsy techniques and forensic pathology; surgical pathology; and forensic and clinical autopsy pathology.
- Location: Detroit, MI
- Accreditation: National Accrediting Agency of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS); Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Full-time (24 months); part-time (39 months)
