Pathologists' Assistant Program
The Mission of the UTHSC Pathologists’ Assistant program is to produce highly skilled entry level Pathologists’ Assistants who meet the current demands of the profession and are prepared to assume positions in the gross room and/or autopsy suite, including laboratory management, research, forensics, and education following appropriate clinical experience.
The Pathologists’ Assistant program at UTHSC is a professional entry-level master’s degree program that culminates in the awarding of a Master’s of Health Science (MHS) in Pathologists’ Assistant degree and will prepare students for the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC) exam.
What is a Pathologists' Assistant?
A Pathologists’ Assistant is an extensively trained allied health professional who provides various services in anatomic pathology under the direction and supervision of a Pathologist. Pathologists’ Assistants are trained to provide processing of anatomic laboratory specimens, including comprehensive macroscopic examination and evaluation of all surgical cancer resections. Pathologists’ Assistants are also trained to perform clinical and medico-legal postmortem examinations (i.e., hospital and forensic autopsy).
Pathologists’ Assistants play a critical role in the delivery of healthcare services in both surgical pathology and autopsy pathology. They are key partners in assisting the Pathologist to arrive at a pathologic diagnosis, but it is the sole responsibility of the Pathologist to render a diagnosis.
You can learn more about the Pathologists' Assistant profession by visiting American Association of Pathologists' Assistants (AAPA).
Application Timelines:
Current application cycle (classes start in January 2025):
- Application opens: January 1, 2024
- Application closes: May 31, 2024
Next application cycle (classes start in January 2026):
- Application opens: January 1, 2025
- Application classes: May 31, 2025