Pre-Pathologists’ Assistant

A Pathologists’ Assistant (PA) is a highly trained allied health professional who provides various services under the direction and supervision of a pathologist. Pathologists' Assistants interact with pathologists in a manner similar to physician’s assistants in surgical and medical practice, carrying out their duties under the direction of their physicians. PAs are academically and practically trained to provide accurate and timely processing of a variety of laboratory specimens, including the majority of pathological specimens. However, choosing to be a PA is something bigger than the tasks associated with it.

Preparation for Pathologists’ Assistant School 

A Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) is the best major to prepare for your future as a Pathologists' Assistant. The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science accredits both PA programs and MLS programs, so you can be sure that your undergraduate degree will prepare you for your future studies. The BSMLS degree at APSU includes all commonly required and recommended prerequisites for Pathologists' Assistant programs.

Important Information

• Pre-Pathologists' Assistant Advisors
• Pathologists’ Assistant programs in the US and Canada
• American Association of Pathologists' Assistants
• Bureau of Labor Statistics on PA

Undergraduate Preparation

Early in your academic career you will need to research some of the Pathologists’ Assistant schools you are interested in attending to ensure you will meet their criteria for admission. It is important to check each school's admission requirements to make sure you are on track to apply. The following is a list of common requirements for Pathologists’ Assistant programs:

• Good undergraduate grades (overall GPA of 3.0 minimum)
• Competitive GRE score
• Shadowing in anatomic, surgical, and/or autopsy pathology
• Prerequisite coursework completed within five years of applying
• Excellent communication skills
• Strong reference letters from professionals who know your character and work ethic
• Pre-requisite course work:
• College mathematics to at least algebra 2
• General biology
• General chemistry
• Organic and/or biochemistry (two semesters)