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Pathologists' Assistant Program

Mission Statement 

The mission of the UT Health Science Center Pathologists’ Assistant program is to produce proficient entry-level Pathologists’ Assistants. Graduates will be equipped with the expertise demanded by the profession, enabling them to transition into roles within the gross room, autopsy suite, laboratory management, research, forensics, and education. We instill competency through comprehensive didactic and clinical experiences, ensuring our graduates are prepared for the various challenges and responsibilities they will encounter as certified Pathologists’ Assistants. 

 

 

What is a Pathologists' Assistant?

From the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), “A pathologists’ assistant (Path A) is a highly trained allied health professional who provides various services under the direction and supervision of a pathologist. Path As are academically and clinically trained to provide accurate and timely processing of a variety of laboratory specimens. Path As are integral in assisting in the diagnostic processes. It is the sole province of the pathologist to render a diagnosis.

Pathologists’ assistants perform in a wide scope of clinical practices. Although the majority of pathologists’ assistants work in academic and community hospitals, Path As can also be employed in other areas such as private pathology laboratories, forensic pathology laboratories and morgues, reference laboratories, government healthcare systems, and medical teaching facilities. Some Path As are even self‐employed business owners providing their pathology expertise via long‐ and short‐term contracts.

The ability to relate to people, a capacity for calm and reasoned judgment and a demonstration of commitment to the patient are essential qualities. Communications skills extend to consultative interactions with members of the healthcare team, external relations, customer service and patient education. Pathologists’ assistant professionals demonstrate ethical and moral attitudes and principles that are necessary for gaining and maintaining the confidence of patients, professional associates, and the community.

Pathologists' assistants contribute to the overall efficiency of the laboratory or pathology practice in a cost-effective manner. With increased pressure on healthcare systems to control costs, the demand for qualified Pathologists' Assistants is growing every year.”

You can learn more about the Pathologists' Assistant profession by visiting American Association of Pathologists' Assistants (AAPA) website here.

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Application Timelines:

Current application cycle (classes start in January 2027): 

  • Application opens: January 1, 2026
  • Application closes: May 31, 2026

Next application cycle (classes start in January 2028): 

  • Application opens: January 1, 2027
  • Application classes: May 31, 2027

 

 

About the Program

PA lab

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 exam. 

In 2018, the College of Health Professions began developing a Pathologists’ Assistant program in the Department of Diagnostic Health and Sciences. In July 2021, a Program Director was hired to guide the program through the rigorous Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) approval process. The first cohort of 6 students began classes in January 2023. In October 2025, the program was granted an initial accreditation award of 5-years by the National Accreditation Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), the most an initial program can receive. In the spring of 2026, under the direction and support of Dean Ashley Harkrider of the College of Health Professions, the Pathologists’ Assistant program moved into a completely new training laboratory space with state-of-the-art technology and training equipment for pathologists’ assistant students.

The UTHSC campus is located in the heart of the Memphis Medical District, surrounded by more than a dozen teaching and research hospitals, colleges and healthcare laboratories. The campus is located just two miles from the Beale Street Historic District. 

 

What makes the UTHSC Pathologists’ Assistant Program Unique?

 

  • UT Health Science Center has graciously provided the Pathologists’ Assistant program with a state-of-the-art 1,200 square foot classroom for didactic and hands-on clinical training for Pathologists’ Assistant students during the first year of the program.
  • All didactic coursework is taught by ASCP-certified Pathologists’ Assistants (see faculty profiles) who represent a range of NAACLS-accredited training programs. Their diverse educational, clinical, and professional backgrounds expose students to multiple perspectives within the field.
  • First-year students receive eight months of grossing and autopsy instruction during the first year of the program, and 48 weeks of clinical training in surgical and autopsy pathology during the second year of the program.
  • Immersive hands-on training in the human anatomy cadaver laboratory taught by Pathologists’ Assistant faculty members, with low student-to-cadaver ratios.
  • First-year students must display competency at cutting frozen sections prior to clinical rotations. All students will be able to cut a diagnostic quality frozen section within 7 minutes or less.
  • All students complete a full-length forensic autopsy rotation during their clinical year.
  • Through the Southern Regional Education Board’s (SREB) Academic Common Market, students residing in certain states without Pathologists’ Assistant programs may be eligible for in-state tuition. These states include AL, AR, DE, FL, GA, KY, MS, and OK. For more information on the Academic Common Market, visit the SREB.
  • Classes are not taught on Fridays during the first year of the program!
  • 100% Board of Certification (ASCP) first-time pass rate!
  • 100% job placement!

PA students

 

May 6, 2026