About the Program
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 diligently developing a Pathologists’
Assistant program in the Department of Diagnostic Health and Sciences. In July 2021,
the Program Director was hired to guide the program through the rigorous Tennessee
Higher Education Commission (THEC) approval process. The THEC approval process required
complete documentation of UTHSC’s ability to support a new academic program, thorough
review of the new curriculum, and a site visit by an independent professional in the
field. The UTHSC Pathologists’ Assistant program received final THEC approval on
July 28, 2022. The program is seeking national accreditation by the National Accreditation
Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) and had their Initial Application
approved in May 2023. The first cohort of 6 students began classes in January 2023
and will graduate in December 2024.
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.