Pathologists’ Assistant (M.S.H.P.A)

Earn a master’s degree as a Pathologists’ Assistant in two years through the only program of its kind in Virginia, one of 12 in the U.S.

Pathologists' Assistant (M.S.H.P.A)

Our program

The PathA program is designed to help meet a shortage of practicing pathologists. Our graduates:

Perform gross examinations in hospitals and private practices
Conduct autopsy services, including forensics
Process specimens in biorepositories and tissue banks for research in medical and teaching environments

What is a Pathologists' Assistant?

Pathologists' assistants study the nature of human disease. A career as a pathologists' assistant might be right for you if you enjoy:

Grossing of specimens
Processing and examining surgical samples
Performing investigative work in autopsy cases
Working in a laboratory setting

Program benefits

Customized courses

Examine specialized cases in autopsy, forensics, pediatrics and neuropathology in courses built for PathA students.

Certification

Earn certifications in Pathology Informatics and Lab Management before you graduate, giving you the essentials for success in managerial roles.

Capstone project

Have the opportunity to investigate and report on a case study that could merit publication.

State-of-the-art facilities

Gain technical knowledge and hands-on training in our laboratories, clinical clerkships and CAP-accredited biorepository.

Program outcomes

The outcome measures of the Pathologists’ Assistant program reflect how well the program prepares students for the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) exam, as well as for employment.

View program outcomes

A group of Physicians' Assistant graduates wearing white coats smile during a reception

Ready to become a pathologists' assistant?

Clinical clerkships

With 28 affiliations in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. EVMS School of Health Professions has one of the largest collections of clerkships for a program of its kind in the country. In clerkship rotations, students handle a high volume of complex cases, gaining approximately 1,500 clinical hours at sites including the National Institutes of Health. We also offer elective internship opportunities throughout the country.

Service Work Policy pertaining to clinical clerkships

At no time should students be utilized in such a way that they are substituted for regular staff or employees (Service Work) during the clinical practice portion of their education. Students, with qualified supervision, may be permitted to perform procedures after demonstrating proficiency. Service work by students in clinical settings outside of academic hours must be noncompulsory. Students cannot be utilized as regular staff at the affiliate.

Student Guidance Policy

Any student receiving advice or requesting counseling for academic performance or any personal issues, that may arise during the course of the program, will be addressed with full confidentiality and impartiality.

Contact Us

Macon & Joan Brock
Virginia Health Sciences Pathologists' Assistant at Old Dominion University
P. O. Box 1980
Norfolk, VA 23501

VHS-pathainfo@odu.edu

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Accreditation Status

Pathologists' Assistant program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Graduates are eligible for the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Certification.

Program Accreditation Coordinator & Review Liaison: 773.714.8880

This website reflects current program information, including admission criteria and curricula. Information is subject to change.