Overview

The Certificate Program for Pathology Assistant Training offers select students advanced study and practice as a pathology assistant.  The goal of the program is to prepare students to be competitive for advanced degrees and careers in medicine and the health sciences.  This program does not qualify for CLS certification.

The course sequence provides the knowledge base necessary to understand the anatomy and pathology of human disease and, with supervised instruction and training, develop the requisite skills to appropriately describe and sample organs and tissues for microscopic examination by the pathologists.

This program meets CLIA-88 and CAP standard ANP.11610 training requirements for non-pathologist personnel who perform specimen dissection.

Curriculum

Designed as a two-year program for a limited number of students, the certificate program will provide individualized instruction and guidance.  Students will complete coursed in human anatomy, histology and pathology as well as clinical practicums in pathology assistant studies.  To review an outline of the curriculum, click here.

Admissions Standards and Academic Retention

The Admissions Committee, composed of faculty of the program, will consider for admission applicants who have:

1. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 overall and 3.2 or better in the sciences.

2. A Baccalaureate degree in the biological sciences, forensic anthropology or other related field.

3. Completed an undergraduate program of study, which includes  a minimum of 6 semester hours of biology and a minimum of 6 semester hours of chemistry.

4. Completed as a prerequisite or will complete as a co requisite courses in medical terminology and management.

Academic retention standards for successful completion include:

1. A grade of 3.0 or better on all graded courses.

2. Satisfactory completion of Clinical Practicum in Pathology Assistant Studies 6840, 6841, 6842, and 6843.

Preference is given to applicants who present evidence of academic potential for a career as a Pathology Assistant as demonstrated by their previous academic achievement.  Selections are made based on individual qualifications and availability of facilities and resources.

Application Process

Applicants may apply for admission to begin studies in the fall semester of the academic year.

Application deadline:  May 1st.

For the Graduate School

Download a graduate application packet from the Graduate School.  Complete the application form along with the other included forms.  Applications must be supported by an official transcript from each institution attended since high school and three letters of recommendation from persons able to assess the applicant's potential as a Pathology Assistant.  Return the completed forms, official copies of all transcripts and letters of recommendation to the Graduate School.

For the Department

Print and complete the Department Entrance Application.  Mail or fax the requested information the the department address on the bottom of the form.  This form is in Microsoft Word format and can be opened by the WordPad program included with Windows or with Microsoft Word.

Reapplication

Individuals wishing to reapply to the program should complete a new application for the Graduate School and for the Department.

Inquiries

Inquiries regarding admission to the Certificate Program in Pathology Assistant Training should be referred to the program director.