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Exploring the pathologists' assistant educational landscape in North America.
1Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
Academic Pathology
|August 21, 2025
Summary
Pathologists' assistants are vital to anatomic pathology. This review details North American training programs, finding consistent high success rates despite program variations, highlighting the profession's growing demand.
Area of Science:
- Anatomic Pathology
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Healthcare Education
Background:
- Pathologists' assistants (PAs) are crucial physician extenders in anatomic pathology.
- They perform macroscopic examination and dissection of surgical specimens and assist in autopsies.
- Their role optimizes pathology services, enhancing efficiency and supporting diagnostics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the educational landscape of pathologists' assistant programs in North America.
- To detail the evolution of accredited training programs and certification processes.
- To provide a resource for prospective students interested in the PA profession.
Main Methods:
- Review of accredited pathologists' assistant programs in North America.
- Analysis of program variations including class size, admission requirements, and tuition.
- Examination of graduation, employment, and certification rates.
Main Results:
- Currently, 16 National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences-accredited PA programs exist in North America.
- Significant variations were observed in class sizes, admission criteria, and tuition fees.
- All reviewed programs demonstrated high graduation, employment, and certification rates.
Conclusions:
- Pathologists' assistant programs exhibit diversity in structure but achieve high success rates.
- The growing demand for PAs is reflected in high employment and certification outcomes.
- Increased awareness of the PA profession and its educational pathways is needed.
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