Pathologists’ Assistant Program Admissions

Eligibility

The Pathologists’ Assistant training program (MAP) complies with the eligibility requirements set out by the UW Graduate School. Applicants must have at least a baccalaureate degree from a nationally recognized postsecondary institution with institutional accreditation and a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. GPA calculations can be done in a variety of ways, per policy. You can access Graduate School Admissions Policies related to your specific eligibility questions here: Policy 3.1: Graduate Admissions – UW Graduate School.

This opportunity is open to all eligible persons regardless of race, sex or other identity. We strongly encourage applications from persons from all socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, religious, and educational backgrounds and from persons from groups underrepresented in medicine.

Prerequisites

The following coursework will be REQUIRED as a prerequisite to admission:

• Biology – one-year sequence with labs (@ UW – BIOL 180, BIOL 200, BIOL 220)
  The subject matter in these courses must include college-level biology, molecular genetics and cell biology/cell physiology, although applicants are not required to take courses with these specific titles. The curriculum is taught with the expectation that students arrive with a solid grounding in the fundamentals of the following human biological principles: homeostasis and feedback, neuronal signaling, hormone receptors, immunology, cell biology including subcellular organization, differentiation, cellular metabolic function, energy transfer, reproduction, Mendelian genetic principles of nucleic acid structure and function, genetic recombination and mechanisms of gene expression.
• General Chemistry – one year sequence with labs  (@ UW – CHEM 142, CHEM 152, & CHEM 162 or CHEM 143 & CHEM 153).
• Organic or Biochemistry – one term with lab, if offered* (@UW – CHEM 237)
  The subject matter in these courses must include 1 year of college-level general chemistry and at least one term of organic chemistry and/or biochemistry. The curriculum is taught with the assumption that students arrive with a solid grounding in the fundamentals of foundational chemistry and biochemistry topics, including molecular structure, chemical reactivity, energetics, protein structure and function and intermediary metabolism.
  *If your institution does not offer a lab in the first term of Organic or Biochemistry, that requirement can be waived on a case-by-case basis.
• Microbiology –  one term with lab (@UW lecture- MICROM 301 or 410; @ UW lab- 302 or 402)
• College-level English
• College-level Algebra or above

Total science credits should meet or exceed 24 semester credits or 36 quarter credits.

If prerequisite coursework is not completed before the application deadline, include in the application evidence that the courses will be completed before starting the program. Admitted applicants will be required to submit proof of completion via official transcripts before matriculation.

Application

Applicants will be REQUIRED to submit the following as part of their application for a holistic review.

• Resume or curriculum vitae including all professional, work, volunteer, community service, and military experience as well as any post-secondary education, regardless of relevance to science or medical education.
• Unofficial or electronic transcripts for each degree, certificate, or any credit-bearing coursework to include credits and grades. Official transcripts will be requested when admissions are offered.
• Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores are required from the last 5 years (An MCAT taken no longer than 1 year before submission will be accepted in lieu of the GRE). No minimum is set but we anticipate scores to be average or above.
• Response to our Writing Prompt: Pathologists’ Assistants, despite working behind the scenes, play a critical role in ensuring optimal patient care. Reflect on how your personal attributes, strengths, values, and experiences align with your pursuit of the pathologists’ assistant profession. Discuss how you plan to stay true to the healthcare mission of improving patient outcomes in the absence of direct patient interaction.
• Shadowing Experience is required, but no minimums are set at this time. You MUST shadow a Pathologist or Pathologists’ Assistants in Surgical, Autopsy, or Forensic Pathology. You will be able to attest to shadowing in a variety of other fields, including clinical pathology and direct patient care specialties, which are not required but help form the picture of your interest and exposure to healthcare. Attestation of hours with supervisor signature may be requested when admissions are offered. Please note: work as a grossing tech does not count as shadowing.
• Acknowledgment of WWAMI tie, if applicable. In line with the mission of UW School of Medicine and the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, preference will be given to applicants who are residents of, or have a tie to, the WWAMI (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho) region. You will have the opportunity to highlight or acknowledge any tie to the WWAMI region that is not otherwise evident from your application.
• Letters of recommendation (3) from employers, professors, supervisors, or other professional contacts.

Admissions Process

Future application windows are expected to be July 1-November 15. All letters of recommendation and GRE score must be received by December 1.

November 15-December 20*
Holistic Application Review and Invitation for Interviews

January-February*
Interviews

March 15*
Admissions Decisions

*NOTE: Dates are subject to change without notice

For Accepted Applicants

Acceptance Packet

All accepted students will be sent an Acceptance Packet for signature, confirming the decision to enroll in the program and outlining expectations for enrolled students

Enrollment Deposit

Students will be required to submit an enrollment deposit which will be credited to the first quarter’s tuition

Background Check

The University of Washington requires all students to apply for a background check prior to the beginning of each year of the program which will cost the student approximately $47.50. The process for applying for a background check will be included in the Acceptance Packet. Some clinical rotation sites may require additional background checks.

Immunization Records

All students must comply with UW Health Science Immunization Program (HSIP) immunization requirements throughout enrollment in the Pathologists’ Assistant training program. All immunizations are required prior to the start of the first term. Compliance with immunization policies is required during both the didactic and clinical years. These compliance requirements include all immunizations including the HepB series, TB screening, annual flu shots, COVID-19, and all other immunizations required by HSIP.

If immunization requirements are not met by the start of the first term, the student will not be allowed to continue participation in academic activities. If reported as non-compliant while in the program, a student will not be in good standing which may prevent students from participating in the didactic or clinical phase, receiving financial aid,  registering for new classes, and ultimately completing the program.