Pathologists’ Assistant Program

About Us

A Pathologists’ Assistant is a skilled healthcare professional with academic and practical training who provides essential services under the guidance and supervision of a pathologist. Similar to how Physician Associates collaborate with physicians, Pathologists’ Assistants collaborate with pathologists to examine cells, tissues, and organs for various diseases and diagnoses, with a focus on macroscopic evaluation, description, and sample selection. Although most Pathologists’ Assistants work primarily in Surgical Pathology (the examination of tissue removed during surgery), opportunities for Pathologists’ Assistants are broad and expanding, with Pathologists’ Assistants working in autopsy, forensics, laboratory management, informatics, biobanking, education, and more.

The training of Pathologists’ Assistants allows them to contribute to the overall efficiency of a pathology laboratory and extend the eyes, ears, and hands of the pathologist. They play a crucial role in the medical field, contributing to the diagnosis of diseases through the preparation, processing, and examination of tissue specimens. Their work involves performing gross examinations, assisting with autopsies, and ensuring the smooth operation of pathology laboratories. With their specialized skills, Pathologists’ Assistants significantly impact patient care and medical research without direct patient interaction.

Learn more about the essential functions of a Pathologists’ Assistant.

About the Program

The Pathologists’ Assistant training program at the University of Washington culminates in a Master of Science in Anatomic Pathology degree following 24 months of study and a capstone project. The coursework and practical rotations prepare students to meet the entry-level competencies for Pathologists’ Assistants, as outlined by NAACLS, and to complete the ASCP’s national certification exam for Pathologists’ Assistants. The first cohort of students begins summer 2026, and the program is diligently seeking NAACLS accreditation.

Mission

Our mission is to improve the health of the public through training competent and confident Pathologists’ Assistants who prioritize patient care and service as core values, who think critically and systemically, who are prepared to follow their own career path, and are ready to lead and steward the profession into the evolving future.

Disclaimer

The Master of Science in Anatomic Pathology is a professional training program only for those pursuing ASCP Certification as Pathologists’ Assistants through the American Society of Clinical Pathology.

Outcomes

The first cohort begins in Summer 2026. Program outcome measures will be displayed here as they become available, including graduation rate, attrition rate, ASCP exam pass rate, and employment rate.