Master of Science in Pathologists’ Assistant
The Master of Science in Pathologists’ Assistant (MS PathA) program through the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at McGovern Medical School prepares students for professional practice in surgical and autopsy pathology. Pathologists’ assistants are highly trained health care professionals who work under the direction and supervision of licensed pathologists.
This full-time, 24-month program consists of 74 semester credit hours completed over six consecutive semesters. The curriculum integrates foundational biomedical science, specialized instruction in anatomic pathology, hands-on laboratory education, and comprehensive clinical training. The program is designed in accordance with the rigorous accreditation standards established by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
About the Profession
Pathologists’ assistants contribute to patient care by performing the gross examination, dissection, description, photography, and sampling of surgical pathology specimens. They also assist with postmortem examinations and support laboratory operations, quality assurance, education, and regulatory compliance.
Pathologists’ assistants practice in academic medical centers, community hospitals, private pathology practices, reference laboratories, medical examiner offices, and other anatomic pathology settings.
About the Program
Program leadership
 Heather Ferranti, PathA-Education Coordinator | |
 Denisse Leza Rincon, MD-Medical Director |  Amanda Tchakarov, MD- Program Director |
Program Highlights
Students receive education and training in:
- Human anatomy and mechanisms of disease
- General and systemic pathology
- Surgical pathology grossing procedures
- Autopsy pathology and dissection techniques
- Histology and histotechnology
- Microbiology and medical terminology
- Specimen photography and documentation
- Laboratory management and quality assurance
- Laboratory safety and medical ethics
- Professional communication and education
- Supervised surgical and autopsy pathology practice
Second year clinical rotations are conducted in partnership with health care institutions within the Texas Medical Center and throughout the state of Texas, and provide exposure to a sufficient volume and variety of cases to meet program learning outcomes. During these rotations, students apply their scientific knowledge while developing technical proficiency, professional communication skills, and an understanding of the Pathologists’ Assistant’s role within the health care team.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the program will be prepared to:
- Perform the gross examination and dissection of human surgical and postmortem specimens under the supervision of a pathologist.
- Demonstrate proficiency in specimen preparation, tissue sampling, fixation techniques, documentation, and quality assurance.
- Apply knowledge of pathology, anatomy, medical terminology, laboratory safety, and regulatory requirements in professional practice.
- Communicate effectively and demonstrate ethical and professional conduct within interdisciplinary health care teams.
- Contribute to diagnostic pathology services and anatomic pathology laboratory operations.
- Meet the educational and clinical eligibility requirements to apply for national certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification.
Contact Us:
Questions about the Masters in PathA program or shadowing opportunities can be submitted to: [email protected]