What is a Pathologists' Assistant?

A pathologists' assistant (PA) is a highly skilled medical professional who assists pathologists in the preparation and examination of tissue samples. Working in pathology laboratories, hospitals, and research facilities, PAs are responsible for grossing, dissecting, and documenting tissue specimens to aid in diagnosing diseases. They are crucial in ensuring accurate and efficient pathology services.

Key duties include preparing tissue samples, assisting in autopsies, and documenting findings. Pathologists' assistantss are essential in surgical pathology, ensuring specimens are handled properly to avoid diagnostic errors. They must work closely with pathologists, surgeons, and other health care professionals, requiring strong communication skills and attention to detail.

As the demand for pathologists' assistants grows due to advancements in medical technology and an aging population, this profession offers job stability, competitive salaries, and opportunities for specialization. A career as a pathologists’ assistant provides an essential role in patient care, ensuring accurate diagnoses and supporting pathologists' work.

Career Outlook

The career outlook for a pathologists' assistant (PA) is quite positive, with a growing demand due to several factors like an aging population, advancements in medical technology, increasing complexity of pathology, and a shortage of pathologists.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects job growth for medical and clinical laboratory technologists (a category that includes pathologists' assistants) at a rate of 5% from 2023 to 2033, average for all occupations. Salaries for pathologists' assistants are competitive. The mean average salary for certified pathologists’ assistant is $105,500 per year, with specific salaries depending on experience, location, and the specific health care setting.

How to Become a Pathologists’ Assistant

To become a certified pathologists' assistant, you’ll need to graduate with a master’s degree from a NAACLS-accredited training program where you’ll undergo extensive training in anatomy, pathology, and laboratory techniques. Following graduation, you’ll take the ASCP Board Certification exam. Once you pass, you’ll receive the PA(ASCP) designation and will be ready to work as a pathologists’ assistant.