About the MUSC Master of Science in Pathologists' Assistant Studies Program

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Pathologists’ Assistant Studies (PathA) program at MUSC is an 83-credit hour, six-semester on-campus program. The curriculum is carefully crafted to guide students in developing the knowledge and skills necessary to excel as a pathologists’ assistant (PA) in all types of settings, including hospitals, pathology labs, forensic labs, morgues, and more.

During the first year of the program, students complete their foundational didactic coursework while engaging in hands-on learning in the program’s dedicated lab space. Students will experience anatomy courses in the human cadaver lab, while also expanding their skills and knowledge in the campus’s VR anatomy lab. The program is a well-balanced academic and clinically-based program dedicated to teaching practice-based competencies in a compassionate, safe, and evidence-based patient care environment.

Beginning in the second year, students move into supervised clinical placements with practicing pathologists' assistants and pathologists. Over the course of three semesters, students are exposed to a variety of clinical settings to develop their knowledge and skills in processing basic and complex laboratory specimens, gross examination and dissection of anatomic pathology specimens, and postmortem examinations.

Upon completion of this 24-month program, the student will be awarded a Master of Science in Pathologists’ Assistant Studies degree and be eligible to sit for the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC) Exam.

The Clinical Education Experience

Following the successful completion of the didactic portion of the program, students in the PathA program will begin clinical rotations in the summer semester of year two. Each rotation is approximately 6-8 weeks long, with some variation. Clinical rotations continue through the second year of the program. Students will receive their clinical rotation schedule near the end of the first year.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Pathologists’ Assistant Studies program at the MUSC College of Health Professions is to educate and develop highly skilled allied health professionals who will excel in providing comprehensive surgical and autopsy pathology services. Under the guidance of board-certified pathologists and pathologists’ assistants, graduates will contribute to patient care through the meticulous examination of specimens and effective communication within the healthcare team, demonstrating a commitment to the dignity and respect of all patients.

Vision Statement

The Pathologists’ Assistant Studies program at MUSC will be recognized as a leader in graduate-level education, producing professionals who uphold the highest standards of pathology practice. Through innovative education, clinical expertise, and leadership, our graduates will enhance the field of anatomic pathology and advance the quality of healthcare in both local and global communities.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate Competence in Surgical and Autopsy Pathology Techniques:
   Graduates will perform comprehensive surgical and autopsy pathology procedures, select appropriate tissues, compose detailed reports, and apply current diagnostic protocols, ensuring accuracy and quality in specimen examination.
2. Synthesize Clinical and Pathologic Information for Diagnosis:
   Graduates will integrate and analyze clinical history and pathologic findings from various sources to present complete and accurate clinical pathologic correlations.
3. Apply Principles of Laboratory Management and Compliance:
   Graduates will implement essential management concepts, including regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and effective resource management, to maintain a well-functioning pathology laboratory.
4. Utilize and Advocate for Information Technology in Pathology Practice:
   Graduates will promote and apply information technology solutions to enhance laboratory efficiency, data accuracy, and professional communication in pathology.
5. Communicate Effectively in Interprofessional Healthcare Settings:
   Graduates will demonstrate strong verbal, written, and photographic communication skills to collaborate effectively with pathologists, healthcare providers, and interprofessional teams.
6. Engage in Evidence-Based Practice and Ethical Decision-Making:
   Graduates will apply evidence-based methods and ethical principles to ensure continuous improvement in patient care and uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect for patient dignity.
7. Provide Leadership and Educational Guidance in Pathology:
   Graduates will demonstrate leadership by mentoring and educating students, residents, and healthcare professionals in pathology, fostering a collaborative learning environment and advancing the profession.

Programmatic Goals

1. Achieve and maintain consistent or higher enrollment numbers with a focus on attracting high-quality applicants and emphasizing the importance of interprofessional studies.
2. Within 1 year of graduation, at least 90% of graduates will pass the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Certification Exam.
3. Obtain a graduation rate of at least 80% per cohort of students matriculated program.
4. Within 6 months of graduation, at least 80% of graduates will be employed as a pathologist assistant
5. Encourage and support an academic environment that promotes faculty development, including dissemination of scholarship through publication, poster, and podium presentations.
6. Maintain a extensive network of high-quality clinical sites for student rotations.
7. Promote continuous improvement in curriculum to enhance interprofessional collaboration and ensure relevance to current pathology practices.

Program Assessment Plan (PDF)

Program Outcomes

Table displays the programs outcomes based on NAACLS accreditation standards.

	# Graduation Rate1	# Attrition2	% ASCP-BOC Exam Pass Rate3	% Employment or Continued Education Rate4
Class of 2027
Class of 2028
Class of 2029
3-Year Average

Note:
¹ Students who have begun the final half of the program go on to successfully graduate from the program.
² Students who start but do not complete the program.
³Graduates who take the ASCP-BOC and pass within the first year of graduation.
⁴ Graduates who find employment in the field or a closely related field (for those who seek employment), or continue their education within six months of graduation

Technical Standards (PDF)