Master of Science in Pathologists' Assistant Studies Courses & Curriculum

This course serves as an introduction to the language of medicine with an emphasis on pathological terms pertinent to Pathologists’ Assistant practice.

Students learn pertinent anatomy, macroscopic examination, and grossing techniques of common pathological specimens seen in surgical pathology. There will be a clinical correlation with the pathology and anatomy courses to reinforce concepts and prepare students for their practicum in year 2. Normal histology will be reviewed which assists students in recognizing common histologic pathologies while correlating with gross examination. Select clinical pathology topics will be covered including microbiology and special testing.

In the first laboratory component of Foundations of Anatomic Pathology, students will gain practical and technical skills in a pathology setting and apply the knowledge from the companion lecture course. Students will learn the basics of specimen grossing, the art of dictation, laboratory safety, microscopic examination, specimen photography, frozen sectioning, and the preparation of slides for pathological review.

This is the first of three courses that explore assorted topics pertinent to the Pathologists’ Assistant profession in a collaborative environment. It is delivered as a discussion-based course. Topics include leadership, laboratory management, teaching methodologies, and the past, current, and future state of the profession.

In this course, students will study the embryologic development of all major organ systems of the human body, focusing on normal developmental processes and congenital malformations relevant to pathology. The curriculum includes an introduction to dysmorphology and its significance in identifying congenital abnormalities. Students will also explore molecular pathology, focusing on laboratory testing modalities used to assess developmental abnormalities. The course includes a project where students will research and present a case study related to embryologic defects and associated disease states.

This course provides an in-depth study of human pathology, integrating foundational sciences to explore disease mechanisms at the cellular, tissue, and organ levels. Topics include cellular injury, inflammation, wound healing, neoplasia, genetic disorders, and infectious diseases. Students will examine the etiology, pathogenesis, and morphologic changes of diseases affecting each organ system through clinical case studies relevant to pathology practice. Emphasis is placed on gross and histologic correlations to enhance understanding and application in professional practice.

This course provides an in-depth study of human anatomy, focusing on structures essential to pathology. Students will engage in cadaveric dissection, utilize virtual anatomy platforms, and analyze anatomical models to reinforce spatial relationships. Key systems covered include the skeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, urinary, nervous, integumentary, lymphatic, endocrine, and reproductive systems. Radiologic imaging modalities such as X-ray, ultrasound, CT, and MRI will be integrated to enhance understanding of normal and pathological anatomy. Clinical case studies and other correlations will highlight congenital anomalies, degenerative diseases, and neoplastic processes. This foundational course prepares students for advanced studies in gross pathology, specimen evaluation, and surgical dissection techniques.

Students will learn pertinent anatomy, macroscopic examination, and grossing techniques of common pathological specimens seen in surgical pathology. There will be a clinical correlation with the pathology and anatomy courses to reinforce concepts and prepare students for their practicum in year 2. Normal histology will be reviewed which assists students in recognizing common histologic pathologies while correlating with gross examination. Select clinical pathology topics will be covered including microbiology and special testing.

In the second laboratory component of Foundations of Anatomic Pathology, students will gain practical and technical skills in a pathology setting and apply the knowledge from the companion lecture course. Students will learn the basics of specimen grossing, the art of dictation, laboratory safety, microscopic examination, specimen photography, frozen sectioning, and the preparation of slides for pathological review.

This is the second part of a three-semester discussion-based course that explores assorted topics pertinent to the Pathologists’ Assistant profession in a collaborative environment. Topics include leadership, laboratory management, teaching methodologies, and the past, current, and future state of the profession.

This introductory course in integrative organ system physiology focuses on the maintenance of homeostasis in humans by examining the structural-functional relationships of the human body. Students will systematically study all major organ systems, exploring their structure and function from the cellular to the tissue and organ levels. Emphasis is placed on cell, tissue, and organ physiology with clinical relevance to the practice of Pathologists' Assistants. The course introduces pathophysiologic concepts for each organ system to prepare students for advanced general and systemic pathology courses.

This is the third part of a three-semester discussion-based course that explores assorted topics pertinent to the Pathologists’ Assistant profession in a collaborative environment. Topics include leadership, laboratory management, teaching methodologies, and the past, current, and future state of the profession.

In this course, students will learn the basics of autopsy pathology including evisceration techniques, special dissections, administrative components, organ prosection, and the gross and histological correlation of medical and forensic autopsy tissues as it pertains to the cause, manner, and mechanism of death.

This is the laboratory component of Autopsy Pathology where students will perform the technical aspects of autopsy including cadaveric evisceration and organ prosection.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the human nervous system, covering its structure, neurophysiology, functions, and common neurological disorders. Students will explore the intricacies of the central and peripheral nervous systems, with an emphasis on the histological and pathological features of neural tissues. The course fosters an understanding of how structural and functional changes correlate with clinical manifestations and disease processes, providing a strong foundation for further studies in anatomic pathology.

This is the first of three practicum courses. The program’s second year is dedicated to experiential learning through clinical rotations in surgical and autopsy pathology supervised by a Pathologists’ Assistant preceptor or Pathologist. Students will put the knowledge and technical skills learned in the didactic year to use in a working pathology laboratory and medical/ forensic autopsy setting. Clinical correlation conferences will be conducted.

This is the second of three practicum courses. The program’s second year is dedicated to experiential learning through clinical rotations in surgical and autopsy pathology supervised by a Pathologists’ Assistant preceptor or Pathologist. Students will put the knowledge and technical skills learned in the didactic year to use in a working pathology laboratory and medical/ forensic autopsy setting. Clinical correlation conferences will be conducted.

This is the final of three practicum courses. The program’s second year is dedicated to experiential learning through clinical rotations in surgical and autopsy pathology supervised by a Pathologists’ Assistant preceptor or Pathologist. Students will put the knowledge and technical skills learned in the didactic year to use in a working pathology laboratory and medical/ forensic autopsy setting. Clinical correlation conferences will be conducted.

The course serves as a culmination and integration of the didactic and clinical content and incorporates the principles of evidence-based practice. A national board review course will be conducted throughout this semester. The final deliverable will be the submission of an evidence-based portfolio that reflects student achievement during the program.