Program Overview
The aim of the program is to prepare students for a career as a Pathologists' Assistant in a biomedical environment. A Pathologists' Assistant is an intensely trained professional who provides services in anatomic pathology under the supervision of a pathologist; the entire curriculum of the Pathologists' Assistant Program prepares you for the practice of the profession.
The required curriculum includes courses in general pathology, systemic pathology, surgical pathology, clinical pathology, autopsy pathology, lab management, physiology, and structure and function (anatomy training). In keeping with the standards of UMB's Graduate School, the minimum number of credits required for the master's degree in the Pathologists' Assistant Program is 38 credits.
Our program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), and the program is structured to comply with both the university standards and NAACLS standards.
After completing the program, our students earn a Master of Science degree and are eligible to take the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification examination. Students must determine if ASCP certification is sufficient to authorize professional practice in any state or jurisdiction, or if licensure or other prerequisites are also required to practice the profession.
Program Goals and Mission
In accordance with the philosophy and purposes of the University of Maryland School of Medicine and School of Graduate Studies, our program is committed to the following:
- To provide a program of instruction at the Master’s degree level which develops competence for practice as a Pathologists’ Assistant
- To encourage the practice of moral and ethical values relating to patient care
- To assist students in developing their level of competence and their analytical decision making, thus preparing them to make appropriate judgments in professional life
- To orient students toward enhancement of critical thinking, problem solving, and skills in oral and written expression
- To provide the opportunity for student participation in a clinical setting designed to offer experiences required of a Pathologists’ Assistant
- To provide and foster student professional development, high standards of achievement, and interactions among other health professionals
- To provide a level of instruction which maintains a progressive and positive educational environment
- To encourage scientific and academic advancement, a commitment to life-long learning, and active participation in professional societies
Upon graduation, students will be able to
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Apply foundational knowledge of pathological disease processes in relation to gross and microscopic anatomy, anatomic pathology techniques, laboratory procedures, and the interpretation of medical and laboratory data associated with surgical and autopsy pathology.
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Under the supervision of a pathologist, perform technical tasks in surgical and autopsy pathology, including gross examination and specimen prosection, while exercising sound judgment to identify and select appropriate tissues and special studies based on clinical history and available medical information.
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Demonstrate professional behavior in within an anatomic pathology department and gain skills that are essential to serve in an anatomic pathology laboratory including but not limited to supervision, teaching, effective communication, problem-solving, interprofessional collaboration, and other assigned laboratory duties.
Accreditation
Our program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
5600 N. River Road, Suite 7200
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
(773) 714-8880
(773) 714-8886 – fax
Professional License or Certification Disclosure
The State of Maryland does not require professional licensure for Pathologists' Assistants. The University has not determined if its program meets the professional licensing or certification requirements of other states or jurisdictions. Each licensing authority sets and enforces its own professional licensing standards. Every student should inquire directly to the licensing authority in the jurisdiction where the student plans to seek licensure in order to determine the mandatory requirements to be licensed to practice.