Become a PA - American Association of Pathologists' Assistants (AAPA)

Become a PA

Why Become a PA?

A Pathologists’ Assistant (PA) is a highly trained, allied health professional who provides various services under the direction and supervision of a pathologist. Pathologists' Assistants interact with pathologists in a manner similar to physician assistants in surgical and medical practice, working collaboratively with physicians, depending on state laws. PAs are academically and practically trained to provide accurate and timely processing of a variety of laboratory specimens, including the majority of pathological specimens. However, choosing to be a PA is something bigger than the tasks associated with it. Watch our video to hear directly from our members about why they chose this profession.

How do I become a PA?

There is only one route to become a Pathologists’ Assistant.

You must attend and graduate from a NAACLS accredited program and pass the ASCP certification exam.

Step 1: Pre-requisites

Classes in:
- Biology
- Microbiology
- Anatomy and physiology
- Organic Chemistry and/or biochemistry
- College level mathematics
- English composition
Bachelor’s degree, preferably science, from an accredited institution.
Letters of recommendation.
Shadowing of a practicing Pathologists’ Assistant in a surgical pathology laboratory is highly recommended.

Step 2: Attend an accredited program

Programs are 22-24 months with the first year consisting of didactic coursework and the second year is a clinical rotation through several affiliated hospitals.
Coursework includes:

Anatomy
Physiology
Medical Terminology
Embryology
General Pathology
Systemic Pathology
Medical Photography
Leadership/Management
Interprofessionalism
Histology

NAACLS Accredited Training Programs
NAACLS website

Step 3: Become certified

Once you have graduated from a NAACLS accredited program, you are eligible to take the ASCP certification examination.
ASCP Board of Certification website.
After successful completion of the examination, the designation PA(ASCP) is used, and after certification maintenance PA(ASCP)^CM is used.

Step 4: Maintain your certification

You are required to obtain 60 continuing education credits (CE) every three years.
CE is offered through the AAPA in multiple ways:

Spring, Summer, and Annual Conferences
20 FREE CEs annually
- Quizzes in The Cutting Edge
- Manuscript and webinar quizzes
Beyond the Bench series
Getting involved and joining a committee
Tumor boards and other hospital conferences and lectures