Pathologists' Assistant (PathA)
The Master of Science in Pathologists' Assistant (PathA) program, combines intense academic studies with one year of clinical education. Students earn a Master of Science that prepares them to work, under the direction of a pathologist, as a highly qualified allied health professional in anatomic pathology laboratories throughout the country. Learn more about the PathA program.
Upcoming Events
Thursday, October 23, 2025
1-2 p.m.
Thursday, January 22, 2026
1-2 p.m.
About the Curriculum
Successful completion of the Master of Science in Pathologists’ Assistant program will require three (3) semesters of coursework plus twelve months of clinical education at several of the affiliated clinical sites. Visit the Drexel University program catalog page for more information.
Is the Pathologists' Assistant Program Right for Me?
Pathologists' assistant program courses are ideal for:
- College graduates with a degree in a biological or allied health science, with exposure to human anatomy, human physiology and microbiology
- College graduates with the appropriate academic training and previous exposure to pathology
- Cytotechnologists, histotechnologists, medical technologists and other laboratory professionals
- Allied health professionals with the appropriate academic training
- Graduates with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and General Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores at or above the 50th percentile in all categories
- College graduates or allied health professionals with previous exposure to pathology via work or shadowing experiences
Career Opportunities
Pathologists' assistants are employed in community hospitals, academic centers such as medical schools and university hospitals, private pathology laboratories, medical research centers, government hospitals and medical examiner/coroner offices. Learn where our graduates go.
What Is a Pathologists' Assistant?
A pathologists' assistant is an intensely trained allied health professional who provides anatomic pathology services under the direction and supervision of a pathologist. Pathologists' assistants interact with pathologists in the same manner that physicians' assistants perform their duties under the direction of physicians in surgical and medical practice.
A pathologists' assistant is someone who has the ability to relate to people, the capacity for calm and reasoned judgment, and who demonstrates a commitment to quality patient care.
Program News
Dr. Fortuna Earns 40 Under Forty Honor
Danielle Fortuna, MD, who serves as medical director of the PathA program, was recently named to the American Society for Clinical Pathology's 2025 "40 Under Forty" list, in recognition of her achievements and leadership qualities that are making an impact on the field of pathology and laboratory medicine.
ABMDI Monthly Newsletter Articles
As part of the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office clinical rotation, PathA students are offered the opportunity to write an article for the ABMDI monthly newsletter. Recent articles available for download include:
- The Fatality of Fentanyl
Madison Manz, Class of 2023, ABMDI Newsletter June 2023
- Spontaneous Abortion and Congenital Heart Defects
Kathryn Orange, Class of 2023, ABDMI Newsletter March 2023
- MicroRNAs and The Potential Use for Wound-age Estimation
Laura McCracken, Class of 2022, ABDMI Newsletter December 2022
- Cholera and Cystic Fibrosis
Kuulei Gaffney, Class of 2023, ABDMI Newsletter December 2022
- Utilization of Pathologists’ Assistants to Alleviate the Burden on Forensic Pathologists
Megan Kwan, Class of 2023, ABDMI Newsletter December 2022
2025 White Coat Ceremony
2025 White Coat Ceremony
On April 26, 2025, the Class of 2026 was recognized during their White Coat Ceremony hosted in the Health Sciences Building. Speakers at the event included Dr. Van Bockstaele, dean of the graduate school, Dr. Cheryl Hanau, medical director, Drs. Sterling and McGonigle, co-directors of interdisciplinary and career-oriented programs, and Dr. Danielle Fortuna, pathology course director. This event highlights the students’ academic achievements in the rigorous didactic year and celebrates their transition into the clinical year where they will continue their medical training as pathologists’ assistants.
“Pathologists’ Assistant : Meet the Expert: James W. Moore”
"A growing number of healthcare professionals are considered “physician extenders.” These highly trained allied health professionals work with the guidance of licensed physicians to provide essential services and care. Careers in this category include physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and pathologists’ assistants." Healthcare Degree (June 12, 2024) Read more.
Mischief at the Mütter: A PathA/ICO GSA Event
When I learned about the opportunity to become involved in the Graduate Student Association my first year at Drexel, I was so excited! I was even more excited to learn that there was a possible opportunity for the PathA class to utilize some of the GSA funds to host an event. I began to brainstorm ideas about what sort of event may interest our little cohort and, eventually, I decided that the Mütter Museum would be the perfect venue. Read more.
Award for Excellence
The Dean’s Distinguished Award for Excellence in Clinical-Oriented Graduate Programs was received by Cheryl Hanau, MD, professor and Richard Shuman, MD, Chair of the Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine and James W. Moore, MHS, PA(ASCP)CM, assistant professor of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, and director of the Master of Science in Pathologists' Assistant (PathA) program.
Dean’s Travel Award
Congratulations to Lauren Nerotto, winner of the Dean’s Travel Award. The Dean’s Travel Award is meant to partially defray the cost of attending a scientific meeting at which a graduate student is making a presentation, or is related to the student’s graduate study.
Online Pathologists' Assistant Conference
Drexel PathA program alum, Ian Sue-Chue-Lam helped organize the 2021 annual Online Pathologists' Assistant Conference, held in June. The event raised over $15,000 for charities combating the COVID-19 pandemic while providing CE credits to pathologists' assistants.
Upcoming Events
Please visit the Graduate School events page.
Student and Alumni Testimonials
Meet Taylor Manske
"The first year of the program is very challenging as there is so much to learn in such a short amount of time. However, I think that the professors, especially those for medical pathology and applied anatomic pathology, did as excellent job in focusing on high-yield concepts and ensuring that we were exposed to a wide range of material." Read more.
Meet Cassidy Lawler
“The program was intense and fast-paced, but incredibly rewarding. From day one, we were immersed in pathology—both in the classroom and hands-on in the lab. The curriculum was well-rounded, and I always felt like what I was learning had a clear and practical application. It really pushed me to grow in both my technical skills and my confidence.” Read more.
Meet Lucie Bennett-Stein
"I am very happy that I chose Drexel. I enjoy the emphasis on networking and cultivation of interpersonal relationships with students and faculty that this program provides. I truly think it is a great program and it has given me a foundation for my career and support for a smooth transition from classroom to grossing bench." Read more.
Contact Information
How to apply to the Pathologists' Assistant program
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