MUSC announces new Master of Science in Pathologists' Assistant Studies program

CHARLESTON, S.C. (April 2, 2025)- The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) on July 1 will begin accepting applications for its new Master of Science in Pathologists' Assistant Studies (PathA) programthat will address the growing demand for qualified professionals in this field. 

Pathologists’ assistants (PAs) are highly skilled allied health professionals who play a pivotal role in supporting pathologists in both surgical and autopsy pathology. Their responsibilities include preparing and examining pathological specimens, performing postmortem examinations and managing laboratory operations.

The program is designed to provide students with the specialized knowledge and hands-on experience required to excel as PAs in a range of clinical environments, including hospitals, pathology labs, forensic labs, morgues and more.

“The launch of the Master of Science in Pathologists’ Assistant Studies program underscores MUSC’s commitment to advancing health care education while addressing critical workforce shortages,” said Zoher Kapasi, PT, Ph.D, dean of the College of Health Professions. “We are confident that our graduates will make a lasting impact on health care delivery, in South Carolina and beyond.”

With the current and projected shortage of pathologists, the Pathologists’ Assistant Studies program at MUSC aims to increase the number of certified pathologists’ assistants, helping to ensure timely and accurate diagnoses. These professionals play a vital role in improving health care outcomes by enhancing operational efficiency and reducing diagnostic delays.

"We are thrilled to introduce this new program and provide students with the comprehensive education and practical training necessary to succeed in this essential health care role," said Derek Nelson, MSBS, MLS, PA (ASCP), director of the Division of Pathologists' Assistant Studies, who joined MUSC in January to help establish the new program. "As an academic health science center, MUSC offers a unique learning environment that prepares students for the interprofessional work settings they will encounter as practicing pathologists’ assistants."

The new program will be housed in the Department of Clinical Sciences, along with existing programs in cardiovascular perfusion, genetic counseling, healthcare studies, physician assistant studies and nurse anesthesia.

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About the program

The Master of Science in Pathologists' Assistant Studies is an 83-credit hour, six-semester, on-campus program. In the first year, students will complete foundational coursework, alongside hands-on learning experiences in dedicated pathology labs, the human cadaver lab and the campus’ state-of-the-art virtual reality anatomy lab. The program emphasizes practice-based competencies, ensuring that students are thoroughly trained in the principles of surgical and autopsy pathology, with a focus on precision, safety, and evidence-based practices that contribute to accurate diagnoses and high-quality patient outcomes.

In the second year, students will transition to clinical placements under the supervision of practicing pathologists and pathologists' assistants. Over the course of three semesters, students will gain valuable experience in processing laboratory specimens, conducting gross examinations and dissections of anatomic pathology specimens and performing postmortem examinations.

Approved by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, the program is currently undergoing the accreditation process with the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). There are currently only 13 accredited pathologist’s assistant programs in the United States.

Applications for the inaugural cohort, beginning in summer 2026, will open on July 1. For more information about the Master of Science in Pathologists' Assistant Studies program, please visit, chp.musc.edu.

About MUSC 

Founded in 1824 in Charleston, MUSC is the state’s only comprehensive academic health system, with a mission to preserve and optimize human life in South Carolina through education, research and patient care. Each year, MUSC educates over 3,100 students in six colleges and trains 950+ residents and fellows across its health system. MUSC leads the state in federal and National Institutes of Health and research funding. For information on our academic programs, visit musc.edu.

As the health care system of the Medical University of South Carolina, MUSC Health is dedicated to delivering the highest-quality and safest patient care while educating and training generations of outstanding health care providers and leaders to serve the people of South Carolina and beyond. In 2024, for the 10th consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report named MUSC Health University Medical Center in Charleston the No. 1 hospital in South Carolina. To learn more about clinical patient services, visit muschealth.org.

MUSC has a total enterprise annual operating budget of $7.1 billion. The 31,000 MUSC members include world-class faculty, physicians, specialty providers, scientists, contract employees, affiliates and care team members who deliver groundbreaking education, research, and patient care.