Master of Medical Science (MMS), Pathologists' Assistant Studies

Program Overview

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Master of Medical Science (MMS), Pathologists’ Assistant Studies

Program Overview

The Master of Medical Science in Pathologists’ Assistant Studies track teaches you to provide services in surgical and autopsy pathology under the direct supervision of an anatomic pathologist. This program is in a seated format with clinical rotations conducted at local hospitals, free-standing pathology laboratories, and forensic pathology laboratories. After graduating, students will be eligible to sit for the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification exam. This 80-credit hour program can be completed in just over a year and positions you for success as a PA.

Program at a Glance

• Total Credit Hours: 80
• Program Type: Master’s
• I-20 Approved: No
• I-17 Approved: No

Details

• Program Director: Julie Bostick
• Class Format: Seated (Satellite Location)
• Program Duration: 2 years – 24 Months (full time – no part time)
• Start Date: Fall: August

Suggested Class Sequence

Admission Requirements

• Previous Degree Required: A bachelor’s degree in chemistry or biological studies from an accredited institution is required to enroll in this program. A bachelor’s degree in a non-science area will be considered if the applicant has taken the required science courses and the admission committee deems them acceptable.
• Transcript Required: Official undergraduate transcripts as well as official transcripts from the school(s) where the applicant has taken college credits or completed their degree(s) must be submitted as part of the application process for this program.
• Accreditation Information: The Pathologists’ Assistant program at Anderson University is in serious applicant status with the National Accreditation Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. Serious applicant status grants the students to sit for the national board exam through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). The students will be kept up to date as we go through the final accreditation process.
• Additional Admission Requirements:
  • While not required for admission into this program, it is highly recommended that a student shadow or have clinical experience in an anatomic pathology laboratory (histology, surgical, pathology, and/or autopsy).
  • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 with a science GPA of 3.2
• Application Deadline: The application deadline for this program is March 1.

Career Outcomes

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Why AU?

The Master of Medical Science in Pathologists’ Assistant (MMSPA) degree from Anderson University is South Carolina’s first of its kind. The two-year program will be completed in a fully seated format with clinical rotations conducted at regional hospitals, free-standing pathology labs and forensic pathology labs. Educational prerequisites are a bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field. Anderson University has also acquired the Anatomage Table that has 6 human cadavers that have been digitally uploaded to this 5-foot touch screen. This allows the student to dissect from the skin down to the bone and vascular system. This technology is used in conjunction with our physical cadaver lab on main campus. The Master of Medical Science in Pathologists’ Assistant (MMSPA) program is an 80-credit hour cohort-based program. After completing the program, students will be eligible to sit for the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification exam.

Program Outline

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Master of Medical Science (MMS), Pathologists' Assistant Studies:

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Degree Overview:

The Master of Medical Science in Pathologists' Assistant Studies program at Anderson University prepares graduates to provide services in surgical and autopsy pathology under the direct supervision of an anatomic pathologist. The 80-credit hour program is delivered in a seated format, with clinical rotations conducted at nearby hospitals, free-standing pathology laboratories, and forensic pathology labs. Graduates are eligible to sit for the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification exam. The program's objective is to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel as Pathologists' Assistants.

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Key Features:

• Seated format with clinical rotations
• 80 credit hours
• Completion time: 2 years (full-time)
• Prepares students for ASCP Board Certification

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Outline:

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Curriculum:

• Anatomy and Histology: Covers the structure and function of human tissues and organs.
• Clinical Pathology: Focuses on the diagnosis and management of diseases through laboratory testing.
• Surgical Pathology: Emphasizes the identification and classification of diseases based on tissue samples.
• Forensic Pathology: Deals with the application of pathology principles to legal investigations.
• Professional Development: Develops essential skills for success in the Pathologists' Assistant profession, including communication, teamwork, and ethical practice.

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Course Schedule:

The program consists of a combination of lectures, laboratory sessions, and clinical rotations. The specific course schedule is subject to change, but typically includes courses such as:

• Gross Anatomy
• Microscopic Anatomy
• Clinical Chemistry
• Hematology
• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Molecular Pathology
• Surgical Pathology
• Autopsy Pathology
• Forensic Pathology
• Professional Development

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Modules:

• Anatomy and Histology: 15 credit hours
• Clinical Pathology: 20 credit hours
• Surgical Pathology: 25 credit hours
• Forensic Pathology: 10 credit hours
Students will learn about the microscopic and macroscopic anatomy of various organ systems and their related pathologies.
• Clinical Pathology: This module focuses on the diagnosis and management of diseases through laboratory testing.
Students will gain knowledge and skills in performing various laboratory tests and interpreting their results.
• Surgical Pathology: This module emphasizes the identification and classification of diseases based on tissue samples.
Students will learn how to analyze surgical specimens, make diagnoses, and contribute to patient care. Students will learn how to perform autopsies, analyze evidence, and contribute to the investigation of suspicious deaths.
• Professional Development: This module develops essential skills for success in the Pathologists' Assistant profession, including communication, teamwork, ethical practice, and career planning.

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Assessment:

Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Exams: Written and practical exams are used to assess students' knowledge and understanding of the material.
• Laboratory assignments: Students complete laboratory assignments to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge and skills in a practical setting.
• Clinical rotations: Students are assessed on their performance in clinical rotations by supervising pathologists and other healthcare professionals.
• Presentations: Students present their research findings and other work to their peers and faculty.

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Teaching:

The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Faculty members deliver lectures to provide students with foundational knowledge.
• Laboratory sessions: Students participate in hands-on laboratory sessions to gain practical experience.
• Clinical rotations: Students work directly with pathologists and other healthcare professionals in clinical settings.
• Seminars: Guest speakers and faculty members lead discussions on current topics in pathology.
• Small group discussions: Students engage in small group discussions to deepen their understanding of the material and develop their critical thinking skills.
The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are experts in their fields. Faculty members are committed to providing students with a high-quality education and preparing them for successful careers as Pathologists' Assistants.

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Careers:

Graduates of the Pathologists' Assistant Studies program at Anderson University are prepared for a variety of career paths in pathology. Potential career opportunities include:

• Hospital Pathologist's Assistant: Assists pathologists in surgical and autopsy pathology, performing tasks such as tissue preparation, slide review, and data analysis.
• Forensic Pathologist's Assistant: Assists forensic pathologists in conducting autopsies and analyzing evidence for legal investigations.
• Research Pathologist's Assistant: Assists research pathologists in conducting studies related to disease mechanisms and treatment options.
• Private Practice: Some Pathologists' Assistants work in private practice, providing pathology services to hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.
The job outlook for Pathologists' Assistants is excellent, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 17% growth in employment from 2020 to 2030.

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Other:

• Admission Requirements: Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in chemistry or biological studies from an accredited institution.
Applicants with a bachelor's degree in a non-science area will be considered if they have taken the required science courses and the admission committee deems them acceptable.
• Financial Aid: Anderson University offers a variety of financial aid options to help students afford the cost of attendance.

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Conclusion:

The Master of Medical Science in Pathologists' Assistant Studies program at Anderson University provides comprehensive and rigorous training to prepare graduates for successful careers as Pathologists' Assistants. The program's seated format with clinical rotations, experienced faculty, and comprehensive curriculum ensures that students gain the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to excel in this rewarding field.