Program Overview

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

Related Programs

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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.