Program Overview

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Master of Science with Specialization in Pathologists Assistant (Laboratory Medicine and Pathology)

The Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology provides a program leading to the degree of Master of Science (MSc) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Laboratory Medicine and Pathology. For thesis-based MSc and PhD degrees, research activities may be carried out in the General Program, or in one of three second-level specializations: Molecular Pathology, Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, and Biopreservation. Course and practicum-based MSc programs are also offered.

Why Study This Program?

This program offers students the opportunity to gain advanced knowledge and skills in laboratory medicine and pathology, with a focus on the role of pathologists' assistants in the healthcare system.

Entrance Requirements

For All MSc Programs and PhD Programs

• Indigenous Applicants: The Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology will provide admission to all MSc and PhD programs to all qualified Indigenous applicants, not to exceed the current overall intake, if any, for Year One students.
• Definition of Indigenous Applicant: Please see the Definition of Indigenous People for the Purpose of Admission in the University Calendar.

For Thesis-Based MSc Programs and PhD Programs

• See Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Graduate Program Entrance Requirements.
• All students admitted to this program are required to complete a course focused on the histories, experiences, and/or perspective of Indigenous peoples in Canada.
  • This requirement may be fulfilled by completing the certificate version of the University of Alberta Indigenous Canada MOOC within the 5 years preceding the first term of registration.
  • Alternatively, another course approved by the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology graduate program may be completed.

For MSc (Course-Based) with Specialization in Pathologists Assistant

• Current intake for Year One students: 2
• Minimum admission requirements:
  • Baccalaureate degree with an admission GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4-point scale from the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification and standing from a recognized institution.
  • Admission GPA will be calculated on the last 60 units of graded coursework completed, or on the equivalent of the last two years of full-time graded coursework.
• Admission preference will be given to Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada.
• Prerequisites:
  • Biology (6 units)
  • Physiology (3 units)
  • Chemistry or Biochemistry (3 units)
  • Human Anatomy (3 units)
  • Mathematics (3 units) at the postsecondary level
  • A course in Medical Terminology
• Applicants must submit:
  • Curriculum Vitae or Resume
  • Letter of intent
  • Two references via the online application system
• Application deadline: April 1 for Fall admission

Program Requirements

• This is a course-based program.
• Students are required to complete a minimum of 51 units in graded coursework, including a 24-unit clinical practicum and a 6-unit research project, and a non-credit instructional methods course.

Required Coursework Including Practicum Courses (45 Units)

Year 1

• ANAT 500 - Human Development
• ANAT 503 - Human Anatomy
• LABMP 593 - Systemic Pathology
• LABMP 594 - Anatomic Pathology Techniques
• LABMP 595 - Laboratory Management
• LABMP 596 - Pathologists Assistant Clinical Practicum I
• One 3-unit graduate-level graded course in Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (LABMP) such as LABMP 540 or an equivalent approved course by the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology graduate program.

Year 2

• LABMP 597 - Pathologists Assistant Clinical Practicum II
• LABMP 598 - Pathologists Assistant Clinical Practicum III
• LABMP 599 - Pathologists Assistant Clinical Practicum IV

Research Project to be Completed in Year 2 (6 Units)

• LABMP 900 - Research Project

Seminar Requirement

• Students must attend specified seminars and make one or more oral presentations as specified by the Department.

Ethics Requirement

• Course-based students in the Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology must meet the GPS Ethics and Academic Citizenship Training Requirement through the completion of INT D 710 by the end of the first term of registration in their degree program.

Professional Development Requirement

• Students in the Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology must satisfy the GPS Professional Development Requirement.

Length of Program

• The course and practicum-based MSc with specialization in Pathologists Assistant is a continuous 24-month program which includes a 16-month clinical practicum.

Courses

• Graduate courses can be found in Course Listings, under the subject heading Laboratory Medicine and Pathology (LABMP).
• Graduate courses in other departments may also be acceptable.

Tuition and Fees

• Funding from fellowships and studentships may be available from external agencies on a competitive basis.
• Supervisors may support students from operating grants.
• For general information, please visit the Tuition and Fees page on the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies site.

Scholarships and Financial Support

• The Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies administers over $29 million each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support for graduate students, as well as financial and loan advising.
• Additional scholarships are also available for specific faculties and programs.