The Pathologists’ Assistant Program at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UT Health) has taken a big step forward. It recently earned full accreditation from the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), which is the highest recognition a new program can achieve. This milestone underscores the program’s commitment to high-quality education in a growing field.
The program trains students to handle crucial tasks like dissecting surgical specimens and performing autopsies. According to Program Director Michael Weitzeil, this accreditation is key. He describes it as the “gold standard” for training pathologists’ assistants in North America. This accomplishment helps assure students and employers that the program meets rigorous educational standards.
Starting in January 2023, the program welcomed its first graduating class of seven students, all of whom successfully passed their board exams and found jobs. This impressive 100% success rate highlights the program’s effectiveness. Clinical coordinator Samantha Etters noted that two graduates are now working in medical examiner offices, a unique opportunity for certified pathologists’ assistants.
As the only program of its kind in Tennessee and the Mid-South, UT Health’s Pathologists’ Assistant Program is filling a significant gap in healthcare. The demand for skilled professionals in pathology is growing. This is reflected in the program’s increasing enrollment, with 10 new students joining last year. Kathleen Reed, the program’s education coordinator, pointed out that interest is rising each year because of the need for well-trained professionals in anatomic and forensic pathology.
To further support this growth, a new lab is being built on the Memphis campus. This facility aims to enhance hands-on training for students, offering better resources for learning essential techniques in pathology.
The future looks bright for this program as it continues to adapt to the demands of the healthcare industry. The next application period runs from January 1 to May 31, 2026, for those interested in joining the next cohort starting in 2027. Interested candidates can find more details on the program’s website.
Pathologists’ assistants play a vital role in ensuring quality diagnostic care, making the program not just an educational endeavor but a crucial contribution to healthcare excellence.
