Course Requirements

Master of Pathologists' Assistant

Program Handbook

Pathologists' Assistant Handbook

Required Courses

The Master of Pathologists' Assistant program is a two year continuous course-based masters program that will include both in class work along side practicum components.   

  • MDSC 620: Topics in Systems Physiology (3 units)
  • MDSC 703: Human Anatomy: Concepts, Exploration and Teaching (3 units)
  • MDSC 515: Cellular Mechanisms of Disease (3 units)
  • MDPA 744: Human Pathology (6 units)
  • MDPA 745: Human Histology (3 units)
  • MDPA 746: Integrated Pathologists’ Assistant Skills (3 units)
  • MDPA 640: Pediatric Pathology Practicum (3 units)
  • MDPA 630.1: Surgical Pathology Practicum 1 (1.5 units)
  • MDPA 630.2: Surgical Pathology Practicum 2 (1.5 units)
  • MDPA 630.3: Surgical Pathology Practicum 3 (1.5 units)
  • MDPA 630.4 : Surgical Pathology Practicum 4 (1.5 units)
  • MDPA 631.1: Autopsy Pathology Practicum 1 (1.5 units)
  • MDPA 631.2: Autopsy Pathology Practicum 2 (1.5 units)
  • MDPA 631.3: Autopsy Pathology Practicum 3 (1.5 units)
  • MDPA 631.4: Autopsy Pathology Practicum 4 (1.5 units)
  • MDPA 750.01: Pathologists’ Assistant Research Project 1 (3 units)
  • MDPA 750.02: Pathologists’ Assistant Research Project 2 (3 units)
  • MDPA 751: Introduction to Surgical Dissection and Autopsy Techniques (3 units)

Program Timeline

Year 1 - Fall Term

  • Orientation for Pathologists’ Assistants - Block week (no credit)
  • MDSC 620: Topics in Systems Physiology (3 units)
  • MDSC 703: Human Anatomy: Concepts, Exploration and Teaching (3 units)
  • MDPA 744A: Human Pathology (3 units)

Year 1 - Winter Term

  • MDPA 744B: Human Pathology (3 units)
  • MDSC 515: Cellular Mechanisms of Disease (3 units)
  • MDPA 745: Human Histology (3 units)
  • MDPA 751: Introduction to Surgical Dissection and Autopsy Techniques (3 units)
  • Online medical terminology course finished before start of 2nd year

Year 1 - Spring/Summer Terms

  • MDPA 630.01: Surgical Pathology Practicum 1 (1.5 units)
  • MDPA 631.01: Autopsy Pathology Practicum 1 (1.5 units)
  • MDPA 630.02: Surgical Pathology Practicum 2 (1.5 units)
  • MDPA 631.02: Autopsy Pathology Practicum 2 (1.5 units)

Year 2- Fall Term

  • MDPA 630.03: Surgical Pathology Practicum III (1.5 units)
  • MDPA 631.03: Autopsy Pathology Practicum III (1.5 units)
  • MDPA 750.01: Pathologists' Assistant Research Project I (3 units)

Year 2- Winter Term

  • MDPA 630.04: Surgical Pathology Practicum IV (1.5 units)
  • MDPA 631.04: Autopsy Pathology Practicum IV (1.5 units) 
  • MDPA 750.02: Pathologists' Assistant Research Project II (3 units)

Year 2- Spring/Summer Terms

  • MDPA 640: Pediatric Pathology Practicum (3 units)
  • MDPA 746 : Integrated Pathologists' Assistant Skills (3 units)