Pathologists’ Assistant Program Reaches Milestone in Accreditation and Growth

Samantha Etters, clinical coordinator for the Pathologists' Assistant Program at UT Health Science Center, helps students learn important lab skills during a class. The program recently received full accreditation as it continues to grow.

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center's Pathologists' Assistant Program, the newest program in the College of Health Professions, has reached a significant phase in its development, receiving full accreditation while continuing to grow and achieve strong outcomes for its students.

The program, which trains students to dissect human surgical specimens, perform intraoperative procedures, and conduct clinical and medicolegal autopsies, received a five-year accreditation from the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). This is the maximum term awarded to new programs.

"Accreditation with NAACLS is the gold standard for pathologists' assistant training in the United States and Canada," said Program Director Michael Weitzeil, MHS, PA(ASCP)^CM. "This prestigious achievement gives the UT Health Science Center Pathologists' Assistant Program credibility and a guarantee that our students are receiving a quality education, meeting the rigorous, nationally recognized educational standards."

The successful accreditation process started in April 2023 and included application approval, a comprehensive self-study, and a site visit by NAACLS reviewers.

As the only program of its kind in Tennessee and the Mid-South, the UT Health Science Center Pathologists' Assistant Program continues to meet a growing need for skilled professionals in health care while positioning its graduates for career success.

Launched in January 2023, the program celebrated its first graduating class of seven students last December. All students completed the program, passed the national board examination on their first attempt, and secured jobs - a remarkable 100% success rate in all three categories.

"We are thrilled that all our graduates have gained employment in forensic and surgical pathology labs," said Samantha Etters, MS, PA(ASCP)^CM, clinical coordinator for the program. "Two of our students are now working in a medical examiner's office, a rare but growing job opportunity for certified pathologists' assistants. We are proud of all our graduates, who now contribute to high-quality diagnostic patient care in the state of Tennessee and nationwide."

A pathologists' assistant student practices cutting a specimen. The program has been successful in its mission to prepare graduates for roles in the gross room, autopsy suite, laboratory management, research, forensics, and education.

Building on that momentum, the program admitted 10 students in January of last year and anticipates growing with each new cohort. The interest in the program reflects the demand for certified pathologists' assistants and the quality of education the UT Health Science Center Pathologists' Assistant Program offers.

"Interest in our program increases each year as the need for highly trained physician extenders in anatomic and forensic pathology continues to grow," said Kathleen Reed, MS, PA(ASCP)^CM, the program's education coordinator. "Our program is building a strong tradition with high academic standards and hands-on training rooted in excellence, integrity, and empowerment. We are preparing our students to enter the workforce ready to meet the demands of high-quality patient care."

To support the program's expansion, a new laboratory is being prepared in the General Education Building on UT Health Science Center's Memphis campus. The upgraded space will provide enhanced facilities for hands-on training, reflecting the university's commitment to preparing students for high-demand roles in pathology laboratories across the country.

"The addition of this new lab space is crucial for the continued growth of the program and will provide for the highest quality training," Weitzeil said. "The lab will be dedicated to the hands-on learning of anatomical techniques, frozen sectioning, histology, and microanatomy."

The next application cycle for the Pathologists' Assistant Program lasts from January 1 to May 31, 2026. Students accepted into that cohort will begin classes in January 2027. Application information is available on the program's website.