Has anyone heard anything from UTHSC regarding the first interview (virtual)? I know they don't schedule in person Interviews until after the deadline, but was curious regarding the first one! Thanks.
I’m currently working as an MLT (ASCP) in Kansas and am taking my prerequisites so I can enter a bachelor’s program in Medical Laboratory Science. My long-term goal is to become a Pathologists’ Assistant, and I’d really love advice from anyone already in the field or currently in PA school.
I was wondering:
What helped you stand out when applying to PA programs?
Is getting MLS experience before applying a good path?
What kind of lab or pathology experience should I try to get?
Are there certain classes I should focus heavily on?
How competitive are Pathologists’ Assistant programs really?
Any recommendations for shadowing, networking, or preparing for interviews?
Are there any good opportunities in Kansas or nearby states for gaining pathology experience?
I enjoy the laboratory side of healthcare and really like pathology, histology, and anatomy. I’m trying to make smart decisions now while I finish my prerequisites and future MLS degree.
I’d appreciate any tips, experiences, or things you wish you knew before starting this path.
Hi everyone! I’m currently in undergrad as a Biology major, and I have been looking for shadowing opportunities around me but haven’t found anything. I did get accepted into an internship at a coroner’s office, but it’s only in 2028 (the year that I graduate), and I want to build up more experience before then and not depend on that alone. I have tried messaging Pathologist Assistants on LinkedIn and made a post on the networking page, but I haven’t received any messages back. I’ve also reached out to the coordinator at the PathA program close to me about any alumni that work in my area, but they just told me to reach out to teaching hospitals.
I know I still have time before undergrad is done, and that there’s so much I can do in the coming years, but I am getting worried. What can I do to better my chances, or what can I do differently? What has worked for you guys?
Any advice helps!
Edit: I’m located in Southeast PA in case anyone has leads!
Hello, I recently just graduated with my bachelors in biochemistry and I reached out to UTMB and I was told that a 3.0 is required in only their prerequisite courses. I have A’s and B’s in all other courses except for general chemistry. I work as a pathology technician currently and I’ve been in the field for 2 years now. I have tons of autopsy and shadowing hours but I’m still worried that gen chem will hinder me.
had you already completed a masters degree prior being accepted into the program?
i’ve worked as a lab assistant in a pathology lab for over 2 years and have done 40+ hours of shadowing. i’ve been waitlisted for the program the past 2 years and i’m trying to figure out where to go from here. i’m not super interested in doing a different masters just to get into the pa program but i’m starting to feel like it’s necessary.
any guidance would be appreciated!!
I recently came to the conclusion that for various reasons the only school I have the ability to attend is UTMB. I applied this past year and made to the interview and got rejected. I have a 3.3 GPA, but I am taking the last 2 pre reqs I need right now and am expecting A’s in both. I have my bachelor’s in biomedical science. I have been a histology tech for 6 years and have been grossing for 3 of those years. I shadowed PA’s at hospitals for 25 hours (of which included an autopsy) this past year. I had LOR’s from my supervisor, a pathologist/medical director, and a PA that I shadowed. I attended the open house for UTMB in person in hopes to make a good impression. This upcoming year is the second time I will be applied to UTMB and is my last chance before I will be forced to give up on attending PA school due to life reasons. Any and all pointers on what I can do to boost my application is greatly appreciated. Just feeling very hopeless after not getting in this past year and knowing I only have one chance left. If anyone has anything they think I can add I greatly appreciate the help. I am planning on being the full time uncertified PA at my current just starting in the next month, so I am hoping that helps.
Hey everyone. My undergrad college offered cadaver lab this semester and I ended up taking it. I didn’t realize it’s pretty rare to be done in undergrad. Do you think this is a good thing to bring up or talk about in applications/ potential interviews? Is this something that will carry weight?
Hello everyone, I was recently informed that I am waitlisted for a Canadian PA school. Considering how small the cohorts are in Canada I'm wondering what this means for me. Thanks for the help!