A pathologists’ assistant (PA) is a highly trained and specialized laboratory healthcare specialist. Working under the supervision of a medically qualified pathologist, the PA performs a broad range of duties in the surgical anatomic pathology and autopsy divisions. Many of these duties were previously performed by pathologists, and the position of pathologists’ assistant was created to act as an extension of the pathologist.

Historically, PAs were on an On The Job trained position, however, with the advent of standardized education and certification, the educational pathway to become a certified PA is completion of a specialized masters graduate degree. There are 5 graduate pathologists’ assistant programs in Canada, all of which are NAACLs accredited. More information about these programs can be found in the Graduate Programs section.

PAs are responsible for performing the macroscopic examination, handling, and dissection of gross surgically removed human tissues, as well as examination, evisceration and dissection of organs of deceased patients during post mortem examinations. The tissue sections provided by the PA are processed into microscope slides to the pathologist, who is able to stage and diagnose disease, which if cancerous, is what any oncology treatments would be based on.

At many facilities, PAs are also involved in intraoperative consultations for gross examination of specimens for surgical margins, and performing frozen sections.

The role of the PA can vary from institution to institution.

Hear about the first hand perspective and background from Pathologists’ Assistant Irina Shipilova. Her journey, her advice, and the things she finds the most rewarding about being a PA.

A behind-the-scenes look at anatomic pathology