Best institutions to study Pathology/Pathologist Assistant
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of pathologists, to assist in the performance of autopsies, obtaining and preparing surgical specimens, preparing autopsy reports, and interacting with other clinicians, officials, and individuals.
13 U.S. institutions graduated 178 Pathology/Pathologist Assistant students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 51.0811, a specialization of Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (CIP 51.08), and leads most directly to the Surgical Technologists occupation (BLS SOC 29-2055).
About Pathology/Pathologist Assistant programs
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of pathologists, to assist in the performance of autopsies, obtaining and preparing surgical specimens, preparing autopsy reports, and interacting with other clinicians, officials, and individuals. Includes instruction in anatomy; physiology; medical terminology; general, systemic, forensic, and pediatric pathology; autopsy procedures; surgical technique; medical photography; tissue preparation; record keeping and laboratory administration; interpersonal skills; and applicable standards and regulations.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Pathology/Pathologist Assistant program prepares individuals to assist pathologists in various tasks, including performing autopsies, obtaining and preparing surgical specimens, and preparing autopsy reports. This program is ideal for those interested in the health professions, specifically in supporting surgical teams and contributing to patient care through laboratory and clinical work.
Students in this program will gain knowledge in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and various pathology fields. Coursework includes training in surgical techniques, autopsy procedures, tissue preparation, and laboratory administration, along with the development of essential interpersonal skills.
Credentials awarded
What Pathology/Pathologist Assistant graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree178 graduates / yr · 13 institutions100%
Graduates over time
Pathology/Pathologist Assistant completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 69 |
| 2013 | 77 |
| 2014 | 78 |
| 2015 | 89 |
| 2016 | 84 |
| 2017 | 89 |
| 2018 | 89 |
| 2019 | 124 |
| 2020 | 134 |
| 2021 | 97 |
| 2022 | 157 |
| 2023 | 187 |
| 2024 | 153 |
| 2025 | 178 |
Top 13 institutions for Pathology/Pathologist Assistant, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science North Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 33 | — | — | — |
| 2 | Quinnipiac University Hamden, CTPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 30 | 76% | $36,137 | — |
| 3 | Old Dominion University Norfolk, VAPublicMaster's | 20 | 46% | — | — |
| 4 | Loma Linda University Loma Linda, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 18 | — | — | $60,043 |
| 5 | West Virginia University Morgantown, WVPublicMaster's | 15 | 65% | — | — |
| 6 | Tulane University of Louisiana New Orleans, LAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 12 | 86% | $33,106 | — |
| 7 | Drexel University Philadelphia, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 12 | 78% | $36,004 | — |
| 8 | University of Maryland, Baltimore Baltimore, MDPublicMaster's | 10 | — | — | — |
| 9 | Wayne State University Detroit, MIPublicMaster's | 10 | 58% | — | — |
| 10 | The University of Tennessee Health Science Center Memphis, TNPublicMaster's | 7 | — | — | — |
| 11 | Anderson University Anderson, SCPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 5 | 66% | $24,812 | — |
| 12 | Touro University New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 4 | 72% | $27,110 | — |
| 13 | University of Utah Salt Lake City, UTPublicMaster's | 2 | 65% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services field (CIP 51.08) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 13 states
Where Pathology/Pathologist Assistant graduates come from. Each state links to all Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 1 | 33 | Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science33 / yr |
| Connecticut | 1 | 30 | Quinnipiac University30 / yr |
| Virginia | 1 | 20 | Old Dominion University20 / yr |
| California | 1 | 18 | Loma Linda University18 / yr |
| West Virginia | 1 | 15 | West Virginia University15 / yr |
| Louisiana | 1 | 12 | Tulane University of Louisiana12 / yr |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | 12 | Drexel University12 / yr |
| Maryland | 1 | 10 | University of Maryland, Baltimore10 / yr |
| Michigan | 1 | 10 | Wayne State University10 / yr |
| Tennessee | 1 | 7 | The University of Tennessee Health Science Center7 / yr |
| South Carolina | 1 | 5 | Anderson University5 / yr |
| New York | 1 | 4 | Touro University4 / yr |
| Utah | 1 | 2 | University of Utah2 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 29-2055, Surgical Technologists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Pathology/Pathologist Assistant program can pursue careers as Surgical Technologists. The job outlook for this field is about as fast as average, with an expected growth rate of 4.5% and approximately 7,000 annual openings. The median wage for this occupation is $62,830, typically requiring a postsecondary nondegree award.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 51.0811
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Surgical Technologistsprimary SOC 29-2055 | $64,650 | +4.5% About as fast as average | ~7,000 | Postsecondary nondegree award |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Pathology/Pathologist Assistant programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
- Count sponges, needles, and instruments before and after operation.
- Scrub arms and hands and assist the surgical team to scrub and put on gloves, masks, and surgical clothing.
- Provide technical assistance to surgeons, surgical nurses, or anesthesiologists.
- Prepare patients for surgery, including positioning patients on the operating table and covering them with sterile surgical drapes to prevent exposure.
- Hand instruments and supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors and cut sutures, and perform other tasks as directed by surgeon during operation.
Tools and technology used
Other Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services specializations
The 13 other 6-digit CIP codes under Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (CIP 51.08).
- Medical/CIP 51.0801
Clinical Assistant 55,276 graduates / yr1,057 institutions - Pharmacy Technician/CIP 51.0805
Assistant 8,060 graduates / yr353 institutions - Physical Therapy AssistantCIP 51.08065,489 graduates / yr360 institutions
- Allied Health and Medical Assisting ServicesCIP 51.08994,386 graduates / yr75 institutions
- Emergency Care Attendant (EMT Ambulance)CIP 51.08104,277 graduates / yr79 institutions
- Occupational Therapist AssistantCIP 51.08033,204 graduates / yr213 institutions
- Radiologist AssistantCIP 51.0814partial data1,676 graduates / yr9 institutions
- Clinical/CIP 51.0802
Medical Laboratory Assistant 663 graduates / yr34 institutions - Anesthesiologist AssistantCIP 51.0809497 graduates / yr24 institutions
- Speech-Language Pathology AssistantCIP 51.0816304 graduates / yr21 institutions
- Respiratory Therapy Technician/CIP 51.0812
Assistant 258 graduates / yr19 institutions - Lactation ConsultantCIP 51.0815partial data47 graduates / yr4 institutions
Show 1 more CIP codes with no U.S. programs reported+
- Chiropractic Technician/
Assistant51.0813
No institution reported completions for these codes in the latest IPEDS year, so they have no page.
See all Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services programs →
Common questions
What degree do I earn from this program?+
You will earn a Master's degree.
How many colleges offer this program in the U.S.?+
There are 13 colleges offering this program.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills such as critical thinking, active listening, and effective communication.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with 4.5% growth and 7,000 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Pathology/Pathologist Assistant?+
Pathology/Pathologist Assistant is CIP 51.0811 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (CIP 51.08). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of pathologists, to assist in the performance of autopsies, obtaining and preparing surgical specimens, preparing autopsy reports, and interacting with other clinicians, officials, and individuals. Includes instruction in anatomy; physiology; medical terminology; general, systemic, forensic, and pediatric pathology; autopsy procedures; surgical technique; medical photography; tissue preparation; record keeping and laboratory administration; interpersonal skills; and applicable standards and regulations.
How many institutions offer Pathology/Pathologist Assistant programs?+
13 U.S. institutions reported Pathology/Pathologist Assistant graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 13 states, awarding 178 credentials in the year. That is 0.2% of all Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services graduates.
How much do Pathology/Pathologist Assistant graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Surgical Technologists occupation, which Pathology/Pathologist Assistant most directly leads to, pays a median of $64,650 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services field report median earnings of $60,043 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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