Top 11 Pathologist Assistant Certifications

Certifications are essential for pathologist assistants in the job market. A certification provides a pathway to demonstrate competency, knowledge, and proficiency in the field of pathology. It also helps to establish credibility and trust with employers. The American Association of Pathologists' Assistants (AAPA) administers certifications that are nationally recognized and highly valued in the industry. Having an AAPA certification ensures that pathologist assistants have demonstrated their commitment to professional excellence and have met stringent standards set by the association. Furthermore, it allows employers to identify qualified professionals who can provide quality service to their patients. Ultimately, certifications are important for pathologist assistants as they help them stand out from other applicants in the job market and give them an edge when competing for positions.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Pathologist Assistants and explains how they can contribute to a successful career in the field.

What are Pathologist Assistant Certifications?

Pathologist assistant certification is a credential that acknowledges the successful completion of a rigorous educational and clinical program. Pathology assistants are highly trained medical professionals who provide support to pathologists in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. They assist in the preparation and interpretation of laboratory tests, perform autopsies, document findings, and provide technical support for research studies. The certification process ensures that pathology assistants have met the standards established by accrediting bodies such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

The primary benefit of becoming certified as a pathologist assistant is increased job security and potential salary increases. Certification can help differentiate you from other applicants when searching for jobs, as employers often prefer to hire certified candidates. Additionally, employers may offer more competitive salaries to those with professional certifications due to their higher level of expertise. With certification, you are also eligible for membership in professional organizations which can provide access to continuing education opportunities and networking events. Finally, becoming certified may give you an advantage when applying for promotions or advancement opportunities within your organization.

Pro Tip: When pursuing certification as a Pathologist Assistant, make sure to research the specific requirements and regulations of the state you plan to practice in. Different states may have different requirements for certification, so it is important to know what is expected of you before you begin your certification process.

Related: What does a Pathologist Assistant do?

Top 11 Pathologist Assistant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Pathologist Assistants today.

1. Certified Pathologists’ Assistant (CPath)

A Certified Pathologists’ Assistant (CPath) is a medical professional who works with pathologists to provide advanced diagnostic and therapeutic services. They are educated in anatomy, physiology, pathology, and clinical laboratory science. CPaths assist with gross examination of tissue specimens, prepare tissue for microscopic examination, perform autopsies, and document findings.

It typically takes two to three years to become a Certified Pathologists’ Assistant (CPath). The first step is to obtain an associate’s degree in a medical field such as medical laboratory technology or histology. After completing the degree program, applicants must pass the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification exam to become certified.

The cost of becoming a Certified Pathologists’ Assistant (CPath) varies depending on where you live and which school you attend. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from $10,000-$20,000 per year. In addition to tuition costs, there are also fees associated with taking the ASCP Board of Certification exam which can range from $100-$200.

Once certified as a CPath, individuals may need to complete continuing education courses in order to maintain their certification status. Additionally, CPaths may need to take additional exams in order to specialize in certain areas such as autopsy or cytology.

2. American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Certified Pathologist Assistant (PA-C)

The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Certified Pathologist Assistant (PA-C) is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skills of pathologist assistants. This certification is designed to demonstrate a broad understanding of pathology, including anatomy, physiology, laboratory techniques, medical terminology, and clinical decision-making.

In order to become certified as a PA-C through the ASCP, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Have an associate’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in pathology assisting or related field;
• Complete a minimum of one year of full-time equivalent experience in the practice of pathology assisting;
• Pass the ASCP Board of Certification (BOC) exam for Pathologist Assistants.

The ASCP BOC exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions covering topics such as anatomy and physiology, laboratory techniques, medical terminology, and clinical decision-making. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $475 USD. Once you have passed the exam, you will be awarded your PA-C certification from the ASCP.

3. National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) Certified Pathologist Assistant (PA-C)

The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) Certified Pathologist Assistant (PA-C) is a certification that is awarded to physician assistants who have met the NCCPA’s rigorous standards of education, experience and examination. The PA-C certification is the highest level of recognition for physician assistants in the United States and indicates that a physician assistant has achieved a high level of competency in clinical practice.

It typically takes two years to complete the process of becoming certified as a PA-C. During this time, applicants must obtain an accredited master's degree in physician assistant studies, complete at least 2,000 hours of supervised clinical practice, and pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE).

To become certified as a PA-C, applicants must submit an application to the NCCPA along with their official transcripts from their master's program and documentation of their clinical experience. Applicants must also pay an application fee which varies depending on when they apply. The fee for those applying within six months after graduation is $475, while those applying more than six months after graduation must pay $575.

Once an applicant has been approved by the NCCPA, they may take the PANCE exam which consists of 300 multiple choice questions covering topics such as anatomy, pharmacology and medical ethics. The cost for taking this exam is $475. Upon passing this exam with a score of at least 500 out of 800 points, applicants will be awarded their PA-C certification.

4. American Board of Pathology (ABP) Certified Pathologist Assistant (PA-C)

The American Board of Pathology (ABP) Certified Pathologist Assistant (PA-C) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to practice as a pathologist assistant. The certification requires successful completion of an approved educational program in pathology or related field and passing the ABP’s certification exam.

It typically takes two to three years to complete the educational requirements for PA-C certification. During this time, students must complete courses in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, laboratory techniques, pathology principles and procedures, specialized pathology topics, and clinical pathology.

To become certified by the ABP as a PA-C, applicants must submit an application along with documentation of their educational credentials. Applicants must also pass a written examination designed to assess their knowledge of pathology principles and practices.

The cost of becoming certified as a PA-C varies depending on the institution offering the program. Generally speaking, tuition for accredited programs ranges from $10,000 to $20,000 per year. Additionally, there is an application fee for ABP certification which is currently set at $750 for domestic applicants and $850 for international applicants.

5. American Association of Surgical Pathology (AASP) Certified Pathologist Assistant (PA-C)

The American Association of Surgical Pathology (AASP) Certified Pathologist Assistant (PA-C) is a specialized certification program for individuals who assist pathologists in the diagnosis and management of diseases. This certification is designed to recognize and promote excellence in the practice of surgical pathology.

To become an AASP Certified Pathologist Assistant, applicants must have a minimum of five years of experience as a pathologist assistant or equivalent experience, including at least two years in a clinical setting. They must also pass an examination administered by the AASP that covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, histology, immunology, microbiology, and laboratory techniques.

The cost to take the exam is $350 for AASP members and $450 for non-members. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their PA-C certification within four weeks.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also maintain their certification through continuing education credits every two years. These credits can be obtained through attending conferences or workshops related to pathology or completing online courses offered by AASP approved providers.

6. College of American Pathologists (CAP) Certified Pathologist Assistant (PA-C)

The College of American Pathologists (CAP) Certified Pathologist Assistant (PA-C) is a certification for individuals who have completed a formal educational program in pathology and are committed to providing quality patient care. The PA-C certification is the highest level of recognition available for pathologist assistants.

It typically takes two to three years to complete the required coursework and clinical experience needed to become a CAP Certified Pathologist Assistant. The first step is to complete an accredited Pathology Assistant program, which includes courses such as anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, laboratory techniques, pathology principles, and clinical practice. After completing the program, applicants must pass the National Certification Examination administered by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP).

Once certified, pathologist assistants must renew their certification every five years by completing continuing education credits and passing the recertification examination.

The cost of becoming a CAP Certified Pathologist Assistant varies depending on the individual’s educational program and other associated costs such as study materials and exam fees. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $2,000-$5,000 or more to become certified.

7. National Society for Histotechnology (NSH)-Certified Histotechnician/Pathologists’ Assistant

The National Society for Histotechnology (NSH) Certified Histotechnician/Pathologists’ Assistant is a voluntary certification program that recognizes the knowledge, skills and abilities of histotechnicians and pathologists’ assistants in the field of histology. Histotechnicians are responsible for preparing tissue specimens for microscopic examination by a pathologist. Pathologists’ Assistants are responsible for providing support to the pathologist in the laboratory setting.

To become an NSH Certified Histotechnician/Pathologists' Assistant, applicants must meet certain educational requirements and pass a written exam. The educational requirements include a minimum of an associate's degree from an accredited college or university, or completion of an approved histologic technology program that meets NSH standards. Applicants must also have at least two years of full-time experience as a histotechnician or pathologists’ assistant within the past five years, or at least one year of full-time experience as a histotechnician or pathologists’ assistant within the past three years.

The cost to take the NSH Certified Histotechnician/Pathologists' Assistant exam is $200 for members and $300 for non-members. The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions that cover topics such as anatomy and physiology, laboratory safety, specimen collection and processing, staining techniques, immunohistochemistry, cytology, molecular diagnostics and quality assurance/quality control. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

Once applicants have successfully passed the written exam they will receive their certification card from NSH. Certification is valid for three years after which time recertification is required to maintain certification status.

8. National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences(NAACLS)-Certified Histotechnician/Pathologists’Assistant

The National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) Certified Histotechnician/Pathologists’Assistant is a voluntary certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved the highest level of competency in the field of histotechnology. This certification is designed to provide assurance to employers, patients and other healthcare professionals that certified histotechnicians/pathologists’ assistants have met the national standards for excellence in their profession.

To become certified, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Have a minimum of an associate degree from an accredited college or university in medical laboratory science or its equivalent.
• Have completed at least one year of full-time work experience as a histotechnician/pathologists’ assistant within the past five years.
• Pass a written examination administered by NAACLS.
• Meet all other eligibility criteria set forth by NAACLS.

The certification process typically takes around six months to complete, depending on how quickly you complete your application and submit all required documents. The cost of becoming certified is $250 USD, which covers the cost of the application fee, exam fee and any additional fees associated with obtaining verification documents.

9. International Academy of Cytology(IAC)-Certified Cytotechnician/Pathologists’Assistant

The International Academy of Cytology (IAC) is a professional organization that offers certification to cytotechnicians and pathology assistants. This certification is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of cytotechnicians and pathology assistants in the field of medical laboratory science.

To become an IAC-Certified Cytotechnician/Pathologist’s Assistant, you must meet certain requirements, including completing a minimum of 12 months of training or experience in a clinical laboratory setting under the supervision of a pathologist. You must also pass the IAC Certification Examination for Cytotechnicians/Pathologists’ Assistants, which covers topics such as specimen collection, processing, evaluation, and reporting.

The cost to take the IAC Certification Examination for Cytotechnicians/Pathologists’ Assistants is $250 USD. Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive your certification from the IAC. The certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking additional continuing education courses or retaking the examination.

Overall, becoming an IAC-Certified Cytotechnician/Pathologist’s Assistant requires at least 12 months of training or experience in a clinical laboratory setting and passing an exam that covers topics related to specimen collection, processing, evaluation, and reporting. The cost to take the exam is $250 USD.

10. American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers(ARDMS)-Certified Sonographer/Pathologists’Assistant

The American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) Certified Sonographer/Pathologists’ Assistant is a professional certification program that recognizes qualified individuals who have demonstrated knowledge in the field of sonography and pathology. This certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to excellence and expertise in the field, as well as providing employers with assurance of their qualifications.

In order to be eligible for this certification, individuals must have completed an accredited educational program in sonography or pathology, and must have at least one year of clinical experience in either field. They must also pass a comprehensive examination administered by ARDMS.

The exam consists of two parts: a written portion and a practical portion. The written portion covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, physics, instrumentation, patient care, safety protocols, and medical terminology. The practical portion involves performing ultrasound examinations on patients using various imaging techniques.

The cost of the exam varies depending on which type of certification you are seeking (Sonographer or Pathologist's Assistant). The cost for the Sonographer exam is $300 USD while the cost for the Pathologist's Assistant exam is $400 USD. Additionally, there are fees associated with registering for the exam and fees associated with maintaining your certification once you have obtained it.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete all requirements necessary to obtain this certification. This includes completing any necessary educational programs or clinical experience requirements as well as studying for and passing the ARDMS examination.

11. Association for Molecular Pathology(AMP)-Certified Molecular Technologist/Pathologists’Assistant

The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) Certified Molecular Technologist/Pathologists’ Assistant (CMTA) is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and proficiency in the field of molecular pathology. It is designed to recognize those who have demonstrated mastery in the areas of laboratory testing, clinical interpretation, and quality assurance.

To become an AMP-Certified Molecular Technologist/Pathologists’ Assistant, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in medical technology or related field and have at least one year of full-time experience in molecular pathology laboratory testing or two years of part-time experience. In addition, applicants must pass an examination administered by the AMP.

The cost for the AMP-Certified Molecular Technologist/Pathologists’ Assistant exam is $425 for members and $575 for non-members. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as laboratory management, safety, quality control, specimen collection and processing, test selection and interpretation, reporting results, and troubleshooting. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

Once applicants pass the exam they will be awarded the CMTA credential which is valid for five years before needing to be renewed. Renewal requires completion of continuing education credits as well as passing a recertification examination every five years in order to maintain certification status.

Do You Really Need a Pathologist Assistant Certificate?

Yes, if you want to become a pathologist assistant. Pathologist assistants are highly trained professionals who provide support and assistance to pathologists in areas such as laboratory testing, tissue analysis, specimen collection, and post-mortem examination. They must understand the principles of pathology and be able to interpret laboratory results accurately. In addition, they must be able to interact effectively with patients and other healthcare professionals.

Having a certificate in pathologist assistant is important for demonstrating your knowledge and expertise in the field. It also serves as proof that you have completed the necessary training and education to work as a pathologist assistant. A certificate can help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs or advancing your career.

Pathologist assistants need to be knowledgeable about anatomy and physiology, pathology terminology, laboratory techniques, clinical procedures, patient care guidelines, medical ethics, computers and information systems technology, data analysis methods, research methodology and evidence-based practice. To earn a certificate in pathologist assistant means that you have gone through extensive coursework in these topics. This will help employers recognize that you are qualified for the job role.

In conclusion, having a certificate in pathologist assistant is an important part of becoming a professional in this field. It demonstrates your knowledge and expertise as well as shows employers that you have taken the necessary steps to gain the skills needed for this profession.

Related: Pathologist Assistant Resume Examples

FAQs About Pathologist Assistant Certifications

1. What are the educational requirements for becoming a Pathologist Assistant?

Answer: In order to become a Pathologist Assistant, you must have a bachelor’s degree in science and complete an accredited Pathology Assistant program. Additionally, most states require licensure or certification from the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP).

2. How long does it take to become a certified Pathologist Assistant?

Answer: The length of time it takes to become certified can vary depending on your educational background and experience. Generally, it takes about two years of full-time study to complete the required training and education.

3. What type of work do Pathologist Assistants do?

Answer: Pathologist Assistants are responsible for performing laboratory tests and procedures and assisting pathologists in diagnosing diseases. They also collect specimens, prepare slides, document findings and perform other related tasks as assigned by their supervising pathologist.

4. What is the job outlook for Pathologist Assistants?

Answer: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for Pathologist Assistants are expected to grow much faster than average through 2026 due to advances in technology that allow more complex testing procedures.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my certification?

Answer: Yes, in order to maintain your certification, you must complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years as well as pass a recertification exam every four years.