Anatomic Pathologists Assistant
Our mission is to educate highly qualified professional Anatomic Pathologists' Assistants who are highly competent and exceed standards of practice in surgical and autopsy pathology as required in hospital and medico legal facilities.
INSTRUCTIONAL PLAN AND PROGRAM GOAL
Program Goal: The Wayne State University Pathologists' Assistant program trains individuals who will assist the pathologist in the performance of postmortem examination and in the dissection, dictation, and evaluation of surgical specimens for microscopic diagnosis. The program also trains individuals budgetary, supervisory, and teaching skills. Lastly, the program trains individuals to function as competent entry level Anatomic Pathologist' Assistants capable of performing, under the supervision of a pathologist those professional responsibilities as defined by the American Association of Pathologists Assistants (AAPA).
KNOWLEDGE BASE
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Identify, compare and discuss features of basic human anatomy and physiology
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Microscopically identify tissues and organs
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Describe normal human embryogenesis and identify stages of organogenesis
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Demonstrate fundamental skills of photography and apply same to recording of clinical specimens
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Explain meaning of common medical terms and identify and recognize normal clinical values
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Identify, explain and demonstrate standard histochemical methods for characterization of tissues/organs
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Apply basic biochemistry concepts to discussions of and evaluation of disease processes
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Interpret basic techniques used for differentiation and identification of medically significant microorganisms
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Identify regulatory, legal and organizational environment of a hospital laboratory
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Recognize and identify changes in trends in pathology practice, the impact of changing educational models and platforms, as well as changes in technological advances and practices in pathology
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Recognize, develop and demonstrate highly ethical practices in pathology
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Explain and evaluate principles of general pathology
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Explain the role of medical examiner and procedures for the identification of human remains
This program is accredited by:
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
5600 N. River Rd, Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
(847) 939-3597
Phone: (773) 714-8880
Fax: (773) 714-8886
http://www.naacls.org
In 1989 the Wayne State University Board of Governors approved the Anatomic Pathologists' Assistant program. The NAACLS (National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences) accredited program, one of 10 in the United States and the only one in Michigan, prepares graduates to assist pathologists in the preparation and performance of surgical specimen and postmortem examinations and leads to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Pathologists' Assistant. Clinical training is offered in cooperation with the Detroit Medical Center hospitals and the Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office. Upon selection and admission to the professional program, the student will take one year of course work then engage in an assigned series of clinical contacts to prepare the trainee for employment in a variety of settings.
This is a competitive program limited by available clinical affiliations. In reviewing completed applications, the Admission Committee will consider work experience, letters of evaluation/recommendation, science grades and overall GPA. Although academic achievement is important, knowledge of the profession, ability to communicate and personal qualities of maturity, motivation and integrity are equally important. Consequently, the Admission Committee will give great weight to evaluations from faculty advisers and employment supervisors as well as personal interviews in the selection of candidates.
The professional curriculum has been arranged with the presumption that students will devote full time and energy to their college and university experience. Students are encouraged to limit their outside employment in order to benefit from the full complement of academic and cultural opportunities that are a vital part of higher education.
Because of rapid changes in technology and in the methods and concepts of health care, students in the allied health programs must complete their pre-professional science credits within six years just prior to admission to the professional program and must complete their professional within three years, unless exception is granted by the department chair. Students who interrupt their academic program will have to apply for reinstatement on an individual basis to have their performance evaluated. They may be required to pass examinations comparable to those given to current students at that level sought for re-entry into the program.
Admission Requirements Pre-Professional Program
Students seeking admission to the university should refer to the admission requirements as stated on page 15 of the Undergraduate Bulletin current to their application time frame. Courses in this program are taken under the guidance of the College of Science at Wayne State University. Students must pass required pre-professional courses with a grade of "C" or better.
First Year BIO 1500: Basic Biology I (4); BIO 1510: Basic Life Mechanisms (4); CHM 1020: General Chemistry I (4); CHM 1030: General Chemistry II (4); ENG 1020: Introduction to Writing (4); MAT 1800: Elementary Functions (4); PHI 1050: Critical Thinking (4); SPB 1010: Oral Communications (3); UGE 1000: Introduction to University and Library (1); Social Science Elective (3).
Second Year BIO 2200: Introduction to Microbiology (4); CS 1010: Introduction to Computing (3); ENG 3050: Report Writing (preferred) (3); HIS 1100 or HIS 1200 (preferred) (4); Humanities Elective (4); PHI 2320: Ethics (4); Foreign Culture Elective (4); American Government Elective (4).
Professional Program Admission
The junior class is admitted to the professional program in September only.
The Admission committee, composed of faculty and graduates of the program, will consider from admission applicants who have (1) a cumulative GPA of 2.5 overall and 2.3 or better in the sciences. (2) completed all pre-professional courses by the time of admission (3) successfully completed the English Proficiency Exam, if applicable and (4) submitted complete applications to the University and to the Mortuary Science Program by April 15th of the year one wishes to enter the professional program. All applications must include official transcripts from all former colleges/universities.
Professional Curriculum: First Year
Professional Curriculum: Second Year
Deadlines for Fall Full-Time Admission
Contact:
Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid
Wayne State University
Welcome Center
42 W. Warren Ave.
Detroit MI 48202
(313) 577-3378
If you are not a current WSU student please complete the correct University Application at: www.admissions.wayne.edu or contact:
Admissions Office
Wayne State University
Welcome Center
42 W. Warren
Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 577-3577
Applications to the APA program are due April 15. Applications received after April 15 will NOT be considered for Fall enrollment. Contact the Program Director of the APA Program, Department of Fundamental & Applied Sciences, Anatomic Pathologists' Assistant program, Wayne State University, 5439 Woodward Avenue, Detroit MI 48202. Phone: (313) 577 - 2050.
For information regarding CLEP Exams, contact:
Office of Testing and Evaluation
Wayne State University
698 Student Center Building
Detroit MI 48202
(313) 577-3400