Pathologists' Assistant Program

Application Requirements

A bachelor's degree in any science including (but not limited to) pre-professional biology, chemistry, medical technology, histology, forensic sciences and nursing is acceptable to apply to the program.

Apply for PA school

Instructions for Online Application

  1. Fill out all general information as instructed.

  2. The personal statement must be two pages, double spaced, in the font Times New Roman 12. It should include how you decided to become a pathologists’ assistant and why you would be a good fit for the program.  Upload the personal statement under the heading “Statement of Purpose.”

  3. Fill out the shadowing statement form (found on the side bar menu) and upload it under “Written Statement.

  4. The signed essential functions form can be uploaded with the shadowing statement as one document.  
  5. Upload a CV or resume.
  6. 2 letters of recommendation are required (not 4).
  7. The program DOES NOT REQUIRE A PHOTO ID.

  8. All official transcripts must be received for the application to be considered complete.  Applications will not be reviewed if unofficial transcripts are submitted.

Grade Point Average 

  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 required.

Recommendations 

Two letters of recommendation are required. The recommendations can come from:

  • Faculty in the pre-requisite course
  • Laboratory professional with whom the applicant has worked
  • Current employer
  • Professional peer

Shadowing or Work Experience 

At WVU, we believe that you should have a good overview of a pathologists' assistant career before you dedicate your time and effort to a rigorous program. We require job shadowing with a practicing ASCPCM (American Society for Clinical Pathology) certified pathologists' assistant, board certified pathologist (MD/DO), or applicable work experience in surgical or autopsy pathology.

Shadowing in surgical pathology is required.  Shadowing in autopsy is recommended, but not required. .  The form documenting the shadowing experience is found on the side bar menu. There are no set number of hours in which applicants need to shadow.

What is the objective of shadowing?
The objective of shadowing is to be able to describe the responsibilities of a certified pathologists’ assistant in surgical pathology and autopsy pathology (if possible).  When shadowing, be sure to discuss with your mentor what their regular duties are and what is expected of them on a daily basis. Be sure to inquire about any additional responsibilities they might have outside of what is observed. Enough knowledge should be gained to communicate with us about your shadowing experience and the duties of a PA. 

To shadow at WVU Medicine (Ruby Memorial Hospital):
To shadow at WVU Medicine, please download and fill out this application to shadow. 

Email the completed form to our Program Specialist, Beth Ann McCormick, at bmccormick@hsc.wvu.edu. Once the completed form is received, we will contact you with additional information necessary to schedule your shadowing time.

Transcript 

U.S. & Canada Only.  

Official Transcripts

Official final transcripts for all completed coursework and any degrees conferred must be received for an application to be considered complete.

Courses “In progress”

Prerequisite courses in progress or applicants graduating in May of the application period, can have their final official transcripts sent once courses are completed and degree is conferred. 

WVU Graduate Admissions
PO BOX 6510
One Waterfront Place
Morgantown, WV 26506-6510 

Please note that we do not require a GRE score for acceptance into the program.