What is a Pathology Assistant? Eligibility requirement: We require a Bachelor's Honours Degree (4 year) in Science, Medical Science or equivalent, with a minimum average of 78% for a domestic student and 80% for an international student. Within their undergraduate degree program students must have completed introductory courses in Biochemistry, Biology/Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematics (or Calculus), Organic Chemistry, Physics (optional) and an essay requirement (i.e. courses with a significant English writing/composition component). Additional courses at the undergraduate level in anatomy, histology, microbiology and physiology are strongly recommended. If physiology has not been taken prior to admission, the student will be required to take Physiology 130 offered through the Department of Physiology & Pharmacology within their first year of study. The first year of the program is course-based and students take a number of full-year courses in Human Anatomy and Embryology, General & Systemic Pathology, Histology, Microbiology, and Physiology and two half-term courses in Environmental Pathology and an Introduction to Forensic Sciences. In the second year, students undertake a Research Project and various practical rotations through the Autopsy Service, Surgical Gross Anatomy, and other lab rotations. (Note: a number of training courses related to laboratory safety and/or laboratory procedures must be completed before commencing the second year, e.g. WHMIS, Infection Control, Privacy Training). Students also undertake a final 2 month rotation through a pathology service in a community hospital (e.g. Chatham, Kitchener, Guelph, Windsor). Admission Requirements for Pathologists’ Assistant Graduate Program M.Sc. Application Deadline has been extended to May 1, 2012 Please note: That our program is currently under review. Please check our website in the New Year for updates and changes to our program. The Department of Pathology offers Pathologists’ Assistant M.Sc. graduate degree is full-time only. Please note that this program only take four students per year. This degree requires completion of course work, research project and clinical laboratory rotations, and a two month clinical elective. Degree Requirements: Applicants must have obtained an Honours degree (4 year degree) in the Sciences. A minimum academic average of 78% (Domestic) 80% (International) during the final two years of the undergraduate program is required. Application Procedure: Please note the Department cannot pre-evaluate copies of transcripts to ascertain if you should apply to our program. A complete application must be submitted for review. Applicants are responsible to ensure that a complete application package is submitted. Incomplete applications WILL NOT be assessed by the Selection Committee. To Apply please click on the following link: http://horizon.ouac.on.ca/western/grad 1. Complete the on-line application. 2. Application Fee of $100.00 Canadian (payable at the time of completing the online application). 3. Reference letters, 2(collected electronically upon receipt of application. You will be notified electronically when the reference has been submitted). We would like to see your reference letters com from a professor or scientific supervisor. 4. OFFICIAL Transcripts: If you have attended or are currently attending any Ontario University of College other than The University of Western Ontario, you MUST use the electronic application process to request transcripts. These transcripts will be delivered electronically to the Department. 5. Statement of Intent: (one to two pages) outlining future goals, and specific areas of interest as well as the reason(s) for wishing to pursue a graduate degree. Any past experiences (academic, occupational, volunteer) that the applicant considers relevant to his/her application should also be highlighted in this letter. 6. International Students: Students who are not Canadian residents and whose native language is not English are required to take the TOEFL examination. Applicants must have a total overall score of 90 with a minimum score of 23 in the speaking portion of the iBT test and no other score less than 20. Please note photocopies of TOEFL scores are not acceptable. When submitting an application please arrange to have an original score sent to the University, directly from the issuing office. [Western’s TOEFL ID is 0984]. Application Review: Are reviewed by the Pathologists’ Assistant Selection Committee. The Selection meets to review all applications in the late spring. The committee bases their review of each applicant, e.g. 40% on Academic Average; 40% on Statement of Intent; 10% on Reference letter 1; and 10% on Reference letter 2. Financial Assistance: The Pathology department does not provide financial support for students in this program. Further Information: If you have questions about Graduate Studies in Pathology at Western please contact: Course & Practicum Based Graduate Program
Pathologists' Assistants (PAs) are highly trained health professionals who work under the supervision of a medically-qualified pathologist, providing a broad range of services in anatomic pathology. Many of their duties are those previously performed by pathologists. The extra technical skills brought to the laboratory by the PAs, standardize and enhance the overall quality in the practice of anatomic pathology. The decreased time pathologists spend on more routine tasks enables them to maximize their time spent on more complex problems and increase the technical repertoire of the laboratory. The PAs assumes major responsibility for the initial examination and dissection of all surgically removed tissues and to a variable extent, for the dissection of bodies during post-mortem examination.
Course Requirements:
Tracey Koning, Administrative Assistant
Department of Pathology
Dental Sciences Building, Room 4044
Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
The University of Western Ontario
London, Ontario
N6A 5C1
Email:path.grad@schulich.uwo.ca
