Curriculum

Professional program total credits: 80 credits

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  • Didactic Year – Spring Semester

    Course Number

    Course Name & Description

    Credits

    PAA 6560

    Human Histology & Clinical Correlations I – Lecture/Lab (Hybrid)

    Characteristics and identification of human tissue microanatomy. Functional interpretation of human microstructure. Introduction to tissue classification and frozen sections, as well as the examination of normal and abnormal stained tissue sections prepared from a variety of organ systems allowing for clinical correlations in patient case presentations.

     

     

    2

     

    Total Credits

    2

  • Didactic Year – Spring/Summer Semester

    Course Number

    Course Name & Description

    Credits

    PAA 5020

    Applied General Pathology (Traditional)

    Fundamental principles and theories applied to general pathology with special emphasis on disease processes and mechanisms found in adult and pediatric pathology.

    Corequisite: PAA 7250

    2

    PAA 5050

    Clinical Terminology & Methodology I – Lecture/Lab (Traditional)

    Clinical and medical terminology specific to the pathologists' assistant practice along with associated methodologies used in surgical and autopsy pathology in the second year of the program. Introduction to laboratory grossing methodologies of human organ system of simple pathologic and non-pathologic specimens.

    2

    PAA 5100

    Medical Photography & Techniques (Traditional)

    Theory of the behavior of light and selection of appropriate lenses; principles of exposure, color, and filters; macro- and microphotography. Adjustment of clinical photographs and student photographs corrected by Adobe Photoshop Professional resulting in a student Eportfolio.

    2

    PAA 7060

     

     Human Anatomy & Physiology for Pathologists’ Assistant I – Lecture/Lab (Hybrid)

    Detailed comprehensive review of human anatomy and physiology as it pertains to the pathologists' assistant practice.

    3

     

    PAA 7250

    Clinical Pathology I (Traditional)

    Systemic pathologies affecting the following organ and organ systems: white blood cells, lymph nodes, spleen and thymus, red blood cells and bleeding disorders, peripheral nerve and skeletal muscles, CNS, the skin, the bones, joints and soft tissue tumors. Concepts of molecular diagnostics are integrated when appropriate.

    Corequisite: PAA 5020

    2

     

    Total Credits

    11

  • Didactic Year – Summer Semester

    Course Number

    Course Name & Description

    Credits

    PAA 6420

    Laboratory & Quality Management in Anatomic Pathology (Web-Asynchronous)

    Interpersonal and technical management techniques for the clinical and anatomic pathology laboratory settings. Quality management techniques, policies, protocols and best practices for the pathologists' assistant. Discussion and analysis of governmental mandates covering laboratory improvement (CLIA).

    Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Pathologists’ Assistant.

    2

     

    Total Credits

    2

  • Didactic Year – Fall Semester

    Course Number

    Course Name & Description

    Credits

    PAA 5051

    Clinical Terminology & Methodology II – Lecture/Lab (Traditional)

    Clinical and medical terminology specific to the pathologists’ assistant practice along with associated methodologies used in surgical and autopsy pathology in the second year of the program. The laboratory component of the course is designed to familiarize students with surgical procedures, the most common surgical specimens received at the bench, and the manner in which such specimens are grossed, inked, sectioned, dictated, and submitted to histology. The use of simulation laboratory sessions for practice of grossing techniques and methodologies of simple to medium complexity specimen(s) will emphasize stepwise grossing, safety, and dictation of given pathological specimens.

    Pre-requisite: PAA 7060

    2

    PAA 5200

    Medical Microbiology for Tech Professionals (Web - Synchronous)

    Infectious diseases affecting major organ systems of the body encountered by the pathologists' assistant. Clinical case study analysis with student presentations.

    Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Pathologists’ Assistant.

    2

    PAA 6060

     

    Human Embryology & Pediatric Pathology (Web - Asynchronous)

    Embryological basis of pediatric and childhood diseases along with adult presentations. Human embryological correlations to clinical settings: case study analysis specific to the pathologists' assistant; clinical evaluation of pediatric pathology. Recognition of anatomical presentations with embryological development in normal and diseased states.

    Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Pathologists’ Assistant.

    2

     

    PAA 6561

    Human Histology & Clinical Correlations II Lec/Lab (Hybrid)

    Characteristics and identification of human tissue microanatomy. Continued appreciation and differentiation of normal and abnormal tissue microscopy in stained tissue sections prepared from a variety of organ systems, with application of clinical correlations in patient case presentations.

    Prerequisite: PAA 6560

    3

    PAA 7061

    Human Anatomy & Physiology for Pathologists’ Assistant II Lec/Lab (Hybrid)

    Part II of a detailed and comprehensive review of human anatomy and physiology as it pertains to the pathologists' assistant practice with comprehensive examination of anatomical organs and organ systems through the use of human cadaveric prosections, 3D models, computer software applications, medical imaging, and clinical correlations as it pertains to the pathologists’ assistant scope of practice.

    Prerequisite: PAA 7060

    3

    PAA 7251

    Clinical Pathology II (Traditional)

    Continuation of PAA 5020 and PAA 7250. Systemic pathologies affecting the following organ and organ systems: the blood vessels and the heart, the lung, head, neck, peripheral nerve and skeletal muscles, CNS, the lung, head and neck, the gastrointestinal tract, liver and gallbladder, and the eye. Concepts of molecular diagnostics are integrated when appropriate.

    Prerequisites: PAA 7060 and PAA 7250

    3

     

    Total credits

    15

  • Didactic Year – Winter Semester

    Course Number

    Course Name & Description

    Credits

    PAA 5052

    Clinical Terminology & Methodology – Lecture/Lab (Hybrid)

    Clinical and medical terminology specific to the pathologists' assistant practice along with associated methodologies used in surgical and autopsy pathology in the second year of the program. The laboratory component continues to familiarize students with surgical procedures, grossing methodologies, and procedural inking, sectioning, and sampling of medium to high complexity of human organ tissues in a simulation gross room laboratory environment, emphasizing the stepwise grossing, safety, and dictation of given pathological specimens.

    Prerequisite: PAA 5051 a minimum grade of B

    2

    PAA 6150

     Histochemistry for Pathologists’ Assistant – Lecture/Lab (Hybrid)

    Study of techniques specific to the Pathologists' Assistant involved in the preparation of tissues prior to microscopic examination and processing inclusive of embedding, sectioning, preparing frozen sections and performing routine and special stain on a variety of tissues.

    Prerequisite: PAA 6560

    4

    PAA 7062

    Neuroanatomy for Pathologists’ Assistants – Lecture/Lab (Hybrid)

    Comprehensive review of human central nervous system anatomy linking structure to function at the clinical and neurobiological level. Integration of neurocranium and viscerocranium structures with clinical presentations as it pertains to the Pathologists’ Assistant practice will be reviewed in detail in the cadaver laboratory.

    Prerequisites: PAA 7061

    2

    PAA 7200

    Introduction to Autopsy Techniques & Forensic Pathology – Lecture (Hybrid) Comprehensive review of general and specialized techniques for performing postmortem examinations in both the hospital and medical examiner settings, with emphasis on the external examination, evisceration, and block dissection of the adult, perinatal, and pediatric decedents as it pertains to specific forensic pathology cases and presentations.

    Prerequisites: PAA 7060 and PAA 7061

    2

    PAA 7210

    Introduction to Autopsy Techniques & Forensic Pathology – Laboratory (Traditional) Comprehensive review of general and specialized techniques for performing postmortem examinations in both the hospital and medical examiner settings, with emphasis on the external examination, evisceration, and block dissection of the adult, perinatal, and pediatric decedents. Focus on developing techniques for the external examination of adult and pediatric cadaveric specimens, toxicology retrieval, evisceration techniques, and appropriate block dissection methodology and procedures.

    Prerequisites: PAA 7060 and PAA 7061

    1

    PAA 7252

    Clinical Pathology III (Traditional)

    Continuation of PAA 7250 and 7251. Systemic pathologies affecting the following organ and organ systems: the kidney, the lower urinary tract and male genital system, the female genital tract, the breast, the endocrine system and the pancreas. Concepts of molecular diagnostics are integrated when appropriate.

    Prerequisites: PAA 7060, 7061, and 7251

    3

    PAA 7420

     

    Future Trends in Pathology Practice & Education Methodology (Web - Synchronous)

    Group discussion of trends associated with healthcare, patient care, technology, legal issues, education methodology, licensure and accreditation issues; medical ethics, safety, medicolegal, and quality management in anatomic, surgical and autopsy pathology are covered. Presentations lead to recommendations for future best practices in a variety of pathology settings. Students present research findings via PowerPoint and in a seminar format.

    Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Pathologists’ Assistant.

    1

     

     

    Total Credits

    15

  • Didactic Year – Elective Courses

    Course Number

    Course Name & Description

    Credits

    PAA 7063

    Elective Advanced Human Gross Anatomy – Laboratory (Traditional)

    Laboratory based course with hands-on dissection of the human body organized around a regional approach to anatomy for the current, or prospective, applied and/or health science student. Offered in the Winter semester only.

    Prerequisites: Undergraduate Anatomy course Materials Fees: $400

    3

    PAA 7300

    Elective Independent Study in Clinical, Core and Forensic Pathology

    Remedial independent study in a core subject area involving clinical pathology and/or forensic autopsy pathology that fulfills cognitive assessments, content specific assignments or projects, indicative of pre-clinical entry-level expectations of the program. Offered in Spring/Summer, Fall, and Winter semesters.

    1-4

  • Professional Year – Spring/Summer Semester

    Course Number

    Course Name & Description

    Credits

    PAA 7650

    Surgical Pathology I

    Application of principles, theories, and clinical practices related to grossing (simple) surgical dissections that address competency levels associated with adult and pediatric surgical pathology techniques, specimen photomicrography, as well as develop techniques in the proper handling of specimens for histological processing through varied techniques within a modern instrumental histology laboratory by following quality management techniques, safety mandates, and protocols as applied to anatomic and surgical pathology.

    Prerequisite: Completion of Year I in the program with a minimum grade of B in all courses

    8

     

    Total Credits

    8+

  • Professional Year – Fall Semester

    Course Number

    Course Name & Description

    Credits

    PAA 7651

    Surgical Pathology II

    Application of principles, theories, and clinical practices related to grossing (simple to complex) surgical dissections that address competency levels associated with adult and pediatric surgical pathology techniques, specimen photomacrography and photomicrography, as well as develop techniques in the proper handling of specimens for frozen sectioning and histological processing through varied techniques within a modern instrumental histology laboratory, by following quality management techniques, safety mandates, and protocols as applied to anatomic and surgical pathology.

    Prerequisite: Completion of Spring/Summer semester clinical courses with a minimum grade of B

    10

    PAA 7890

    Surgical and Forensic Pathology Seminar I (Web - Synchronous)

    Clinically based capstone seminar course in which students present evidence of entry-level skills in the grossing of simple to complex surgical specimens, in the performance of clinical and forensic autopsies, and in the research project of a clinical-based surgical specimen that highlights the complexity of the specimen and address contemporary issues as a result of said research. The course integrates evidence of professional development and activism attained in the course of the program.

    Prerequisite: PAA 7650
    Corequisite: PAA 7651

    1

     

    Total Credits

    11+

  • Professional Year – Winter Semester

    Course Number

    Course Name & Description

    Credits

    PAA 7652

    Surgical Pathology III

    Application of principles, theories, and clinical practices related to grossing (medium to high complexity) surgical dissections that address competency levels associated with adult and pediatric surgical pathology techniques, specimen photomacrography and photomicrography, as well as develop techniques in the proper handling of specimens for frozen sectioning and histological processing through varied techniques within a modern instrumental histology laboratory, by following quality management techniques, safety mandates, and protocols as applied to anatomic and surgical pathology.

    Prerequisite: Completion of Fall semester clinical courses with a minimum grade of B

    9

    PAA 7891

    Surgical and Forensic Pathology Seminar II (Web - Synchronous)

    Clinically based seminar course reviewing clinical and anatomical pathology and the application of principles, theories, clinical practices as it relates to surgical and forensic pathology, and in the research project of a clinical-based surgical specimen that highlights the complexity of the specimen and addresses contemporary issues to the pathologists’ assistant practice as a result of said research. The course culminates with portfolio evidence of entry-level skills in the grossing of simple to complex surgical specimens, in the performance of clinical and forensic autopsies and with a board-style competency examination.

    Prerequisite: PAA 7650 and PAA 7651
    Corequisite: PAA 7652

    2

     

    Total Credits

    11+

  • Professional Year – *Fall, Winter, and Spring/Summer Semesters

    Course Number

    Course Name & Description

    Credits

    PAA 7700

    Forensic and Clinical Autopsy Pathology

    Application of principles and technical procedures that address competency levels associated with adult and pediatric autopsy as it relates to postmortem examination, dissection and evisceration techniques, toxicology specimen collection and processing, photomicrography of the body and of pertinent findings during the external and internal examination, as well as approaches associated with determining, and reporting, the cause, manner, and mechanism of death.

    Restriction(s): PAA 6060, PAA 7200

    5

    PAA 7900

    Elective Clinical in Surgical and Forensic Pathology

    Remedial clinical rotation and/or independent study in surgical pathology and/or forensic autopsy pathology that fulfills cognitive assessments, content specific assignments or projects, and entry-level expectations of the program.

    1-5

    PAA 7901

    Elective Independent Study in Surgical and Forensic Pathology (Web)

    Remedial independent study in surgical pathology and/or forensic autopsy pathology that fulfills cognitive assessments, content specific assignments or projects, indicative of entry-level expectations of the program.

    1-5

     

    Total Credits

    5+

  • Instructional Meeting Types

    Traditional – All course instruction will take place on campus. These are courses where instructors interact with students in the same physical space for 100% of the instructional time

    Hybrid - Students are expected to be on campus for face-to-face lecture discussions and laboratory instruction. All lectures are available (pre-recorded) online through Canvas.

    Web - Synchronous – Students must log in at a specific time for online/remote instruction.

    Web - Asynchronous – Instruction is done completely online and asynchronously.