The only NAACLS accredited schools are:
Duke University, Durham, NC
Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT
Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD

Finch University with Chicago Medical School is starting a program but has
not received NAACLS approval yet.  I hope this helps.

Charles R. Embrey Jr., PA(AAPA), HT(ASCP)
Histology Supervisor
Carle Clinic
Urbana, IL


-----Original Message-----
From: Dimaano, Nena [mailto:NDimaano@howost.com]
Sent: Friday, October 05, 2001 12:14 PM
To: 'Charles.Embrey'
Subject: RE: Pathologists' Assistant


Hi,
Can you please let me know the different schools that offers PA especially
in the tri-state area.
Thank you,
Nena Dimaano, MT&HT(ASCP)
Research Biologist
Advanced Technology Group
Howmedica Osteonics
Rutherford, NJ 07070
 

-----Original Message-----
From: Charles.Embrey [mailto:Charles.Embrey@carle.com]
Sent: Friday, October 05, 2001 11:47 AM
To: 'Andickert@aol.com'
Cc: 'histonet@pathology.swmed.edu'
Subject: RE: Pathologists' Assistant


At the direction and under the supervision of a Pathologist(s), a
Pathologists' Assistant may perform the following tasks and assume the
responsibility for duties including the following:

 
 	Preparation, gross description and dissection of human tissue
surgical specimens including:	

A. Assuring appropriate specimen accessioning.

B. Obtaining clinical history, including scans, x-rays, laboratory data,
etc.

C. Describing gross anatomic features, dissecting surgical specimens, and
preparing tissues for histologic processing.

D. Obtaining biological specimens such as blood, tissue and toxicological
material for studies such as flow cytometry, image analysis,
immunohistochemistry etc., and performing special procedures including
Faxitron imaging and tumor triage.

E. Photographing all pertinent gross specimens and microscopic slides.

F. Performing duties relating to the administrative maintenance of surgical
pathology protocols, reports and data, including the filing of reports,
protocols, photographic and microscopic slides; assuring the completion of
specimen coding; and billing.

G. Assuring proper maintenance of equipment, provision of adequate supplies,
and cleanliness of the surgical pathology suite.

H. Assisting in the organization and coordination of anatomic pathology
conferences.

 
 	Preparation of human postmortem examinations including:	

A. Ascertaining proper legal authorization for autopsy.

B. Retrieving the patient's medical chart and other pertinent data for
review with the attending pathologist(s).

C. Conferring with the attending pathologist(s) to identify any special
techniques and procedures to be utilized in the completion of the postmortem
examination, (e.g. cultures; smears; histochemical, immunofluorescence,
toxicological, viral, or electron microscopy studies etc.), and notifying
all personnel directly involved.

D. Notifying the physician in charge, the funeral home, and all other
appropriate authorities prior to the beginning of the autopsy; and
coordinating any requests for special specimen sampling (e.g. organ
transplantation, research, etc.).

E. Performing postmortem examinations which may include: external
examination; in situ organ inspection; evisceration; dissection and
dictation or recording of data such as organ weights, presence of body
fluids etc., and gross anatomic findings.

F. Selecting, preparing and submitting appropriate gross tissue sections for
frozen section analysis as well as for light, electron and immunofluorescent
microscopy.

G. Obtaining biological specimens such as blood, tissue and toxicological
material for studies including flow cytometry, image analysis,
immunohistochemistry etc.; and performing special procedures such as
coronary artery perfusion, central nervous system perfusion, enucleation,
inner ear bone dissection, spinal cord removal, etc.

H. Photographing the body, organs, microscopic slides and other pertinent
materials.

I. Gathering and organizing clinical information and data pertinent to the
preparation of the preliminary summarization of the clinical history.

J. Preparing the body for release (including indicating the presence of
biohazards such as contagious disease, radiation implants, etc.), and
releasing the body to the appropriate mortuary or funeral home
representative.

K. Performing duties related to administrative maintenance of anatomic
pathology protocols; photographic and microscopic slides; and assuring the
completion of coding.

L. Assisting in the organization and coordination of anatomic pathology
conferences.

M. Assuring the proper maintenance of equipment, the provision of adequate
supplies, and the cleanliness of the autopsy suite.

 
 	
Performing such administrative, budgetary, supervisory, teaching, and other
duties as may be assigned.
 
I hope this helps. It is directly from our website:
www.pathologistsassistants.org 
Call me if you have any further questions.
(217)383-6621
 
Charles R. Embrey Jr., PA(AAPA), HT(ASCP) 
Histology Supervisor 
Carle Clinic 
Urbana, IL 

-----Original Message-----
From: Andickert@aol.com [mailto:Andickert@aol.com]
Sent: Thursday, October 04, 2001 5:37 PM
To: HistoNet@pathology.swmed.edu
Subject: Pathologists' Assistant


Would any one be willing to share the job description of a PA as I need to
come up with one by the end of next week? I am struggling with this, several
disagreements in my lab concerning the responsibilities of this title!! 

Thanks in advance, 
Ann Dickert