Pathologists' Assistant

Master of Clinical Science (MClSc)



Meet Erik Trautrim, MClSc candidate in the Pathologists’ Assistant program

"Western University has the most diverse, specialized and rewarding programs available. As graduate students at Western, we are justified to be proud of our acceptance and grateful for the time that we spend here.”

Why did you come to Western for your graduate degree?
I came to Western for my graduate degree because it offers the best Pathologists’ Assistant program in Canada. The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is well-equipped and has a world-class anatomy lab. The structure of the second-year schedule guarantees that I will be ready and confident to begin a career as a Pathologists’ Assistant.

Describe your research.
My research addresses the stress/anxiety associated with the handling of tissue presumed positive with the prion that causes CJD (Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease), through a questionnaire of experienced front-line healthcare workers. This research will also help to determine the level of understanding of CJD among healthcare workers, while indicating best practices associated with handling such tissues.

What is it about your grad program that enables you to thrive and be successful?
The professors, preceptors, and administrative staff have ensured that program milestones are met. Enthusiasm is nurtured, which allows the students to thrive individually and as a cohort. Furthermore, aptitude is met with challenges and variations in learning styles are accommodated.

What’s the best advice you could give to someone considering applying to your graduate program?
When considering applying to the MClSc – Pathologists’ Assistant program, I recommend researching the various aspects of the career as requiring unique skillsets. You might ask yourself if surgical pathology can challenge your preexisting fine-motor and reasoning skills, or whether your appreciation of forensic sciences and anatomy could aid in completing an efficient post-mortem examination. I would also recommend seeking an observership with a PA, as well as joining us for a tour of the department/program facilities. Participating in an observership and/or tour can act as an extra source of confidence indicating that the program is right for you.

Program Websites


Program Contact

Tracey Koning (pathgrad@uwo.ca)
Graduate Program Coordinator

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Western University
Dental Sciences Rm 4044
London, Ontario N6A 5C1

t. 519-661-2111 ext. 81549
f. 519-661-3370

The Pathologists’ Assistant program in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine offers students the opportunity to train in the highly specialized field of anatomical pathology. This two-year, full-time program begins in September of each year. The first year is comprised of various courses. The second year of the program is composed of rotations through the hospital experience in autopsy and surgical pathology, a research project, and completing a two-month community elective.

Program Length

  • 6 Terms

Program Design

  • Full-time study
  • Project-based

Funding Information

Admission Requirements

  • Four-year Bachelor's degree (science background preferred); MD, DDS or MBBS degree from an accredited university.
  • A third- and fourth-year combined entrance average of 80% or greater.

Additional Requirements

  • Applicants may be invited for an interview and tour of our facilities.

English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose first language is not English must furnish evidence of their proficiency in the use of the English language by a satisfactory achievement within the last two years in one of the following:

Students who are required to present evidence of proficiency in English must make their own arrangements to write the TOEFL, IELTS, or CAEL and to have the official results sent directly to the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies by the testing agency. Those graduates from Fanshawe College’s ESL Program must provide official proof of graduation.

Application Deadline

  • March 15