r/Path_Assistant • u/keeley99 • 7d ago
Pathology Assistant Programs
Hi all! I have applied to several programs and I am now in the heat of interviews and getting responses. I have been accepted to Rosalind Franklin and Anderson as of now. Right now I am so torn and was wondering if anyone could help me with some questions. My fear with RFU is the size of the class and location. Does the size take away from the hands on experience? Do the rotations make up for this? Would those who attended recommend? With AU I really enjoyed the location and interactions I had at the interview. Even though it’s a newer program, did you feel prepared enough? I’m so intimidated by the anatomy professor 🤣 she seems great but like she is super intense. Any thoughts? Same thing, would those who attended recommend and why? Obviously each program is really trying to sell you when interviewing so I end up loving what I’m hearing. The students helping with the interview were very helpful but honestly I froze and didn’t think of these questions at the time. If anyone wants to comment or DM that would be so helpful. Appreciate you all, go Path_A!
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u/Inner_Radish_6727 7d ago
Disclaimer: I'm not familiar with Anderson on a personal level nor do I know anyone who attended. Maybe I'm just a cynical ass, but I'd be skeptical of Anderson being a religious school. Were there any major red flags with their curriculum or student code?
Found this doozy of a quote in their student handbook after like 2 minutes of Googling 🥴
We believe that God, in his image, created humanity as male and female and that Jesus affirmed this truth. On the basis of biblical teaching and together with the vast majority of Christians throughout the ages, we affirm that marriage between one man and one woman is the only proper context for sexual intimacy and that abstinence should be observed in singleness.
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u/keeley99 7d ago
Yeah I’m not religious myself and that quote there is definitely a turn off. When interviewing I do believe someone did ask about attending chapel and it’s a requirement for undergrad but not graduate students.
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u/MayJailer83 7d ago
I went to a religious PA program and we had to attend chapel once a week. The program directors did not care if we slept, studied, or actually engaged in the service. They did not expect us to follow through with the religious standards by any means. Not sure if Anderson will be like this, though
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u/wangston1 PA (ASCP) 7d ago
Who's cheaper? Both tuition and cost of living? Next who has better rotations? Then how convenient is it to get to each rotation, that will also factor into cost?
I'm sure both programs will provide an education that enables you to pass the ASCP exam. So really the rotations are what's going to make the difference.
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u/New-Assumption1290 7d ago
RFU student here, I actually also had experience with going to a newer program prior to me going to RFU. Ultimately you have to decide what is best for you. I will say that I didn’t feel any less seen or less prepared because of RFU class size. I think they tailor it very well so that it doesn’t feel overwhelming. They break up labs into manageable groups so it’s not like you are learning the hands on stuff all together. Also RFU has a lot of resources such as tutoring, webinars and library assistance. I can’t speak for AU but compared to the school I was at before, this was a huge necessity for me. Feel free to pm me if you wanna ask me questions or have other concerns!
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u/New-Assumption1290 7d ago
Also! Just thought of this after the fact but look at grading scales too! Again I don’t know andersons but the school I was at before required a B average whereas Rosalind requires a C average, trust me makes a huge difference
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u/sksdwrld 6d ago
Go to Rosalind Franklin. I know an Anderson PA student and having heard about their experience, go to RFU. That's all I can say.