Pathologists’ Assistant Day (PA Day) is celebrated every year on April 14 to honor the establishment of the American Association of Pathologists’ Assistants, which was founded on April 14, 1972, when our founding leaders filed the Articles of Incorporation. In 2026, PA Day will be observed on Tuesday, April 14.
Advocating for our profession is a cornerstone of the AAPA’s mission—but we can’t do it without you! The movement begins with you, right in your workplace. Don’t wait for someone else to take the lead; spark the celebration yourself! Show your colleagues the passion and dedication you bring to this vital profession, and inspire others to join in. Let’s make PA Day 2026 unforgettable!
It Pays to Know the Value of a Certified Pathologists’ Assistant:
- If you are pursuing a career in pathology, it pays to know the education, skill, salary, and responsibility that goes into being a certified pathologists’ assistant and not a less qualified lab technician.
- If you are a pathologist, it pays to know that hiring a certified pathologists’ assistant will help you do your job more efficiently and effectively.
- If you are a hospital or healthcare system, it pays to know how certified pathologists’ assistants can increase operational efficiency, reduce risk, and improve patient care.
- If you are a patient waiting for a diagnosis, it pays to know that the medical professional who is handling your specimen knows what they are looking for.
Full color: 17″x11″ | 11″x8.5″
Less ink-intensive: 17″x11″ | 11″x8.5″
For more information on our rebrand and the evolution of the AAPA, click here.
Our Knives Save Lives | Gross is Beautiful | We Find the Uncommon in Common Specimens
It Pays to Know What You’re Looking For | More Than Forensics – Ask a PA
New for 2026 – PA Day Bookmarks – Download and Print yours today!
12 different options to choose from:
How to participate and promote PA Day:
- Obtain an official Pathologists’ Assistant Day Proclamation, using this official Guide!
- Download our new presentation, How to Advocate For Your Career
- Follow and post to the PA Day Blog, and upload photos to the PA Day Photo Gallery.
- Share photos and updates to the Member Community feed!
- Download this email template and reach out to your hospital administrator to help spread the word to your non-PA colleagues.
- Stay connected — use the hashtag #PathAssistDay and start sharing your story on social media
- Recognize a Mentor – here
- Give a shoutout to a PA mentor who inspired you or helped mold you into the professional that you are today — submit the form here.