Samantha Etters, MS, PA (ASCP)CM

Clinical Coordinator & Instructor for the Pathologists' Assistant Program at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, TN. I have a strong passion for teaching the next generation of health care professionals and advocating for the Pathologists' Assistant profession.

Previously, I worked at academic hospitals in Tennessee, where I saw a wide variety of specimens daily and enjoyed teaching pathology residents in the gross room. I also worked as a traveling PA taking temporary assignments at a variety of labs across the country, including the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. I am a graduate of the Wayne State University Pathologists' Assistant Program in Detroit, MI.​

While I love my current profession, I had a round-a-bout way of getting here. Several years into a career as a social media manager turned analyst in advertising and marketing, I realized I was not feeling fulfilled and I needed to make a change. While rediscovering my love for science and healthcare, I came across the role  of a pathologists' assistant and was immediately intrigued. I have always been fascinated by the science and anatomy of the human body, and combined with my analytical skills I can’t imagine a better fit for me. Pathology is like a real-life, blood-and-guts puzzle I can’t wait to figure out. 

​My past life still comes in handy serving as the Chair of the Digital Communications Subcommittee of the American Association of Pathologists' Assistants (AAPA), where I am able to combine my professional skills in social media and communications with my passion for the field of pathology. Formerly, I served as the Public Relations Chair of the AAPA Student Committee.

​Please take a look around and feel free to connect with me to learn more about me and my experience!

WEBINAR: Neurodiversity in Pathologists' Assistant Education and Clinical Training
Live Student Committee Webinar, American Association of Pathologists' Assistants (March 31, 2026)

WEBINAR: Neurodiversity in the Pathologists' Assistant Workplace
Live CE Webinar, American Association of Pathologists' Assistants (January 21, 2025)

AAPA STUDENT NON-DELEGATE CONFERENCE TRAVEL GRANT

I was awarded this grant for my manuscript, Breast Cancer Metastasis to the Colon Presenting After Fifteen Years. My case study was published in the AAPA's Journal, The Cutting Edge, and I attended the 44th Annual Continuing Education Conference with the grant.