---
title: 'Episode 211: Jennifer Hudson and Ashley Olson - Beyond Certification: The Case For Licensure Of Pathologists’ Assistants'
type: 'episode'
url: 'https://doc.social/episodes/episode-211-jennifer-hudson-and-ashley-olson-beyond-certification-the-case-for-licensure-of-pathologists-assistants'
show: 'People of Pathology Podcast'
show_url: 'https://doc.social/podcasts/people-of-pathology-podcast'
published: '2025-07-28'
audio: 'https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/mvrvj68x4uxqjry5/PA_Licensureaiya6.mp3'
---

# Episode 211: Jennifer Hudson and Ashley Olson - Beyond Certification: The Case For Licensure Of Pathologists’ Assistants

Today my guests are pathologists' assistants Jennifer Hudson and Ashley Olson from the AAPA Legislative Subcommittee. What we discuss with Ashley and Jennifer: The difference between licensure vs. certification The necessity of licensure fo…

## Summary

Today my guests are pathologists' assistants Jennifer Hudson and Ashley Olson from the AAPA Legislative Subcommittee.

What we discuss with Ashley and Jennifer:

- The difference between licensure vs. certification

- The necessity of licensure for Pathologist Assistants

- How licensure ensures competence and patient safety

- Distinguishing PAs from other lab roles

- Benefits of licensure for patients

- Addressing misconceptions about licensure

- Traveling PAs and licensure

- Steps for states considering licensure

- Resources and involvement for PAs

- Recent publications and webinars on licensure

Links for this episode:

[The Path to PathA](http://www.thepathtopatha.com/)

[Pathologists' Assistant Shadowing Network](https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14605997/)

[Health Podcast Network](https://healthpodcastnetwork.com/)

[ LabVine Learning](http://bit.ly/labvine)

[Dress A Med scrubs](https://dressamed.com/?rfsn=5044297.cb03eb&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=5044297.cb03eb)

[Digital Pathology Club](https://digitalpathology.club/digital-pathology-beginners-guide-notification?am_id=dennis985)

[American Association of Pathologists' Assistants](https://www.pathassist.org/)

[_Specimens Deserve Standards: Defining the roles of grossing personnel is crucial for maintaining diagnostic integrity and protecting patient outcomes_](https://thepathologist.com/issues/2025/articles/june/specimens-deserve-standards/)

[Why Licensure](https://www.pathassist.org/page/Why_Licensure)

[Grossing Technician Duties and Responsibilities - AAPA Position Statement](https://www.pathassist.org/news/639113/Grossing-Technician-Duties-and-Responsibilities.htm)

[Staub Lab Services](https://www.staublab.services/)

People of Pathology Podcast:

[Twitter](https://twitter.com/peopleofpath)

[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/peopleofpath/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=87f3e0df-5864-418e-a5b3-5fdd260ba05b)