The RCPA is the leading organisation representing Pathologists and Senior Scientists in Australasia. Its mission is to train and support pathologists and to improve the use of pathology testing to achieve better healthcare. For those who are not already familiar with this area of medicine, pathology is about the study of the causes of disease and pathologists are the specialist medical doctors involved in the diagnosis and monitoring almost of all acute and chronic illnesses.

As a way of background, the College was first established in 1956 and has been responsible for the training and professional development of Pathologists since that time and more recently Senior Scientists. College members come from across Australasia including Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia. The RCPA is also responsible for the promotion of the science and practice of pathology.

The RCPA offices are located in the heritage listed, Durham Hall in Surry Hills, Sydney. It is a not-for-profit organisation which is governed by its Board of Directors. The College's current President is Dr Michael Dray, CEO is Dr Debra Graves and DCEO is Dr Helen Freeborn. The College management team consists of some 40 staff members who administer all aspects of the running of the College.