Pathologist Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Pathologists’ Assistant to provide professional anatomic pathology services under the direction and supervision of an anatomic pathologist.

The Pathologists’ Assistant will perform detailed gross examination, description, dissection, and sampling of surgical pathology specimens, assist with postmortem examinations, and ensure specimens are properly processed and documented for microscopic evaluation.

The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of human anatomy, pathology, histology, specimen handling, and laboratory quality standards, with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to work independently in a high-volume pathology environment.

Key Responsibilities

Surgical Pathology

• Receive, identify, accession, and verify surgical pathology specimens.
• Perform detailed gross examination and description of surgical specimens.
• Measure, weigh, orient, photograph, and appropriately dissect tissue specimens.
• Select representative tissue sections for microscopic examination according to established protocols.
• Identify and document margins, lesions, tumors, lymph nodes, and other clinically significant findings.
• Prepare and submit appropriate tissue sections for histologic processing.
• Assist with complex and oncologic specimens, including appropriate specimen orientation and margin evaluation.
• Communicate relevant gross findings to the supervising pathologist.
• Ensure accurate specimen identification, labeling, documentation, and chain of custody.
• Maintain appropriate specimen integrity throughout the examination and processing workflow.

Autopsy & Postmortem Services

• Assist with adult, pediatric, neonatal/perinatal, and medicolegal/forensic postmortem examinations as applicable.
• Perform external and internal examination procedures under appropriate supervision.
• Assist with organ removal, examination, dissection, and tissue sampling.
• Collect and properly document tissue and other specimens for histologic, microbiologic, toxicologic, or ancillary testing when indicated.
• Maintain accurate autopsy records and photographic documentation.
• Follow appropriate safety, infection-control, and biohazard procedures.

Pathology Laboratory Operations

• Ensure specimens are processed accurately and within established turnaround times.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation within the laboratory information system.
• Follow established policies, procedures, protocols, and quality standards.
• Assist with quality assurance and quality improvement activities.
• Identify specimen discrepancies, processing issues, or quality concerns and communicate them appropriately.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas.
• Follow OSHA, infection-control, bloodborne-pathogen, chemical-safety, and laboratory safety requirements.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA and organizational policies.

Collaboration & Professional Support

• Work closely with pathologists, histotechnologists, pathology residents, laboratory personnel, surgeons, and other members of the healthcare team.
• Provide gross examination information and technical support to pathologists.
• Assist with pathology resident and medical student education when applicable.
• Participate in tumor boards, case conferences, quality meetings, or educational activities as assigned.
• Assist with research, biobanking, specimen collection, or other pathology-related projects when applicable.
• May provide administrative or supervisory support depending on experience and organizational needs.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree from an accredited Pathologists’ Assistant program or equivalent education meeting applicable certification requirements.
• Successful completion of appropriate clinical training in anatomic pathology.
• Strong knowledge of:
• Human anatomy
• Surgical pathology
• Gross pathology
• Histology
• Disease processes
• Specimen handling
• Autopsy procedures
• Laboratory safety
• Demonstrated ability to accurately gross and dissect surgical pathology specimens.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while operating under the direction and supervision of an anatomic pathologist.

Certification

PA(ASCP) certification is strongly preferred or required, depending on organizational and position requirements.

The ASCP Board of Certification currently recognizes the Pathologists’ Assistant, PA(ASCP) credential. Eligibility includes completion of qualifying education and training, including a NAACLS-accredited Pathologists’ Assistant program under applicable eligibility routes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in a hospital, academic medical center, private pathology laboratory, reference laboratory, or forensic pathology environment.
• Experience with high-volume surgical pathology.
• Experience with complex oncologic specimens.
• Experience with frozen sections and intraoperative consultations.
• Experience with autopsy pathology.
• Experience with pediatric or perinatal pathology.
• Experience with gross photography and digital pathology systems.
• Experience training pathology residents, students, or laboratory personnel.
• Experience with laboratory information systems and electronic medical records.
• Experience with quality assurance and regulatory compliance.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a highly trained anatomic pathology professional who combines strong technical grossing skills with excellent judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with pathologists and surgical teams.

The successful candidate will be comfortable handling a broad range of surgical specimens, accurately identifying and documenting gross findings, selecting appropriate tissue samples, and ensuring specimens are properly prepared for microscopic evaluation.

The position requires a professional who understands that the final pathologic diagnosis remains the responsibility of the pathologist while providing the technical and anatomic pathology expertise necessary to support accurate diagnostic evaluation.

Work Environment

The Pathologists’ Assistant may work in:

• Hospital anatomic pathology laboratories
• Academic medical centers
• Community hospitals
• Private pathology laboratories
• Reference laboratories
• Forensic pathology facilities
• Government healthcare systems
• Medical teaching facilities

The position requires frequent handling of human tissue, surgical specimens, bodily fluids, chemicals, and potentially infectious materials. Appropriate personal protective equipment and laboratory safety procedures are required.

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Compensation: Commensurate with experience and qualifications starting hourly pay is $55.00 up to $62.00