Pathologists Assistant

Pathologist Assistant

The pathologist assistant position is intended for individuals currently ASCP certified as a pathologist assistant. The individual in this position will be capable of performing all routine functions in the surgical pathology area, including some escalated issues and troubleshooting quality issues. The individual will be responsible for conducting gross examinations of surgical pathology specimens under appropriate supervision.

Responsibilities

• Assist the department manager/supervisor with the day-to-day operations of the surgical pathology area.
• Help to ensure the accuracy and efficiency of services provided by the grossing staff.
• Capable of performing all of the duties/responsibilities as authorized by the laboratory director/technical supervisor.
• Perform gross examination and dissection of large, complex/complicated specimens in preparation for Histologic processing.
• Typically hospital-based, whole organ specimens.
• Provide technical instructions, training, and guidance to pathologist assistants/grossing technicians, students, and lab assistants in techniques, instrumentation, and organization of work.
• May be responsible for orientation, training and training verification of newly hired grossing staff.
• May perform New Hire QC for pathologist assistants, grossing technicians, and any histotechs performing gross examination.
• May administer competency assessment, including direct observation, to grossing staff. Provide input to department manager/supervisor for employee performance reviews
• May assist with establishing the level of supervision (direct vs. indirect) for each specimen type for each individual performing gross.
• Perform specimen preparation on non-gynecological specimens, including cytopreparation, staining, coverslipping, etc. after completing training on non-gynecological specimen types. This includes specimen preparation of Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) specimens
• Ensure compliance with all corporate safety, quality control, and quality assurance standards.
• Ensure compliance with all local, federal, CLIA, and CAP regulations.
• Perform troubleshooting when necessary and have the ability to exercise independent judgment, if required.
• Interact directly with pathologists regarding gross dissection/description activities, including defined specimen types that require direct supervision by a pathologist.
• Identify problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results and either correct the problems or immediately notify the histology supervisor/manager, technical supervisor, or director.
• Coordinate and monitor workflow
• May act as a key contact person for pathologist, grossing and histology staff to identify problem areas and recommend changes to workflow
• May be responsible for monitoring HPAP as needed
• May participate with the development and/or monitoring of quality indicators for the QMP
• Follow the laboratory's applicable procedures for job-related responsibilities.
• Other duties, as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications

• 1-year surgical gross experience, including large, complex/complicated specimens
• Bachelor's Degree(Required)
• Must be PA(ASCP) certified.
• AAPA Fellowship status and/or PA (ASCP)(Required)
• Current state licensure, if applicable(Required)
• Meets all requirements as outlined in corporate Minimum Qualifications for Non-Pathologist Performing Gross Tissue Examinations SOP and 1988 CLIA CFR 493.1489. (Required
• NAACLS approved Pathologist Assistant training program