Job Details

The Pathologists’ Assistant (PA) is a highly trained allied health professional who provides anatomic pathology services under the direction and supervision of a licensed pathologist. The Pathologists’ Assistant plays a critical role in the examination, dissection, and preparation of surgical specimens and supports the efficient operation of the pathology laboratory.

The ideal candidate will have strong gross examination and dissection skills, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced hospital or laboratory environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform gross examination, description, dissection, and preparation of surgical pathology specimens.
• Accurately identify, measure, weigh, photograph, and document specimens as appropriate.
• Select and submit representative tissue sections for histologic processing.
• Handle a wide variety of routine and complex surgical specimens.
• Assist pathologists with specimen examination and other anatomic pathology procedures.
• Ensure proper specimen identification, handling, preservation, and documentation.
• Correlate clinical information with specimen findings and communicate relevant information to the supervising pathologist.
• Maintain accurate documentation within the laboratory information system (LIS).
• Follow established laboratory protocols, quality standards, and safety procedures.
• Maintain compliance with applicable CAP, CLIA, OSHA, and institutional requirements.
• Assist with quality assurance and quality improvement initiatives.
• Maintain gross room equipment, instruments, supplies, and appropriate inventory.
• Support the orientation and training of students, residents, laboratory personnel, or new team members as needed.
• Collaborate with pathologists, histotechnologists, laboratory staff, surgical teams, and other healthcare professionals.
• Participate in continuing education and maintain required professional credentials.

Education

• Master’s degree from a NAACLS-accredited Pathologists’ Assistant program preferred/required based on facility requirements.
• Bachelor’s degree and appropriate Pathologists’ Assistant training may be considered where applicable based on experience and certification eligibility.

Certification

• ASCP certification as a Pathologists’ Assistant, PA(ASCP), required or strongly preferred.
• New graduates who are eligible to sit for the ASCP certification examination may be considered depending on facility requirements.