Pathology Assistant

Position Overview

Under the direct or indirect supervision of a Pathologist, the Pathology Assistant (PA) assists in the preparation and performance of surgical specimen and frozen section dissections and completes accurate gross description dictation. The PA actively participates in problem-solving, quality assurance, quality control monitoring, instrument maintenance, and troubleshooting, while maintaining high-level customer service relationships with pathologists, providers, and team members.

Position Details & Qualifications

Position Details

• Open Positions: 1
• Contract Duration: 13 Weeks

Education & Certification

• Education Required: Graduation from a NAACLS-accredited Pathologists' Assistant program.
• Certification Required: Board certified as a Pathologists' Assistant by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (PA-ASCP), or ASCP exam-ready with certification achieved prior to the start date (verified via HR primary sources).

Experience

• Preferred: Prior grossing experience.

Key Responsibilities

Specimen Processing & Dissection

• Maintain strict accuracy of patient identification on all specimens processed for microscopic examination.
• Perform surgical specimen dissections ranging from simple to complex, providing quality material for routine histology and specialized testing.
• Consult with pathologists for accurate gross specimen analysis as appropriate.
• Dictate complete and accurate gross descriptions.

Frozen Sections & Laboratory Operations

• Perform frozen sections and maintain cryostats.
• Ensure cleanliness, proper equipment maintenance, and adequate supply inventory in the surgical pathology gross cutting area and morgue.
• Safely dispose of tissue specimens and chemical reagents according to standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Quality Control & Compliance

• Perform, document, and monitor quality control procedures and routine preventive equipment maintenance.
• Maintain and update the gross bench procedure manual and ensure ongoing CAP compliance.
• Recognize technical discrepancies or abnormal findings in Anatomic Pathology and execute appropriate corrective actions.

Testing & Communication

• Perform, interpret, and report validated tests according to established clinical SOPs.
• Apply clinical knowledge of disease presentations to facilitate timely and accurate diagnostic reporting.
• Communicate effectively (in person and virtually) with pathologists and care providers to report timely results.