Job Title: Pathology Assistant
Profession: Medical Laboratory
Specialty: Pathology Assistant
Duration: 13 weeks
Shift: 5 X 8s
Hours per Shift: 8
Experience: Minimum 2 years
License: ASCP Certified or ASCP exam ready with certification prior to start date
Certifications: Certification in Pathologists' Assistant
Must-Have:
- Completion of NAACLS Accredited Pathologists Assistant Program
- Prior grossing experience preferred
Description:
The Pathology Assistant (PA) assists in the preparation and performance of surgical specimen and frozen section dissections.
The PA completes accurate gross description dictation.
The assistant actively participates in problem-solving, quality assurance, quality control monitoring, instrument maintenance, and troubleshooting.
This position requires the performance of additional departmental duties that support high-quality delivery to pathologists and overall excellence in patient care.
High-level customer service skills are required to establish and enhance positive relationships with pathologists, co-workers, and providers.
The PA maintains the accuracy of patient identification on all specimens processed for microscopic examination.
The assistant performs surgical specimen dissection on simple to complex specimens, providing quality material for routine histology studies and other specialized tests as required.
Pathologist input is obtained for accurate gross specimen analysis when appropriate.
The PA performs frozen sections and maintains cryostats.
Complete and accurate gross description dictation is required.
Effective communication skills are essential for timely result reporting, interacting with pathologists and providers in an accurate, professional manner.
Proper maintenance of equipment and cleanliness of the surgical pathology gross cutting area are necessary.
The assistant disposes of tissues and reagents according to standard operating procedures.
Tests performed, interpreted, and reported must be within the individual's validation according to standard operating procedures.
Knowledge and skills to interpret various clinical presentations of disease and technical elements of testing are required.
The PA applies knowledge in conjunction with laboratory test findings for timely and accurate diagnostic results.
The assistant understands technical aspects of Anatomic Pathology and recognizes reasons for discrepant test results.
Appropriate corrective action is taken to facilitate quality results.
Quality control and routine preventive maintenance processes must be performed and documented.
The gross bench procedure manual is kept current along with the review of compliance.
Perform any other duties as assigned or needed to meet departmental or organizational needs.