Pathology Assistant

Summary

Assist in performance of autopsy and surgical pathology services. Work independently when performing professional duties associated with the preparation, performance, and completion of autopsies, and examination and/or preparations of the surgical pathology specimens, with general supervision of pathologist.

Examples of Work

Job functions are specific duties that would be included in the essential functions of the job description. These functions are not all-inclusive nor do they cover the full extent of the duties performed.

• Selects and identifies tissue for microscopic study; determines proper fixative solutions in which tissue will be maintained.
• Triages specimen received from surgery; dictates gross findings on selected specimen using appropriate terminology; refers tissue sections for microscopic review by Pathologist or Resident.
• Maintains records of surgical pathology specimen dissections and dictation; assists in the compilation of reports for surgical pathology; labels and stores gross tissue specimen.
• Performs specialized procedures such as frozen sections and decalcification; maintains and coordinates specimen and records for specialized procedures using appropriate protocols; submits request for special histologic procedures and special stains when appropriate.
• Photographs specimen samples as appropriate for use in instruction and documentation. Performs photomicroscopy on cases considered for interdepartmental conferences or for teaching purposes; maintains complete and accurate records of all gross and microscopic photographs.
• Assists pathologist with eviscerations, gross anatomic dissection, and in obtaining appropriate sections for microscopic examination; assists in training of techniques and procedures to staff interns and residents.
• Removes organs, portions of bone, or other samples of tissues for any specialized study or research; collects special materials for toxicological, viral and bacteriological assays. Maintains records; file x-rays; maintain facilities; labels and stores gross tissue obtained during autopsy; monitors and orders supplies.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s or a master’s degree from an accredited Pathologist Assistant program; or a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university and completion of NAACLS-accredited pathologist’s assistant program within the last five years; or a Medical degree may substitute for a Bachelor’s Degree with five years of relevant clinical experience.

Licensure and Certification

Must have an active American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification or be eligible to sit for ASCP certification examination.

Supervision

None

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