Pathologist Assistant

Minimum Education
Bachelor's Degree B.S./B.A. and Graduate of a NACCLS accredited Pathologist Assistant Program (Required)

Minimum Work Experience
1 year - prior work experience in an Anatomic Pathology lab (Preferred)

Required Licenses and Certifications
PA (ASCP) or eligible. Certification must be obtained within one year of hire. 1 Year (Required)

Functional Accountabilities
Technical Competencies

• Perform post mortem examinations or assist in autopsy procedures by making & closing incisions, eviscerating organs, and specimen collection under pathologist direction.

• Responsible to release bodies from the morgue during regular laboratory

• Process surgical specimens including, proper labeling, fixation, and decalcification per established protocols; perform FNA and Bone Marrow specimen preparation procedures; collect samples for specialized studies, research, toxicology, and microbiology assays.

• Independently perform simple and complex dissection with appropriate dictation based on department guidelines.

• Prepare frozen sections, including cryostat microtomy, staining, coverslipping, and labeling.

• Maintain autopsy and surgical tissue storage and disposal.

Administrative Support

• Assist with organization and coordination of Pathology conferences.

• Review patient information and verify all documentation is properly completed.

• Assist with organization and coordination of Pathology conferences.

• Order special stains or microtomy procedures per pathologist request.

Communication

• Present cases and relevant materials to pathologists at remote sites via telepathology.

• Exercise judgment on specimens or procedures requiring consultation or evaluation by the medical director or designee.

Quality Improvement

• Participate in quality improvement review and development of gross room / autopsy procedure manuals

• Participate in the education of residents and other laboratory staff by developing teaching and educational tools including telepathology functions and limitations.

Professional Enhancement

• Maintain and enhance current knowledge by attending continuing education conferences within the hospital or at the regional/national level.

• Evaluate and use literature and research findings to support laboratory process decisions.

• Perform photomicroscopy for interdepartmental conferences or teaching purposes.