PATHOLOGIST ASSISTANT
PATHOLOGIST ASSISTANT
Handles gross surgical examinations, specimen receipt and dissection, tissue processing, frozen sections, autopsy support, documentation, and quality reports. Requires a Master’s from a NAACLS-accredited program and an NYS license.
The Pathologist Assistant functions as assistant to the Director of Division (Pathology) in the preparation and performance of gross surgical examinations. Responsible for processing surgical pathology specimens, including receipt, dissection, description, and examining, dissecting, and processing tissues. Also, responsible for gross autopsy prosecution and preliminary autopsy reports. Supervision is not a regular responsibility of this position but may provide guidance and training to technologists, students and residents.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Examines tissue samples to assist the pathologist in diagnosing disease and provides a general description of the sample and either determines if further analysis is needed or presents to Pathologist for final diagnoses.
- Assists in the selection and preparation of tissue sections for intraoperative consultations (frozen section), including embedding tissue, cutting tissue on a cryostat, and staining of tissue slides.
- Ensure accurate documentation and labeling of specimens.
- Performs proper maintenance of equipment, adequate supplies, and cleanliness needed in the performance of gross anatomic dissection.
- Assists the pathologist in preparing materials for both intra- and interdepartmental teaching exercises.
- Maintain compliance with laboratory safety standards.
- Prepare quality assurance reports and workload reports;
- Maintain accurate records of specimen handling, processing, and examination results.
- Perform special procedures such as photography and radiography of specimens as required.
- Other duties and/or projects as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:
EXPERIENCE
- Must have one to two years’ grossing experience or successfully completed a NAACLS-accredited Pathologists’ Assistant program
- Knowledgeable with voice dictation software such as Voicebrook.
EDUCATION
- A Master’s degree from a NAACLS accredited Pathologist Assistant program
LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
- NYS License required
- Certification through ASCP or AAPA preferred