Pathologist’s Assistant

Job Description

Duties:

• The Pathologist’s Assistant provides services in Anatomic pathology as a member of a team under the direction and supervision of a qualified Pathologist.
• Assists in the preparation and performance of human post-mortem examination.

Principle duties and responsibilities:

• Assists in the preparation and performance of human surgical specimen examinations, which includes gross description and complete dissection of surgical specimens; selection and submission of tissue sections for microscopic examination (i.e., frozen and permanent sections for light, electron and fluorescent microscopy).
• Responsible for the accessioning of specimens and assuring proper identification of
  specimens in accordance to surgical pathology policies (Rejection/Rehabilitation Policy). Prepares containers and tissues cassettes.
• Aids in the resident training and credentialing offering technical and teaching to residents in accordance with practice guidelines and the surgical pathology dissection manual. Assesses the resident’s level of competency in handling specimens.
• Responsible for gross photography of specimens as needed. Maintenance of files are completed by the assigned PA.
• Responsible for tumor procurement for biorepository. Documentation and quality assurance indicators, and business transactions are completed by the assigned PA.
• Aids in the quality assurance and quality control plan of the department. Primary responsibility in areas of specimen identification, frozen sections and in the quality control and maintenance of instruments and refrigerators in the work area.
• Responsible for inventory of frozen section room and surgical pathology lab (E & R-6)
  supplies. Submits order and stock supplies.
• Selects gross tissue and extremities for disposal after the reports have been finalized.
• Performs an autopsy, including external examination, in situ organ inspection, evisceration, dissection, submission of tissue sections and dictation or recording of all data from gross analytical and microscopic examinations.
• Assists in other related duties as directed or as time permits.”

Education:

• Bachelor of Science degree from a regionally accredited college/university isrequired.
• Successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Pathologist’s Assistant program, or previous certification by the American Association of Pathologist’s Assistant (AAPA) is required.

EXPERIENCE/CERTIFICATION DESIRED:
Pathologist’s Assistant certification as a PA(ASCP) is preferred.”

Skills:
Must meet or exceed core customer service responsibilities, standards and behaviors as outlined in the Client Customer Service policy as summarized below:

• Communication
• Understanding
• Sensitivity
• Teamwork
• Ownership
• Motivation
• Excellence
• Respect

Must practice the customer service skills as provided through ongoing training and in-services.
Must possess the following personal qualities:

• be self directed
• be flexible and committed to the team concept
• demonstrate teamwork, initiative, and willingness to learn
• possess interpersonal skills and communication skills
• be willing to instruct others
• be open to new learning experiences