A Pathology Assistant is a highly trained allied health professional who provides various pathology services under the
direction and supervision of a pathologist. They are responsible for the gross examination and dissection of anatomic
pathology specimens. They prepare tissue for numerous pathological tests including frozen section diagnosis, histology,
flow cytometry, and immunohistochemical staining. They may photograph gross and microscopic specimens help prepare
educational conferences, and provide training to pathology residents. The duties are not always limited to anatomic and
surgical pathology, but also include a variety of tasks including administrative, supervisory, and teaching duties.
Job Responsibilities:
• Assists supervisor,pathologists, housestaff, and management with any and all other duties as
assigned.
• Reconciliation of specimens: assures appropriate specimen accessioning reconciles specimen
labeling of logs, containers, blocks,and requisitions, according to procedures.
• Obtaining and appropriately applying the clinical information to the analysis and interpretation of the
surgical case.
• Gross description: Accurately dictates gross description according to designated protocols and
templates. Includes all relevant details in the gross description including;color, measurement, shape,
weight. Reviews gross description to ensure accuracy and completion.
• Dissection of specimens including; Dissects specimens according to protocols and procedures.
Prepares appropriate sample of tissue for histological processing and/or frozen sections, obtains
tissue for additional studies including but not limited to flow cytometry,electron microscopy,
immunohistochemistry,etc., and performs special procedures including faxitron imaging and
tumortriage. Photographs all appropriate gross specimens and microscopic slides.Correlates
specimen information with the appropriate attending pathologist.
• Performing duties relating to the maintenance of the laboratory when needed. Cleans workstation
between and after case dissection completion. Ensures proper maintenance of equipments,
sterilization of instruments and discard of waste and material properly. Notifies supervisor of low
supply inventory and assists with supply management.
• Assisting in the organization and coordination of anatomic pathology conferences.
• Assists in resident training/teaching of pathology gross examination, dissection,and dictation
procedures. Also assists in training in the use of cryostats, faxitron and digital photography as needed.
Supports residents in workflow management.
• Assists department and supervisor with various QA/QI initiatives and compliance with all with CAP,
NYSDOH and Joint Commission standards as they relate to the gross room.
Minimum Qualifications:
Graduate of a NAACLS accredited Pathology Assistant training program, or Bachelor's Degree in clinical laboratory
science, medical technology, biology or related field, with required previous related experience including surgical
pathology, gross dissection of surgical specimens, and frozen sections.NYSDOH License as a Pathologist Assistant.
Excellent communication skills and ability to work independently.
Preferred Qualifications:
National Certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP-PA). Board certified by the American
Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Registry (ASCP BOR). Certification through the American Association of
Pathologist Assistants (AAPA). Experience working with Residents and Fellows.2 years experience working in a surgical