About this role
## Position Title:
Pathologist Assistant
## Department:
Anatomic Pathology Lab
Job Description:
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**These positions are available in levels 1-3 based on education, experience, and licenses/certifications**
Preferred candidates will have direct experience as a certified PA
General Description: Under direct supervision, performs gross descriptions of simple or limited specimens. Assists during Autopsies. Prepares frozen section slides. May be required to perform routine histology tasks as well.
Essential Responsibilities:
Responsibilities listed in this section are core to the position. Inability to perform these responsibilities with or without an accommodation may result in disqualification from the position.
- Follows authorized technical procedures when performing patient testing.
- Meets turn-around-times established for testing and reporting patient results
- Receives specimens into laboratory using appropriate patient identifier and labeling requirements and receives them into the electronic medical record including registration of specimens from outpatients.
- Conducts calibration of instruments and equipment in the laboratory as well as routine maintenance.
- Labels tissue cassettes using block control sheets
- Assists in the preparation of frozen tissue sections (label, cutting and stain slides)
- Performs gross descriptions of simple and limited pathology specimens as authorized.
- Prepares patients for evisceration for post-anatomical diagnosis during autopsy
- Works on call for Autopsies.
- Photographs specimens for documentation and conference preparation.
- Complies with all hospital and laboratory safety policies and procedures including the appropriate us of PPE.
- Assumes responsibility of own professional development.
- Completes annual competency assessment.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications (Level 1) :
Education: Associate’s degree or higher required. Degree in Biological Sciences or related field preferred.
Experience: 1-3 years laboratory technical experience required.
License(s)/Certification(s)/Registration(s) Required: None
Minimum Qualifications (Level 2):
Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university. Masters in PA preferred.
Experience: 3-5 years of relevant experience including 1 year of grossing experience required.
License(s)/Certification(s)/Registration(s) Required: Certified by the ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology) as a Pathologists’ Assistant (PA) or must be Board eligible for certification by ASCP as a PA, Must obtain licensure within one year of hire.
Minimum Qualifications (Level 3):
Education: Bachelor’s Degree and completion of CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, formerly NCCLS, National Committee on Clinical Laboratory Standards) accredited program required. "Grandfather" PA(ASCP) is also acceptable with bachelor's degree and 8 years of experience.
Experience: 5+ years of relevant experience required.
Certification/Licensure: ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology) as a Pathologists' Assistant (PA) required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Must have the skills to perform required laboratory testing.
- Must be able to work as part of a team and follow instructions.
- Must be able to consistently and dependably report to work as scheduled.
- Must be able to maintain legible, accurate and organized records.
- Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information and exercise sound judgment.
- Must be able to multi-task and remain calm in stressful situations.
- Must possess ability to understand various operations, policies and procedures.
- Ability to work and communicate with co-workers and other caregivers, and meet their needs in a professional, polite, courteous, compassionate and cooperative manner.
- Must demonstrate a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards establishing priorities and completing assignments.
- Ability to assist in the pre-analytical phase for specimen procurement, identification and proper specimen handling.
- Performs troubleshooting and technical problem solving.
- Ability to assess and verify the validity of patient test results, including identifying problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results.
- Core knowledge and understanding of normal laboratory processes.
- Knowledge of human anatomy and medical terminology.
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