What are the responsibilities and job description for the Pathology Assistant position at University Hospitals (SP)?
Joining our team comes with several benefits, including:
• Competitive hourly rate
• Sign on bonus
• Free parking
• Tuition reimbursement
A Brief Overview
The Pathologists' Assistant supports high-volume surgical pathology services in an academic medical center, performing gross examination and dissection of specimens from biopsies to complex resections. This position will be responsible for preparing tissue for microscopic evaluation, conducting frozen sections, and processing samples for ancillary studies such as cytogenetics, immunofluorescence, and research. The Pathologists' Assistant ensures accurate documentation, maintains quality standards, and collaborates with Pathologists for timely diagnoses. Additional duties include training and mentoring residents and staff, serving as an educational liaison, and maintaining laboratory equipment in compliance with safety protocols.
What You Will Do
- Performs macroscopic dissection and description of surgical specimens ranging from biopsies to large complex resections in a large academic hospital receiving over 100,000 surgical pathology cases annually.
- Prepares tissue samples for microscopic examination, including sectioning and identifying gross abnormalities in surgical specimens.
- Procures and processes tissue for ancillary studies to include electron microscopy, Lymphoma Protocol, Cytogenetics, Immunofluorescence, Microbiology, and Research.
- Performs frozen sections for intraoperative consultation and initial diagnostic testing.
- Documents and labels specimens accurately, ensuring proper chain of custody.
- Maintains quality and productivity standards.
- Collaborates with Pathologists and laboratory staff to ensure timely and accurate reporting of results.
- Stays current with advancements in pathology techniques and technologies.
- Provides training and mentorship for newly onboarded Pathologists’ Assistants, Residents, and medical students after initial onboarding.
- Assesses resident grossing and serves as a direct educator in surgical pathology.
- Maintains and operates laboratory equipment, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
Additional Responsibilities
- Fosters a collaborative environment that promotes teamwork and effective communication; cultivates a positive workplace attitude and helpful, collaborative approach to problem solving.
- Takes responsibility for self-development and completes all assigned mandatory assignments within allowed timelines.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Complies with all policies and standards.
- For specific duties and responsibilities, refer to documentation provided by the department during orientation.
- Must abide by all requirements to safely and securely maintain Protected Health Information (PHI) for our patients. Annual training, the UH Code of Conduct and UH policies and procedures are in place to address appropriate use of PHI in the workplace.
Education Qualifications
- Master's Degree Of Science in Pathologists' Assistant (PA) (Required) or
- Bachelor's Degree From an accredited training program for Pathologists’ Assistant (Required) or
- In a biological science (prior to 2005) (Required)
Experience Qualifications
- Previous experience (Preferred)
Skills and Abilities
- Good knowledge of human anatomy (Required proficiency)
- Good knowledge of microsurgical techniques (Required proficiency)
- Good understanding of pathologic disease processes (Required proficiency)
- Good understanding of safety and infection control (Required proficiency)
- Able to obtain/prepare tissue for evaluation (Required proficiency)
- Able to provide timely and quality assistance to pathologists (Required proficiency)
- Able to use and maintain pathology equipment appropriately (Required proficiency)
- Good decision-making skills and utilizes good judgment (Required proficiency)
- Able to prepare and maintain records (Required proficiency)
- Good written and verbal communication skills, (Required proficiency)
- Good computer skills (Required proficiency)
- Good organizational and problem-solving skills (Required proficiency)
- Able to prioritize, problem solve, and manage time well (Required proficiency)
Licenses and Certifications
- Pathologist Assistant (PA-ASCP) or eligible (Required)
Physical Demands
- Standing - Frequently
- Walking - Frequently
- Sitting - Rarely
- Lifting - Frequently (up to 50 lbs)
- Carrying - Frequently (up to 50 lbs)
- Pushing - Frequently (up to 50 lbs)
- Pulling - Frequently (up to 50 lbs)
- Climbing - Occasionally (up to 50 lbs)
- Balancing - Occasionally
- Stooping - Frequently
- Kneeling - Frequently
- Crouching - Frequently
- Crawling - Occasionally
- Reaching - Frequently
- Handling - Frequently
- Grasping - Frequently
- Feeling - Constantly
- Talking - Constantly
- Hearing - Constantly
- Repetitive Motions - Constantly
- Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination - Constantly