PATHOLOGIST ASSISTANT

Westchester Medical Center Health Network; City of Poughkeepsie (NY, AR); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Westchester Medical Center Health Network is seeking a Pathologist Assistant to assist the Director of Pathology in gross surgical examinations, tissue processing, and autopsy-related activities. The role includes preparation, description, and documentation of specimens with emphasis on accuracy and safety.

The candidate should have a NAACLS-accredited PA program or 1–2 years grossing experience, NYS licensure, and preferred ASCP/AAPA certification.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years grossing experience or NAACLS-accredited Pathologists’ Assistant program.
• Knowledgeable with voice dictation software such as Voicebrook.

Responsibilities

• Examine tissue samples to assist in diagnosing disease and describe samples.
• Assist in selecting/preparing tissue sections for intraoperative consultations (frozen section).
• Ensure accurate documentation and labeling of specimens.
• Maintain equipment, supplies, and cleanliness for gross dissection.
• Assist in preparing materials for teaching in multiple departments.
• Maintain compliance with laboratory safety standards.
• Prepare QA/workload reports and maintain records of specimen handling.
• Perform photography and radiography of specimens as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Dictation software

Education

Master's degree from NAACLS PA program

Tools

Voicebrook

Laboratory equipment

Job description

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