Pathologist Assistant

OU Health; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive total rewards package

Medical and dental plans

401(k)

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Job summary

OU Health in Oklahoma City is hiring a Pathologist Assistant to assist in anatomical pathology procedures including autopsies and specimen preparation. Ideal candidates must have relevant educational credentials and experience, with positions available across three levels depending on qualifications. OU Health provides a competitive rewards package including a sign-on bonus and comprehensive benefits including PTO and health insurance. Ideal for professionals ready to contribute to a fast-paced lab environment.

Qualifications

• Must have 1-3 years of laboratory technical experience.
• Certified by ASCP as a Pathologist's Assistant or board eligible.
• 5+ years of relevant experience for Level 3 applicants.

Responsibilities

• Performs gross descriptions of pathology specimens.
• Assists during autopsies.
• Ensures compliance with hospital safety policies.
• Documents and organizes laboratory test results.

Skills

Laboratory testing skills

Teamwork

Multi-tasking

Discretion in handling confidential information

Understanding of medical terminology

Education

Associate's degree in Biological Sciences

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university

Master's in Pathology Assistance

Job description

Position Title: Pathologist Assistant

Department: Anatomic Pathology Lab

Job Description:

New to OU Health? Ask your recruiter about our competitive total rewards package including a sign-on bonus and possible relocation assistance if you're over 100 miles away!

Pathologist Assistant levels 1-3 positions are available depending on experience and education.

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 the 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 use of PPE.
• Assumes responsibility for 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 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.

OU Health is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including PTO, 401(k), medical and dental plans, and many more.