Pathologist Assistant

Penn Medicine; West Chester (Chester County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn Medicine is seeking a skilled professional to provide gross description and dissection services in Surgical Pathology, supporting pathologists with essential case detail and specimen handling. The role includes photographing specimens, coordinating with PreAnalytic areas, and maintaining high standards of care.

Candidates should hold a BS or MS, be CLIA High Complexity qualified, and have at least two years of relevant experience, with the ability to operate tissue processors and cryostats.

Qualifications

• BS and/or MS degree (CLIA “High Complexity” testing status).
• Graduate of an AAPA approved program/equivalent providing for Board Examination.
• Minimum of two years' experience.
• Ability to operate and troubleshoot complex laboratory equipment: tissue processors and cryostats

Responsibilities

• Provides gross description and dissection services in Surgical Pathology.
• Assists Pathologists with case details for final diagnoses.
• Photographs specimens and interfaces with specimen collection areas regarding PreAnalytic issues.
• Maintains compliance with accreditation guidelines and safety procedures.
• Ensures timely intra/extradepartmental communications and supports high-quality service levels.

Skills

Laboratory procedures

Quality control

Specimen handling

Education

BS/MS degree in related field

Tools

Tissue processor

Cryostat

Job description

Description

Penn Medicine is dedicated to our tripartite mission of providing the highest level of care to patients, conducting innovative research, and educating future leaders in the field of medicine. Working for this leading academic medical center means collaboration with top clinical, technical and business professionals across all disciplines.

Today at Penn Medicine, someone will make a breakthrough. Someone will heal a heart, deliver hopeful news, and give comfort and reassurance. Our employees shape our future each day. Are you living your life's work?

General Summary Statement

Provides gross description and dissection services in Surgical Pathology that meet department needs and high standards of care. Assists the Pathologists with case detail necessary for correlating gross specimen findings with the microscopic findings as they formulate final diagnoses. Photographs specimens. Provides an interface with specimen collection areas regarding PreAnalytic specimen issues. For per diem staff, specific and/or specialized skills are appropriate to task performance and frequency.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides appropriate clear, accurate & timely intra/extradepartmental communication. Communications are professional & complete within appropriate situation context.
• Demonstrates annual compliance with age specific competency requirements. Participates/monitors quality with appropriate meaningful accurate activities. Contributes to maintaining high department skill and service levels that meet needs. Minimizes error meeting or exceeding standard without repetitive/significant problems. Quality Surveillance extends beyond self to include coordinating associated tasks.
• Enhances efficiency, production and output with appropriate task prioritization.
• Monitors and participates in PreAnalytic testing phase laboratory activities to include:
  • Assurance of specimen receipt with identification verification procedures
  • Evaluation of specimen condition maintaining specimen integrity
  • Coordinating accession activities with the clerical office and technical staff
  • Serving as a resource for laboratory staff, physicians, and/or nursing regarding tissue submission and related topics
  • Assurance that appropriate attention is provided for intraoperative consultation
• Maintains areas of responsibility in compliance with accreditation guidelines.
• Uses good judgement during task performance while consulting on non-routine issues. Assessments are carefully formulated with documentation compliance.
• Maintains a safe professional environment observing identification/security procedure. Maintains patient safety initiatives respecting focus and concentration of self/others.
• Monitors bench activities that comply with target TAT and enhance workflow.
• Interactions and demeanor are positive and without conflict. Complies with department and hospital policies, procedures, objectives and standards.
• Enhance team building efforts and supports change with acceptance and flexibility.
• Identifies and resolves routine problems independently using appropriate resources. Improves services with support/involvement in developing new methods and products.

Education Training and Experience

BS and/or MS degree (CLIA “High Complexity” testing status). Graduate of an AAPA approved program/equivalent providing for Board Examination. Minimum of two years' experience. Ability to operate and troubleshoot complex laboratory equipment: tissue processors and cryostats

Licensure/Certification

Holds or eligible for PA (ASCP CM) Board Certification with AAPA Board Certification and Fellow Status.

We believe that the best care for our patients starts with the best care for our employees. Our employee benefits programs help our employees get healthy and stay healthy. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program that includes one of the finest prepaid tuition assistance programs in the region. Penn Medicine employees are actively engaged and committed to our mission. Together we will continue to make medical advances that help people live longer, healthier lives.

Live Your Life's Work

We are an Equal Opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, citizenship status, military status, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable law.