Pathologist Assistant - Anatomical Pathology - Kings Hwy

Ochsner LSU Health; Shreveport (LA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Ochsner LSU Health in Shreveport, Louisiana, is seeking a qualified Pathologist's Assistant who will perform gross examinations of surgical specimens under the supervision of Pathologists. This role requires a Master's degree from a NAACL-accredited program or a Bachelor's degree with substantial experience in surgical specimen work.

Responsibilities include conducting frozen sections, training new employees, and managing specimen protocols. Candidates should possess strong technical skills, effective communication, and the ability to work in a healthcare environment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree from National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACL) Pathologist Assistant Program required.
• Alternatively, a Bachelor's Degree with 3 years of Pathologist Assistant work experience is accepted.
• Certification by ASCP and AAPA preferred.

Responsibilities

• Performs frozen sections and intraoperative consultations per protocol.
• Coordinates gross room operations and trains new staff.
• Assists with specimen storage and disposal.

Skills

Computer skills

Verbal and written communication

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Education

Master's degree from NAACL program

Bachelor's degree with 3 years experience

Job description

Under the supervision of the Pathologists, this job performs gross examination of surgical specimens and assists the Pathologists in all areas except for consultation and reporting of specimens; maintains confidentiality of patient related information.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at the company's discretion.

Education

• Master's degree from National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACL) Pathologit Assistant Program (required)
• In lieu of a Master's degree, a Bachelor's Degree with 3 years of Pathologist Assistant with large specimen grossing work experience will be accepted (required)

Work Experience

Preferred – Master’s degree as Pathologist’s Assistant.

Required – In lieu of a Master's degree, a Bachelor's Degree with 3 years of Pathologist Assistant with large specimen grossing work experience will be accepted.

Certifications

Required: None.

Preferred: Certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) and Certification by the American Association of Pathologists’ Assistants (AAPA).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Must have computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of information.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally.
• Must be proficient with Windows-style applications, various software packages specific to role and keyboard.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Analytical skills necessary in order to interpret a variety of information for an accurate and concise reporting.
• Skills to manage stress in order to maintain a professional atmosphere and provide quality service to our patients.

Job Duties

• Performs frozen sections and other intraoperative consultations within established protocol and procedural parameters.
• Performs specimen dissections and gross descriptions of a full range of surgical specimens.
• Coordinates gross room operations.
• Functions as a preceptor to train entry level employees, residents, students, Physician Assistants, and grossing technologists.
• Supports departmental goals and objectives and performs duties as assigned.
• Coordinates the acquisition of tissue specimens used for research purposes.
• Assists, when necessary, in accessioning and labeling of specimens, specimen storage and disposal, and the maintenance of reagents & equipment.
• Adapts behavior to the specific patient population, including but not limited to: respect for privacy, method of introduction to the patient, adapting explanation of services or procedures to be performed, requesting permissions and communication style.
• Other related duties as required.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time.

Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state and local laws, accreditation standards or regulatory agency requirements that apply to the assigned area of responsibility and ensures compliance with all such laws, regulations and standards.

This employer maintains and complies with its Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct, including the immediate reporting of any known or suspected unethical or questionable behaviors or conduct; patient/employee safety, patient privacy, and/or other compliance-related concerns.

The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Physical and Environmental Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Light Work – Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work.

Must be able to stand for prolonged periods of time.

Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time.

Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid and tissue.

The incumbent works in a patient care area; works in an area where patients enter; works directly with patients; and/or works with specimens that could contain communicable diseases. There may be an occupational risk for exposure to communicable diseases.

Because the incumbent works within a healthcare setting, there may be occupational risk for exposure to hazardous medications or hazardous waste within the environment through receipt, transport, storage, preparation, dispensing, administration, cleaning and/or disposal of contaminated waste. The risk level of exposure may increase depending on the essential job duties of the role.

Ochsner is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected class, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.