Pathologist's Assistant

District Medical Group; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 105,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Holiday pay

Professional development

Job summary

District Medical Group is seeking a Pathologists’ Assistant to join our Anatomic Pathology team in Phoenix. Working under board-certified pathologists, you will perform gross examination and dissection of surgical specimens, assist with autopsies as needed, and help ensure accurate, timely diagnoses.

You will document findings, handle specimens, and coordinate with pathology staff, histology, and clinical teams.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree from a NAACLS-accredited Pathologists’ Assistant program.
• Certification as a Pathologists’ Assistant, PA (ASCP).
• Knowledge of human anatomy, pathology and surgical specimen handling.
• Attention to detail with thorough documentation.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Perform gross examination, description, dissection, and tissue submission of surgical pathology specimens.
• Document gross findings and specimen details in LIS (Epic).
• Orient, ink, section, and select representative sections for histology.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

NAACLS Pathologists’ Assistant master’s program

ASCP PA certification

Tools

Epic Beaker LIS

Dictation systems

Job description

Certification as a Pathologists’ Assistant, PA (ASCP) required

About the Role

Department: Anatomic Pathology

.75 FTE (30 hours per week)

Reports to: Medical Director, Anatomic Pathology Lab Supervisor
Compensation: $90,000 – $105,000 plus generous benefits

DMG is seeking a Pathologists’ Assistant to join our Anatomic Pathology team. Working under the supervision of board-certified pathologists, you will perform gross examination and dissection of surgical specimens, assist with autopsies as needed, and help ensure accurate, timely diagnoses for our patients. You will be a key partner to our pathologists, histology staff, and clinical teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform gross examination, description, dissection, and tissue submission of surgical pathology specimens, from small biopsies to complex resections, in accordance with established protocols and pathologist direction
• Accurately document gross findings, measurements, and specimen details through dictation or direct entry into the laboratory information system (LIS), Epic
• Orient, ink, and section specimens, and select representative sections for histologic processing
• Prepare and perform frozen section procedures in coordination with the pathologist
• Assist with or perform autopsy procedures, including organ evisceration, dissection, specimen collection, and documentation
• Photograph specimens and assist with intraoperative consultations and specimen handling
• Collect, triage, and properly handle specimens for ancillary studies (e.g., flow cytometry, cytogenetics, microbiology, molecular testing, electron microscopy)
• Verify patient and specimen identification, requisitions, and accessioning data to ensure specimen integrity and traceability
• Follow CAP, CLIA, OSHA, and institutional requirements, including proper use of PPE, formalin and hazardous chemical safety, and biohazard handling
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe grossing area and keep equipment in working order
• Participate in quality assurance activities, competency assessments, procedure and document review, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Communicate effectively with pathologists, histotechnologists, surgeons, operating room staff, and other clinical personnel
• Train and orient new staff, students, and residents on grossing procedures as assigned
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree from a NAACLS-accredited Pathologists’ Assistant program (or equivalent as accepted by the certifying body)
• Certification as a Pathologists’ Assistant, PA (ASCP)
• Extensive knowledge of human anatomy, pathology, and surgical specimen handling
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to produce accurate, thorough documentation
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to meet CLIA qualifications for high-complexity testing personnel

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience as a Pathologists’ Assistant in a hospital or reference laboratory
• Autopsy experience
• Experience with intraoperative frozen sections and complex oncologic resections
• Familiarity with LIS platform (Epic Beaker) and dictation systems
• Experience with specimen photography and digital imaging
• Familiarity with CAP checklist requirements and laboratory quality management systems
• Teaching or precepting experience

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods, perform repetitive reaching and bending, and lift and carry up to 20 lbs
• Frequent exposure to formalin, other chemicals, and biological materials, with required use of PPE and engineering controls
• Ability to handle fine detail work and perform manual dissection with precision

What DMG Offers

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including Health/Vision/Dental insurance effective on day one and 401(k) matching
• Generous PTO and 10 paid holidays per year
• Employee discounts, Rich Wellness Program and EAP at no cost to employees, fitness location memberships, pet care discount program
• Continuing education support and professional development opportunities
• A collaborative, mission-driven team that values quality patient care and opportunities for growth