Pathologists' Assistant - BMC

WVU Medicine Berkeley and Jefferson Medical Centers; Martinsburg (WV); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

BMC Berkeley Medical Center in Martinsburg, WV, seeks a Pathologist Assistant to perform gross examination, dissection of surgical specimens, and postmortem examinations under a licensed pathologist.Responsibilities include specimen accessioning, obtaining history, preparing tissues for light microscopy, and assisting in specialized procedures and accreditation processes.

The role requires a NAACLS-accredited PA program completion, ASCP certification, and applicable state licensure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related science field.
• Graduate of a NAACLS-accredited pathologists' assistant training program.
• Current certification as Certified Pathologists' Assistant through ASCP.
• Must possess current licensure as required by state board where services will be provided.

Responsibilities

• Perform gross description, dissection of surgical pathology specimens.
• Prepare tissues for processing for light microscopy and special studies.
• Obtain clinical history and describe gross features of specimens.
• Obtain samples for studies (flow cytometry, image analysis, cytogenetics, cultures, EM, immunofluorescence).
• Perform postmortem examinations including external exam and organ dissection.
• Photograph gross specimens and slides; coordinate specimen sampling requests.
• Assist in accreditation inspections (CAP, Joint Commission).
• Train residents/fellows or students as needed.

Skills

Concentration & accuracy

Follow complex procedures

Laboratory instrument knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in related science

NAACLS-accredited Pathologists' Assistant program

ASCP Certified Pathologists' Assistant

State licensure as required

Job description

Welcome! We're excited you're considering an opportunity with us! To apply to this position and be considered, click the Apply button located above this message and complete the application in full. Below, you'll find other important information about this position.

Perform anatomic pathology services under the direction and supervision of a licensed, board-eligible pathologist. Perform a variety of pathology tasks including gross examination and dissection of surgical pathology specimens and performance of postmortem examinations. May perform all the surgical and autopsy functions of a pathologist leading up to, but not including the diagnosis.

Minimum Qualifications

Education, Certification, and/Or Licensure:

• Bachelor's Degree in a related science field.
• Graduate of a NAACLS-accredited pathologists' assistant training program.
• Current certification as Certified Pathologists' Assistant through the American Society of Clinical Pathologist (ASCP)
• Must possess current licensure as required by state board where services will be provided:

PA: No State License Required

WV: Pathologist Assistant License

Core Duties and Responsibilities

The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties. Other duties may be assigned.

• Preparation, gross description, and dissection of human tissue surgical specimens.
• Preparation of human postmortem examinations.
• Specimen accessioning.
• Obtain clinical history.
• Describe gross features of surgical specimens.
• Prepare tissues for processing for light microscopy.
• Obtain samples for studies such as but not limited to flow cytometry, image analysis, research, cytogenetics, cultures, electron microscopy, immunofluorescence.
• Perform special procedures including review of x-ray imaging, frozen sections, tumor triage.
• Photograph gross specimens and microscopic slides
• Consult with attending pathologist to identify special techniques to be utilized during the examination, including cultures, toxicology, coronary artery perfusion, enucleation, etc.
• Coordinate any requests for special specimen sampling such as organ transplantation, research.
• Perform postmortem examinations including external exam, in-situ organ inspection, evisceration, organ dissection and dictation of findings.
• Prepare tissues for processing for light microscopy and special studies.
• Photograph the body, organs, microscopic slides and other pertinent materials.
• Assist in preparation for accreditation inspections (CAP, Joint Commission).
• May instruct, teach, or train in anatomy and physiology, gross pathology, photography, and gross dissection skills for surgical specimens as well as autopsy techniques.
• May train pathology residents/fellows, pathologists' assistant students and other pathology lab personnel as needed.

Physical Requirements

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.

• Able to stand and/or sit for long periods of time.
• Visual activity must be unimpaired. Color differential is required.
• Equipment operation requires manual dexterity.
• Able to lift or pull 25 pounds.

Working Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• May be exposed to fumes, chemicals, vibrations, noise, blood/bodily fluids, and infectious disease.

Skills and Abilities

• Able to concentrate for organizing tasks, reading, and matching identification numbers, and following complex procedures.
• Able to follow complex procedures with minimal guidance.
• Have knowledge of basic theory behind laboratory instrument operation.

Additional Job Description

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Shift

Day (United States of America)

Exempt/Non-Exempt

United States of America (Exempt)

Company

BMC Berkeley Medical Center

Cost Center

112 BMC Clinical Labs

Address

2500 Hospital Drive

Martinsburg

West Virginia

Equal Opportunity Employer

West Virginia University Health System and its subsidiaries (collectively "WVUHS") is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. WVUHS strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. All WVUHS employees, other workers, and representatives are prohibited from engaging in unlawful discrimination. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.