Pathologists' Assistant - BMC

BMC Berkeley Medical Center; United States; On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

West Virginia University Health System invites applications for a Pathologists’ Assistant to perform anatomic pathology duties under supervision of a board-eligible pathologist. Responsibilities include gross examination, dissection, postmortem exams, specimen processing, and collaboration with attending pathologists on specialized techniques.

Requires NAACLS-accredited training, ASCP certification, and WV licensure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related science field.
• Graduate of a NAACLS-accredited pathologists’ assistant training program.
• Current ASCP certification as Pathologists’ Assistant.
• Must possess current licensure as required by the state (WV Pathologist Assistant license).

Responsibilities

• Prepare, describe gross features and dissect surgical specimens.
• Perform postmortem examinations.
• Process specimen accessioning and obtain clinical history.
• Prepare tissues for processing for light microscopy.
• Obtain samples for studies (flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, cytogenetics, etc.).
• Perform special procedures including frozen sections and tumor triage.
• Photograph gross specimens and slides; assist in accreditation inspections.

Skills

Gross description & dissection

Specimen handling

Clinical history collection

Education

Bachelor's Degree in related science

NAACLS-accredited Pathologists’ Assistant program

ASCP Certified Pathologists’ Assistant

State licensure (WV)

Job description

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:

• 1. Bachelor’s Degree in a related science field.
• 2. Graduate of a NAACLS-accredited pathologists’ assistant training program.
• 3. Current certification as Certified Pathologists’ Assistant through the American Society of Clinical Pathologist (ASCP)
• 4. 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:

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

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

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

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

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

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• 1. Able to concentrate for organizing tasks, reading, and matching identification numbers, and following complex procedures.
• 2. Able to follow complex procedures with minimal guidance.
• 3. 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.

The West Virginia University Health System is a West Virginia-based academic health system that provides the full continuum of healthcare services at 30 hospitals in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Maryland.

With more than 47,000 employees, of which 7,200 are providers, and $10 billion in total operating revenues, the WVU Health System is anchored by an 890-bed academic medical center and the 150-bed WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia.

Together, the Health System’s hospitals, clinics, and specialty programs provide a comprehensive continuum of care, ranging from community-based primary and specialty services to highly complex, quaternary care and post-acute care.