Pathology Assistant

RWJBarnabas Health; Belleville (NJ); On-site; USD 82,000 - 117,000; Part time

Job summary

RWJBarnabas Health is seeking a Pathologists' Assistant at Clara Maass Medical Center in New Jersey. The PA will perform gross examinations, dissection, and sampling of surgical pathology specimens under the supervision of a pathologist, with opportunities for autopsy support and intraoperative consultations.

The ideal candidate holds a NAACLS-accredited PA master's degree, ASCP PA certification (or to obtain within one year), and has strong attention to detail, professional communication, and

Qualifications

• Master's degree from a NAACLS-accredited Pathologists' Assistant program.
• Previous Pathologists' Assistant experience preferred.
• New graduates encouraged to apply.
• Experience with complex surgical pathology specimens and autopsy pathology preferred.
• ASCP certification preferred upon hire.
• Candidates not certified must obtain PA(ASCP) certification within one year of employment.
• Maintain required certification and continuing education requirements throughout employment.

Responsibilities

• Perform gross examination, description, dissection, and sampling of surgical pathology specimens under a pathologist.
• Submit tissue sections for microscopic examination with documentation.
• Review clinical history and imaging to guide specimen examination.
• Perform intraoperative consultations, including frozen section preparation.
• Assist with postmortem examinations as applicable.
• Ensure specimen identification, labeling, and handling throughout gross examination.
• Perform specimen photography, radiography, and other ancillary procedures as required.
• Communicate effectively with pathologists and laboratory staff regarding specimen-related issues.
• Participate in quality assurance and regulatory compliance activities.
• Educate Pathologists' Assistant students and residents as appropriate.
• Maintain a clean, safe work environment following policies and infection prevention practices.
• Apply professional knowledge to evaluate specimens and ensure proper handling.
• Collaborate with pathologists and multidisciplinary teams to support timely diagnoses.
• Engage in continuing education and process improvement initiatives.

Skills

Attention to detail

Professional communication

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Education

NAACLS-accredited Pathologists' Assistant program

Job description

Pathology Assistant

Job Title: Pathology Assistant

Location: Clara Maass Medical Center

Department: Lab CMMC Anatomic Pathology

Req #: 0000264822

Status: Hourly

Shift: Day

Pay Range: $72.00 - $72.00 per hour

Pay Transparency:

The above reflects the anticipated hourly wage range for this position if hired to work in New Jersey.

The compensation offered to the candidate selected for the position will depend on several factors, including the candidate's educational background, skills and professional experience.

Pathologists Assistant

At RWJBarnabas Health, Pathologists' Assistants become part of a purpose-driven environment where teamwork, expertise, and compassionate care come together to support exceptional patient outcomes. This Pathologists' Assistant role offers opportunities for professional growth, collaboration with experienced pathology professionals, and a culture committed to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.

As a Pathologists' Assistant, you will play a critical role in supporting comprehensive anatomic pathology services under the direction and supervision of a pathologist. You will perform complex surgical specimen examination and dissection, assist with autopsy services, support intraoperative consultations, and ensure the accurate handling, documentation, and processing of specimens. Your expertise in anatomy, pathology, laboratory practices, and specimen management will contribute directly to timely and accurate diagnoses and exceptional patient care.

Joining RWJBarnabas Health means joining a community where every Pathologists' Assistant is encouraged to grow, collaborate, and make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of the patients and communities we serve.

A typical day for a Pathologists' Assistant may include:

• Perform gross examination, description, dissection, and sampling of routine and complex surgical pathology specimens in accordance with established protocols and under the supervision of a pathologist.
• Select and submit appropriate tissue sections for microscopic examination while maintaining specimen integrity and accurate documentation.
• Review clinical history, imaging, and other pertinent information to ensure appropriate specimen examination and processing.
• Perform or assist with intraoperative consultations, including frozen section preparation and related specimen handling.
• Perform and/or assist with postmortem examinations, including evisceration, dissection, specimen collection, and preparation of preliminary anatomic findings, as applicable.
• Ensure accurate specimen identification, labeling, documentation, and handling throughout the gross examination process.
• Perform specimen photography, radiography, and other ancillary procedures as required.
• Communicate effectively with pathologists, laboratory staff, clinical teams, and other healthcare professionals regarding specimen-related issues.
• Participate in quality assurance, quality improvement, safety, regulatory compliance, and laboratory accreditation activities.
• Assist with the education and training of Pathologists' Assistant students, residents, laboratory personnel, and other learners as appropriate.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment while complying with institutional policies, infection prevention practices, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Apply professional knowledge and judgment to evaluate specimens, identify potential issues, and ensure appropriate specimen handling and processing.
• Collaborate with pathologists, laboratory leadership, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams to support timely and accurate diagnosis.
• Participate in continuing education, professional development, process improvement initiatives, and other activities that support high-quality anatomic pathology services.
• Perform other duties related to Anatomic Pathology operations as assigned.

This role might be for you if:

• Clear, professional communication defines how you collaborate with pathologists, laboratory professionals, clinical teams, and other healthcare providers.
• Accuracy, attention to detail, and sound professional judgment guide your work every day.
• You remain organized and adaptable while managing complex surgical pathology specimens and a fast-paced laboratory environment.
• Patient safety, specimen integrity, and diagnostic accuracy are your top priorities.
• You enjoy working collaboratively with pathologists and interdisciplinary care teams to support exceptional patient outcomes.
• You have a strong understanding of anatomy, pathology, specimen handling, and anatomic pathology laboratory practices.
• Continuous learning, quality improvement, and staying current with anatomic pathology best practices motivate you.
• You take pride in maintaining the highest standards of quality, compliance, safety, and diagnostic excellence.

To be considered for this Pathologists' Assistant opportunity, you must:

• Have a Master's degree from a NAACLS-accredited Pathologists' Assistant program.
• Previous Pathologists' Assistant experience preferred.
• New graduates from an accredited Pathologists' Assistant program are encouraged to apply.
• Experience with complex surgical pathology specimens and autopsy pathology preferred.
• ASCP certification as a Pathologists' Assistant (PA(ASCP)) preferred upon hire.
• Candidates who are not certified at the time of hire must obtain PA(ASCP) certification within one (1) year of employment.
• Maintain required certification and continuing education requirements throughout employment.

RWJBarnabas Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer