Pathology Assistant

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

Job summary

RWJBarnabas Health’s Monmouth Medical Center MMC Anatomic Pathology Lab is seeking a Per Diem Pathologists’ Assistant to perform gross examination and dissection of surgical specimens under pathologist supervision. The PA will support autopsy services, intraoperative consultations, and ensure meticulous documentation and specimen handling.

The role emphasizes high-quality anatomic pathology services, collaboration with pathology staff, and ongoing learning in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree from a NAACLS-accredited Pathologists’ Assistant program is required.
• ASCP PA(ASCP) certification preferred upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Perform gross examination, description, dissection, and sampling of routine and complex specimens under pathologist supervision.
• Assist with autopsy services and intraoperative consultations.
• Ensure accurate specimen handling, labeling and documentation throughout gross examination.
• Perform specimen photography, radiography, and other ancillary procedures as required.
• Collaborate with pathologists and laboratory staff to support timely diagnoses.
• Participate in quality assurance, safety, and regulatory compliance activities.
• Contribute to education and training of students and new staff.

Education

Master’s degree from NAACLS-accredited Pathologists’ Assistant program

PA(ASCP) certification

Tools

PA(ASCP) certification

Job description

Job Title: Pathology Assistant

Location: SBC Corporation

Department Name: Lab MMC Anatomic Pathology

Req #: 0000265631

Status: Hourly

Shift: Day

Pay Range: $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.

The Per Diem Pathologists Assistant (PA) supports the Anatomic Pathology Department at Monmouth Medical Center (MMC) by performing accurate and timely gross examination, description, dissection, and preparation of surgical pathology specimens under the direction of pathologists,

The PA provides flexible coverage for vacations, leaves, staffing shortages, increased workload, and other operational needs while maintaining patient safety, specimen integrity, and regulatory compliance,

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.
• Previous experience in surgical pathology gross examination and dissection 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.

Per Diem Scheduling Expectations

• The Per Diem Pathologists Assistant provides coverage according to the operational needs of MMC Anatomic Pathology,
• Coverage may include vacations, leaves of absence, staffing shortages, increased surgical volume, and other departmental needs,
• The employee is expected to maintain required competencies and meet applicable availability requirement