Pathology Assistant

MedCadre; North Dakota; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

MedCadre is seeking a Pathology Assistant to support surgical pathology and autopsy services through specimen processing, gross examination, tissue sampling, and lab coordination. You will work closely with pathologists and staff to ensure accurate and high-quality specimen handling.

The role requires a degree in pathology assisting with ASCP certification preferred and strong knowledge of surgical pathology, anatomy, histology, and LIS usage.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Pathology Assistant studies or related field.
• ASCP Pathologists' Assistant certification preferred/required depending on role.
• Strong knowledge of surgical pathology, anatomy, histology, and specimen handling.
• Experience with LIS and laboratory information systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Receive, identify, accession, and appropriately handle surgical pathology specimens.
• Perform gross examination and dissection of surgical specimens under pathologist supervision.
• Select and submit representative tissue sections for histologic processing.
• Assist with frozen sections and intraoperative consultations as required.
• Prepare and maintain accurate specimen descriptions and documentation.
• Assist with autopsy examinations, including evisceration, dissection, and tissue sampling when applicable.
• Ensure proper labeling, fixation, handling, and storage of specimens.
• Maintain accurate records in the LIS.
• Communicate specimen-related issues and discrepancies to pathologists and laboratory leadership.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas.
• Follow laboratory safety, infection prevention, HIPAA, and quality control procedures.
• Assist with quality assurance activities and laboratory process improvement.
• Maintain appropriate supplies, instruments, and equipment used for gross examination.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Communication

Documentation

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Pathology Assistant studies

Tools

LIS

Job description

Position Summary

We are seeking a skilled Pathology Assistant to support surgical pathology and autopsy services through specimen processing, gross examination, tissue sampling, and laboratory coordination. The Pathology Assistant will work closely with pathologists and laboratory staff to ensure accurate, efficient, and high-quality specimen handling.

Key Responsibilities

• Receive, identify, accession, and appropriately handle surgical pathology specimens.
• Perform gross examination and dissection of surgical specimens under pathologist supervision.
• Select and submit representative tissue sections for histologic processing.
• Assist with frozen sections and intraoperative consultations as required.
• Prepare and maintain accurate specimen descriptions and documentation.
• Assist with autopsy examinations, including evisceration, dissection, and tissue sampling when applicable.
• Ensure proper labeling, fixation, handling, and storage of specimens.
• Maintain accurate records in the laboratory information system (LIS).
• Communicate specimen-related issues and discrepancies to pathologists and laboratory leadership.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas.
• Follow laboratory safety, infection prevention, HIPAA, and quality control procedures.
• Assist with quality assurance activities and laboratory process improvement.
• Maintain appropriate supplies, instruments, and equipment used for gross examination.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Pathology Assistant studies or a related field, based on position requirements.
• Pathologists' Assistant certification (ASCP) preferred/required based on position requirements.
• Strong knowledge of surgical pathology, anatomy, histology, and specimen handling.
• Experience with gross examination and tissue sampling preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced pathology laboratory environment.
• Experience with LIS and laboratory information systems preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous hospital or academic medical center pathology experience.
• Experience with complex surgical specimens and oncologic pathology.
• Experience with frozen section preparation and intraoperative consultations.
• Autopsy experience preferred where applicable.
• ASCP-certified Pathologists' Assistant preferred.
• Strong knowledge of laboratory safety and quality assurance standards.
• Commitment to accuracy, patient safety, and high-quality laboratory services.