Assists board-certified pathologists in the examination and gross description of surgical specimens and the performance of autopsies. Manages medical photography, specimen preparation for histology, and maintains laboratory procedure manuals.
Requirements summary
Requires a Bachelor's degree in a Pathology Assistant program or a related medical field with program completion. Certification by the American Association of Pathology Assistants is required or must be obtained within one year of hire.
Under the direct supervision of a Board Certified Pathologist/Physician, assists in all aspects of anatomic pathology including description, examination of surgical specimens, preparation of specimens for histology processing, autopsy prosection on appropriate cases, and medical photography. Assists with autopsies including dissection, prosection, and selection and submission of appropriate specimens. Performs tasks related to medical photography of both autopsy and surgical specimens and microscopic slides as needed. Complies with all appropriate safety and infection control standards. Participates in quality assessment and continuous quality improvement activities. Performs all job duties and responsibilities in a courteous and customer-focused manner according to the Hurley Family Standards of Behavior.
Supervision received
Works under the administrative supervision of the Administrative Director of Clinical Laboratory or designee who reviews results for compliance to established standards and the medical supervision of a Board Certified Pathologist.
Supervision exercised
May exercise partial supervision over lower level employees and students assigned to area.
Responsibilities: And duties:
1.
Under direction of Pathologist, performs prosections and dictates either electronically or via computer gross description of surgical specimens.
2.
Under direction of Pathologist, accurately completes surgical requisition cards.
Obtains necessary and missing information as required.
3.
Assists with sections/specimens using cryostat, stains, and coverslip slides.
Maintains frozen section equipment.
4.
May finalize surgical and autopsy cases within laboratory computer system which have been completed and signed by supervising Pathologist.
5.
Ensures appropriate legal permission has been obtained to perform autopsies.
6.
Prepares abstracts of medical records.
Presents abstracts to Pathologist prior to beginning autopsy.
7.
Assists with autopsy including dissection, prosection, selection, and submission of appropriate specimens for microscopic evaluation and special studies.
May accession case into laboratory computer system.
8.
Performs and/or assists pathologist or designate in tasks related to medical photography.
9.
Acts as back-up for fine needle and bone marrow aspirates by utilizing appropriate laboratory techniques and protocols.
Examines specimens for adequacy.
10.
Maintains procedure manuals in accordance with practice guidelines and requirements of regulatory agencies.
11.
Participates in continuing education seminars and conferences, both internal and external to Medical Center, to maintain licensure and currency in field.
12.
Serves as resource person for other staff.
Plans and assists in orientation, training, and inservice/continuing education of personnel.
13.
Demonstrates effective judgment and ability to understand, react competently, and treat (if appropriate) unique needs of patient age groups served.
14.
Performs other related duties as required.
Utilizes new improvements and/or technology that relate to job assignment.
Minimum entrance requirements
Bachelor's degree in an approved Pathology Assistant Program -0R- Bachelor's degree in Nursing, Medical Technology, Physician Assistant, or other medically-related field and completion of a Pathology Assistant Program
OR- Bachelor's of Science degree with courses in physiology and anatomy and three years of experience as a Pathology Assistant.
Knowledge of pathology and current pathology technologies.
Ability to use surgical and prosecting instruments, microscopes, and computer terminals.
Ability to analyze and correlate data from various sources.
Ability to conform to departmental performance standards.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to maintain effective working relations with supervisors, co-workers, other Medical Center employees, physicians, patients, families, and the general public.
Necessary special requirement
• Certification (or eligibility) by the American Association of Pathology Assistants as a Pathology Assistant. Appointees to this classification who do not possess certification by the AAA as a Pathology Assistant are required to obtain certification within one (1) year from date of appointment. Failure to attain certification as a Pathology Assistant within the required period shall result in termination of employment.
