Pathologist Assistant Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Are you searching for a pathologist assistant job description? Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a pathologist assistant. Feel free to use our job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a pathologist assistant.
Who is a Pathologist Assistant?
A pathologist’s assistant is a physician auxiliary who specializes in doing forensic, medico-legal, and hospital autopsies as well as gross examinations of surgical specimens. A PA is a skilled allied health professional who specializes in anatomic pathology and is usually under the direction and supervision of a qualified, board-certified, or board-eligible pathologist. To understand diseases, a pathologist assistant examines the anatomy of the human body, in particular cells, tissues, organs, and bodily fluids. Jobs for pathologist assistants are comparable to those for pathologists, although pathologist assistants cannot diagnose a patient.
The pathologist is often consulted by the pathologist assistant, who substantially relies on his or her additional skills, and the two doctors commonly collaborate. The majority of pathologist assistant positions fall under the scientific, hospital, or laboratory occupational category. These medical professionals might operate in a morgue, conducting autopsies and preparing the body for the viewing and funeral. Included in this is a post-mortem examination, where the PA reviews the patient’s medical background, snaps photos, and documents the autopsy. Jobs for pathology assistants in hospitals can be of several types. The pathologist assistant typically works in a team to evaluate samples of tissue and specimens under a microscope for particular diseases. Surgery can be performed by the PA as well, but only a pathologist can provide a diagnosis of a disease or condition. The pathologist assistant in a hospital is in charge of routinely sterilizing and cleaning the medical equipment.
To prevent the spread of germs, a pathologist assistant should follow sanitary protocols, maintain safety precautions, and adhere to guidelines. Pathologist assistants work in laboratories where they dissect and examine samples for chemical analysis. A Pathologist Assistant must accurately document these results for more research to be done. Working with amoeba and other creatures in the laboratory can result in research that provides new information about human anatomy. T
here is a lot of demand for the subject of pathology. Because a pathology assistant’s responsibilities are comparable to those of a pathologist, many hospitals, laboratories, funeral homes, and governmental organizations prefer hiring pathology assistants. Along with pathologists, pathologist assistants analyze tissues and organs to identify the etiology of the disease. They also prepare organ and tissue slides for microscopic examination. A bachelor’s degree from an approved college is normally required for pathologists’ assistants, while certain employers would prefer applicants with a master’s degree.
Pathologists’ assistants do not need to be certified, but it may help with job prospects. The majority of pathologists’ assistants finish one to two years of approved postgraduate training. In some programs, a postgraduate certificate is offered in addition to a bachelor’s degree. These programs often include clinical rotations along with study in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, immunology, and medical ethics. Pathologists’ assistants must pass a national certification exam given by the Board of Certification of the American Society for Clinical Pathology after completing a training program. Every three years, pathologists’ assistants must get continuing education credits to maintain their certification. Pathologist assistants with years of experience may advance to managerial positions, such as lab manager. Some pathologists’ assistants start their private practices eventually.
Pathologist Assistant Job Description
What is a pathologist assistant job description? A pathologist assistant job description is simply a list of duties and responsibilities of a pathologist assistant in an organization. Below are the pathologist assistant job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a pathologist assistant job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
Job descriptions of a pathologist assistant include the following duties and responsibilities:
- Carry out laboratory procedures including gathering blood samples, making slides, and running cultures or chemical assays.
- Prepare samples for analysis by histologically staining tissue or cell sections
- Carry out diagnostic techniques such as X-rays or ultrasound scans to aid a doctor’s diagnosis.
- Report test results to doctors, nurses, and other members of the healthcare team verbally or in written reports.
- Shave and clean the incision areas to prepare patients for surgery.
- Take blood samples from patients and keep track of patient care information
- Provide anesthetic while keeping an eye on the patient’s vitals throughout surgery or other operations.
- Prepare instruments and equipment, hold retractors, apply drapes, and suction blood to aid surgeons during operations.
- Identify bodies with the help of a pathologist using fingerprint and dental analyses.
- Prepare bodies for autopsy by cleaning them.
- Train pathologist assistant students, pathology residents, or pathology lab personnel and then monitor and direct them.
- Teach pupils about human anatomy, physiology, and pathology as well as dissection skills and autopsy procedures.
- Perform administrative duties such as producing reports, managing lab staff, obtaining biospecimen samples, and budgeting.
- Clean the autopsy tools, and place all the pathologist’s tools on the table.
- Assist pathologists by helping them with the tools they need to do the autopsy.
- Provide a second opinion or an interpretation of the forensic data whenever necessary.
- Clean up the morgue after the autopsy has been completed.
- Clean and sanitize all the instruments after the autopsy.
- Place bodies in morgue trays and keep them there.
- Make sure that everybody is placed in their designated area.
- Collect body fluid and skin samples and make slides for additional examination.
- Maintain and arrange the morgue files for each corpse being investigated.
- Aid in compiling and logging autopsy reports.
- Take pictures of people’s bodies.
- Release the body to the family or another approved person after an examination.
- Inform loved ones and friends about the autopsy in a conversation when required.
- Render more help and support to the pathologist and coroner as needed.
- Perform X-rays of organs, surgical specimens, and deceased individuals.
- Make tissue ready for pathological analysis and testing.
- Prepare the lab for a post-mortem investigation of humans.
- Keep an eye on the morgue and the signs for guests, law enforcement, governmental employees, and legal personnel.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited Pathologist Assistant program.
- Prior work experience in health care or health services is required.
- Must possess a valid medical license in the state you wish to practice.
- Experience using microscopes, flow cytometers, and other laboratory testing equipment.
- MEDITECH Anatomical Pathology, PATHLOGIX, and ASPYRA CyberLAB medical data management software proficiency.
- Outstanding analytical and research skills.
- Must be able to work in high-pressure situations
- Outstanding analytical and research skills.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Leadership and prioritization skills.
- Critical thinking, multitasking, and problem-solving skills.
- Computer proficiency.
Essential Skills
- Empathy and compassion: The patients that pathologists’ assistants usually treat are those who are going through a difficult experience. Therefore, they must be empathic and compassionate enough in attending to patients and their families while also giving them the information they require to comprehend the patient’s situation.
- Laboratory safety skills: Because pathologist assistants work in laboratories where chemicals and other substances are available, laboratory safety is an essential skill to have. They can keep themselves and others safe while working if they know how to handle these items safely. The right handling techniques for biological samples must also be known by pathologist assistants to prevent contamination or harm to any evidence.
- Time management skills: Pathologist assistants must be able to effectively manage their time because pathologists often see several patients in a single day. This can involve managing the records of numerous patients, maintaining order in the pathology lab, and making sure the pathologist has everything they require to do an autopsy.
- Technological skills: Computers, microscopes, and other pieces of medical technology are all used by pathologists. Since they might be in charge of running and maintaining these devices, pathologist assistants should be tech-savvy.
- Communication skills: Communication skills are required for pathologists assistantsbecause working alongside pathologists, surgeons, and other medical assistants is common for them. It’s essential to be able to communicate clearly with others to make sure that everyone is understood and that the work is accomplished correctly. You might also need to communicate with family members or other close friends of the patient who are curious about their diagnosis.
- Attention to detail: To ensure that they accurately record and analyze data, pathologists’ assistants must have exceptional attention to detail skills. This skill can enable you to give the pathologist the appropriate information. It can also assist you in ensuring that samples are processed appropriately and that any inconsistencies are correctly detected.
- Specimen collection skills: The collection of samples for testing is a skill that a pathologist assistant must possess. This includes being aware of the best places to collect bodily fluids such as blood, urine, or other bodily fluids as well as how to mark the specimen correctly for in-lab identification. When working with tissue samples, specimen-collecting skills are especially crucial because these samples must be properly handled and stored to guarantee accurate test results.
- Problem-solving skills: A pathologist assistant may be responsible for supporting the pathologist in evaluating and diagnosing medical issues, hence they must possess problem-solving skills. The ability to identify mistakes or disparities in test results is necessary for this position. The pathology assistant must be able to determine what led to the development of cancerous cells, for instance, if a patient has cancerous cells that show up on a scan.
- Clinical Laboratory Procedures (CLPs) skills: CLPs are the skills and knowledge required to carry out specific tasks in a clinical laboratory. This includes being able to use tools, record data, and evaluate samples for use in medicine. Strong clinical laboratory skills are required of a pathologist assistant for them to effectively process specimens and deliver accurate results to their company.
How to Become a Pathologist Assistant
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree
To be eligible for an accredited pathologist assistant program, you must complete an undergraduate degree program. Although there isn’t a specific college curriculum for pathologist assistants, you can select courses in forensic science, biology, microbiology, chemistry, and other medically relevant fields to help you gain a solid understanding of pathology. Before earning your bachelor’s degree, make an effort to find the precise courses needed to get admitted to a Pathology Assistant school. You can then concentrate on getting good grades in the necessary courses to hasten the admissions process.
Step 2. Enroll in a pathologist assistant program
You must undergo a pathologist assistant program that has been approved by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences after completing your undergraduate degree. These programs typically last for two years. A strong foundation in microbiology, human anatomy, forensic photography, general pathology, systemic pathology, and genetics is offered in the course of this program. Immunology, surgical pathology, and clinical methods for various pathological features are further areas in the program. Through clinical rotations, students will also gain practical experience in pathology labs.
Step 3. Acquire work experience
Gaining experience working in a clinical laboratory setting is an important step toward becoming a pathologist assistant. You can obtain experience working in a clinical laboratory environment once your education is accomplished. Hospitals, clinics, and research institutes are examples of clinical laboratory environments. You can hone skills including specimen collecting, specimen processing, and sample testing by working as a pathology lab assistant in these environments. Additionally, you would learn how to use software and hardware for the laboratory.
Step 4. Earn your certifications
Your pathologist assistant program will qualify you for certification once you’ve completed it. Although certification isn’t typically necessary, it might provide you with more job options and help you bargain for a higher income. You must pass the American Society for Clinical Pathology certification exam to get certified as a pathologist’s assistant. Within five years of completing an accredited pathologist assistant program, you must undertake the certification exam. This certification must be maintained every three years by accumulating 45 continuing education credits.
Step 5. Keep abreast of changes in the pathology field
It’s essential for pathology lab assistants to stay current on changes in their industry. For instance, new medical procedures and tests might be developed that need pathologists and laboratory technicians to employ distinct methods or tools. Keeping up with changes to healthcare laws and regulations can also be important because they may have an impact on how clinical laboratories run.
Step 6. Join a professional organization
You can improve your earning potential and open up a wide range of job prospects by joining a professional organization like the American Association of Pathologists’ Assistants or the American Society for Clinical Pathology. These organizations offer their members networking opportunities, training, job postings, and other advantages that can help them advance their careers.
Where to Work as a Pathologist Assistant
Pathologist assistants work in hospitals, pathology labs, research-based health centers, forensic labs, morgues, and coroner’s offices. They can also work in medical schools, teaching medical centers, reference laboratories, and private institutions. They typically work a regular office schedule but may be required to work on weekends when the need arises.
Pathologist Assistant Salary Scale
The average Pathologist Assistant salary in the US is $89,611 per year. The salary scale is usually between $60,734 and $107,779 per year. The average salary for a Pathologist Assistant is £70,054 a year. The salary scale is usually between £49,038 and £85,186 per year. The average Pathologist Assistant salary in Canada is $81,944 per year. The salary scale is usually between $60,938 and $92,607 per year. The average Pathologist Assistant’s salary in Nigeria is 3,220,000 NGN per year. The salary scale is usually between 1,461,000 NGN and 5,419,000 NGN per year.