Certified Pathologists Assistant

Interested in a career with both meaning and growth? Whether your abilities are in direct patient care or one of the many other areas of healthcare administration and support, everyone at Parkland works together to fulfill our mission: the health and well-being of individuals and communities entrusted to our care. By joining Parkland, you become part of a diverse healthcare legacy that’s served our community for more than 125 years. Put your skills to work with us, seek opportunities to learn and join a talented team where patient care is more than a job. It’s our passion.

Primary Purpose Performs complex tissue dissection and oversees efficient daily operations of the Gross Dissection Laboratory of the Anatomic Pathology Department. Serves as a resource and role model to non-physician staff.

Minimum Specifications

Education

 Must have a Bachelor or Master degree in laboratory science or a related science field from a regionally accredited college/university.

 Must have successfully completed a NAACLS accredited Pathologists' Assistant program.

Experience

Prefer two (2) years of experience as a Pathologists' Assistant under the supervision of a board certified anatomic pathologist.

Equivalent Education and/or Experience

May have an equivalent combination of education and experience in lieu of specific education and/or experience as stated above.

Certification/Registration/Licensure

Must be certified as a Pathologists' Assistant by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or must obtain certification within six (6) months of hire and /or placement in job.

Required Tests for Placement

Skills or Special Abilities

Must be able to distinguish color.

Must be able to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of surgical pathology techniques, processes, and theories.

Must be able to demonstrate critical thinking/problem solving skills related to surgical pathology lab processes, identifying problems, and troubleshooting adverse events affecting tissue processing.

Must be able to maintain accurate records, give and follow oral/written instructions, and communicate effectively with hospital and laboratory personnel.

Must be able to demonstrate effective interpersonal skills (communicate effectively with all levels of staff. have strong tact and diplomacy skills, and conduct work in a highly professional manner).

Must be able to demonstrate decision-making skills and the ability to work independently.

Must have a working knowledge of surgical pathology functions and the related laws, guidelines, regulations, and legal issues.

Responsibilities Responsibilities

1. Performs basic to complex surgical tissue dissection, selecting appropriate tissue for microscopic examination. Assures correct accessioning of all surgical specimens and correct submission of tissue cassettes for processing.

2. Ensures complete, accurate, and timely dictation of pathology gross descriptions. Communicates case information clearly and thoroughly. Stringently verifies patient demographics on all cases.

3. Creates and maintains a safe environment for self, co-workers and the hospital. Complies with departmental procedures for infection control, safety, universal precautions, and hazardous material handling.

4. Safeguards the rights of patients and hospital personnel to privacy by judiciously protecting information of a confidential manner.

5. Provides day to day oversight of the Gross Room. Promotes a cooperative and efficient work environment. Assists with the training and supervision of assigned staff, ensuring compliance with all specimen accessioning and gross examination procedures.

6. Maintains Gross Room instruments, equipment, lab supplies, cameras, and work area in a clean, orderly, functional manner.

7. Assists with the instruction and orientation of residents to procedures and techniques of basic specimen handling, grossing, and dictation of routine biopsies, and use of Anatomic Pathology equipment. Provides support for pathologists' and residents' teaching activities related to gross specimen examination.

8. Assists with quality activities as requested. Adheres to all quality protocols ensuring critical patient information and data are communicated effectively and documented properly within the patient record. Contributes to the overall quality of services, standards of performance and department reputation. 9. Provides support to Autopsy Services as requested.

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