Job Description: The pathologist assistant will be capable of performing all routine functions in the surgical pathology area, including some escalated issues and troubleshooting quality issues. The individual will be responsible for conducting gross examinations of surgical pathology specimens under appropriate supervision.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Assist the department manager/supervisor with the day-to-day operations of the surgical pathology area. Help to ensure the accuracy and efficiency of services provided by the grossing staff.
Capable of performing all of the duties/responsibilities as authorized by the laboratory director/technical supervisor.
Perform gross examination and dissection of large, complex complicated specimens in preparation for Histologic processing. Typically, hospital-based, whole organ specimens
Provide technical instructions, training, and guidance to pathologist assistance/grossing technicians, students, and lab assistants in techniques, instrumentation, and organization of work
May be responsible for orientation, training and training verification of newly hired grossing staff
May perform new hire QC for pathologist assistants, grossing technicians, and any histotechs performing gross examination.
May administer competency assessment, including direct observation, to grossing staff
May assist with establishing the level of supervision (direct vs indirect) for each specimen type for each individual performing gross
Perform specimen preparation on non-gynecological specimens, including cytopreparation, staining, coverslipping, etc. after completing training on non-gynecological specimen types. This includes specimen preparation of FNA specimens
Ensure compliance with all corporate safety, quality control, and quality assurance standards
Ensure compliance with all local, federal, CLIA, and CAP regulations
Perform troubleshooting when necessary and have the ability to exercise independent judgement, if required.
Interact directly with pathologists regarding gross dissection/description activities, including defined specimen types that require direct supervision by a pathologist
Identify problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results and either correct the problems or immediately notify the histology supervisor/manager, technical supervisor, or director
Coordinate and monitor workflow
May act as a key contact person for pathologist, grossing and histology staff to identify problem areas and recommend changes to workflow
May be responsible for monitoring HPAP as needed
May participate with the development and/or monitoring of quality indicators for the QMP
Follow the laboratory s applicable procedures for job-related responsibilities
Comply with Quest Diagnostics corporate continuing education requirements for grossing personnel as well as those required to maintain state licensure and/or CMP
Other duties, as assigned by supervisor


REQUIRED
Bachelor's degree
meet all requirements for non-pathologist performing gross tissue examinations SOP and 1988 CLIA CFR 493, 1489
Current state licensure

Preferred
Masters Degree
Preferred 1 year surgical gross experience, including large complex/complicated specimens
NAACLS approved pathologist assistant training program
Additional Sills: