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Pathologist's Assistant Career Info

A pathologist's assistant is a trained health professional providing anatomic pathology services under the supervision of a licensed pathologist. Pathologist's assistants must complete an accredited pathologist's assistant program.

Job Duties and Responsibilities of Pathologist's Assistants

A pathologist's assistant (PA) will perform all functions, under the supervision or direction of a pathologist, up to the point of diagnosis. Pathologist's assistants are qualified to do surgical procedures and are primarily responsible for gross examination of surgical pathology specimens and performing autopsies. Following are two excerpts from listings posted on monster.com illustrating various job duties and responsibilities of the pathologist's assistant:

  • 'The PA will dissect surgical specimens, obtain biological specimens studies, prepare tissues for histologic processing and perform special procedures including tumor triage and Faxitron imaging. PA will also perform administrative duties including billing and assuring proper maintenance of equipment and supplies.' - Mount Sinai School of Medicine
  • 'Duties include performing gross surgical pathology functions, performing frozen sections, photomicrography and gross photography and assisting with training and teaching residents.' - UMass Memorial Medical Center

Job Requirements of a Pathologist's Assistant

To become a pathologist's assistant, an individual must complete an accredited pathologist's assistant program. Many employers prefer candidates with bachelor's degrees as well. Some desire master's degree or fellow status or certifications by organizations like the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) or the American Association of Pathologists Assistants (AAPA). The two examples below, taken from job postings on careerbuilder.com, give actual examples of the types of qualifications that employers require:

  • 'Minimum requirements include a bachelor's degree, however a master's or MD is preferred. One year's experience as a Certified Pathologist Assistant in an accredited anatomic pathology laboratory is required. We also desire excellent human relation skills and supervisory experience.' - City of Hope
  • 'No experience is required for those candidates who have graduated from accredited pathologist assistant programs. We prefer candidates who are registered or are registry eligible for Pathologist Assistant certification by the ASCP.' -University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Job Outlook for Pathologist's Assistants

As with most healthcare occupations, the need for pathologist's assistants continues to grow. According to the AAPA, pathologist's assistants can expect salaries starting in the $60,000 range up to $90,000 annually. Experienced PA's may earn salaries in the six figures based on work experience, skills and geographic location.

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