The Pathologist Assistant performs gross examination and dissection of all surgical pathology specimens, including complex resections, and is responsible for tissue sectioning for histological preparation. Duties also involve assuring correct specimen accessioning, coding, filing reports, using voice-activated transcription, and maintaining equipment cleanliness.
Requirements summary
Candidates must have graduated from a NAACLS accredited post-baccalaureate Pathologists’ Assistant Training Program and be ASCP BOR certified or eligible, or possess a Bachelor's degree in biological/allied health sciences with ASCP certification and grossing experience. Alternatively, candidates can have a Bachelor's degree in health sciences and 5+ years of complex surgical specimen grossing experience, ensuring qualification for high complexity testing.
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JOB SUMMARY: Performs gross examination and dissection of all surgical pathology specimens, including complex surgical resections, description and tissue sectioning for histological preparation.
JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Prepare and perform surgical specimen examinations which includes: Responsible for assuring correct accessioning and numbering of all surgical specimens; gross description and dissection of low to high complexity surgical specimens.
Select and prepare tissue sections for microscopic examination.
Specimen photography and radiography as needed.
Summarize the clinical history and procurement of scans, x-rays, lab data, etc., when initiated.
Responsible for assuring correct coding and filing of surgical reports, photographic and microscopic slides and other anatomic pathology reports and data.
Use voice-activated transcription system to dictate gross descriptions.
Responsible for assuring the proper maintenance of equipment, adequate supplies and cleanliness.
Participate in the orientation of new staff, teach/mentor residents and students.
EDUCATION: Graduation from a NAACLS accredited post baccalaureate Pathologists’ Assistant Training Program and ASCP BOR certified (or ASCP BOR exam eligible) or completion of a Bachelor’s degree with a major or minor, or equivalent in any of the biological or allied health sciences and ASCP BOR certified (with Pathologist Assistant/Grossing experience) TRAINING & EXPERIENCE: Needs to be a graduate of an accredited Pathologists’ Assistant program, have completed at least one year of clinical rotations in autopsy and surgical pathology grossing, and be ASCP certified as a PA or eligible to sit for the ASCP certification exam OR have earned a Bachelor’s degree in health sciences or a related field and be otherwise trained as a Pathologists’ Assistant with 5 or more years of experience grossing complex surgical specimens.
Education must qualify individual for high complexity testing per regulatory guidelines The Pathologist Assistant will perform gross description and dissection of surgical specimens.
Assist in the preparation and performance of autopsies.
Arrange for photographs on all pertinent specimens.
Organize conference material.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Prepares and performs examinations of surgical specimens.
Uses voice-activated transcription system to dictate gross descriptions.
Assists in preparation and performance of post-mortem examinations.
Participates in the orientation of new staff; teaches/mentors residents and students.
Handles multiple assignments as necessary, with an ability to adapt to changes.
PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS: Sitting up to 6 hours/day in 2 hour increments.
Standing up to 6 hours/day in 2 hour increments.
Frequent fingering and handling to manipulate surgical specimens.
Lifting up to 400 pounds (with assistance) to move bodies.
Stoop occasionally.
Bend frequently.
Reaches above shoulder level occasionally.
Must be able to feel size, shape and texture of specimens.
Hear normal conversation.
See normal vision, color vision and read from computer monitor.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree in science related field AND successful completion of the ASCP certification exam or 3 years of experience as a Pathologists’ Assistant preferred.
Note
Must be qualified to perform high complexity testing under CLIA regulations.
The minimum training/experience required of such personnel is: 1.An earned associate degree in a laboratory science or medical laboratory technology, obtained from an accredited institution, OR 2.Education/training equivalent to the above that includes at least 60 semester hours or equivalent from an accredited institution. This education must include 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses, OR 24 semester hours of science courses that includes 6 semester hours of chemistry, 6 semester hours of biology, and 12 semester hours of chemistry, biology or medical laboratory technology in any combination. In addition, the individual must have laboratory training including either completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by the ABHES, NAACLA, or other organization approved by HHS (note that this training may be included in the 60 semester hours listed above), OR at least 3 months documented laboratory training in each specialty in which the individual performs high complexity testing.
Training
AND
EXPERIENCE: (1) (a) Completion of a formal pathologists’ assistant training program or OTJ training with ASCP certification OR (b) OTJ training with a minimum of 3 years of grossing experience AND (2) ASCP certification maintenance or other documentation of related continuing education. Please complete your application using your full legal name and current home address. Be sure to include employment history for the past seven (7) years, including your present employer. Additionally, you are encouraged to upload a current resume, including all work history, education, and/or certifications and licenses, if applicable. It is highly recommended that you create a profile at the conclusion of submitting your first application. Thank you for your interest in St. Luke's!! St. Luke's University Health Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Founded in 1872, St. Luke’s University Health Network (SLUHN) is a fully integrated, regional, non-profit network of more than 23,000 employees providing services at 16 campuses and 350+ outpatient sites. With annual net revenue in excess of $4 billion, the
Network’s service area includes 11 counties in two states: Lehigh, Northampton, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Montgomery, Monroe, Schuylkill and Luzerne counties in Pennsylvania and Warren and Hunterdon counties in New Jersey. St. Luke’s hospitals operate the largest network of trauma centers in Pennsylvania, with the Bethlehem Campus being home to St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital. SLUHN is the only Lehigh Valley-based health care system to earn Medicare’s five-star ratings (the highest) for quality, efficiency and patient satisfaction. It is both a Leapfrog Group and Healthgrades Top Hospital and a Newsweek World’s Best Hospital. The Network’s flagship University Hospital has earned the 100 Top Major Teaching Hospital designation from Premier 13 times total and eleven years in a row, including in 2023 when it was identified as THE #4 TEACHING HOSPITAL IN THE COUNTRY. In 2021, St. Luke’s was identified as one of the 15 Top Health Systems nationally. St. Luke’s is the ONLY health care institution in the Lehigh Valley to be named a Top Workplace regionally repeating the exclusive honor for the third year in a row. Also, for the third straight year, St. Luke’s has been a Top Workplaces in the Philadelphia Region by the Philadelphia Inquirer, ranking 9th in the large employer category for 2025 and the only health care system in PA to receive this award. In 2025, St. Luke’s was recognized as a national Top Workplaces by USA Today, three years in a row, including the 3rd best health care system in the nation in 2023 and 2024. Lastly, in 2025, St. Luke’s was named a Top Workplace in New Jersey for the third year in a row. Learn More Here.
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