Hackensack Meridian Health·Hackensack, New Jersey
The Pathologist Assistant assists pathologists with the selection, preparation, and dissection of surgical tissue sections and post-mortem examinations. They are also responsible for the technical collation of clinical data and the maintenance of laboratory equipment.
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The Pathologist Assistant is responsible for assisting pathologist with autopsies and surgical specimens, including the clerical and technical collation of clinical data prior to examination.
A day in the life of a Pathologist Assistant at Hackensack Meridian Health includes: Assists, under the supervision of the pathologist, in selection, preparation, and dissection of surgical tissue sections for routine microscopic examination, immunofluorescence, electron microscopy, and other studies where specified. Assists in photography and gross description of surgical specimens. Ensures accuracy of surgical specimen patient information as well as accurate gross descriptions. Assists in the selection and preparation of tissue sections for intraoperative consultations (frozen section), including embedding tissue, cutting tissue on a cryostat, and staining of tissue slides. Procures fresh tissue samples for Biorepository tissue banking, ancillary studies such as cytogenetics, flow cytometry, and/or snap freezing for both therapeutic and research purposes. Utilizes the Faxitron to obtain x-ray images and sends them to the PACS system. Performs proper maintenance of equipment, adequate supplies, and cleanliness needed in the performance of gross anatomic dissection. Assists the pathologist in preparing materials for both intra- and interdepartmental teaching exercises. Performs all computer system functions necessary to achieve timely reporting of results. Assists support staff and/or pathology residents with, as directed by a pathologist, the performance of a post-mortem examination including photography, external examination, situ inspection, evisceration, dissection, recording of data, and any other related task if needed. Other duties and/or projects as assigned. Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.
Qualifications: Education,
Required: Master Degree from a NAACLS accredited institution as a Pathologists' assistant with training that must include both didactic lectures and on-site clinical training in anatomic pathology, specifically surgical and autopsy pathology OR U.S. or accredited Foreign Medical Graduate (MD) w/ or w/o ASCP-PA certification including 5+ years grossing experience (including grossing high complexity large cases) OR Bachelor degree. Degree must be in Health Sciences or other biological discipline with 8-10 years experience as a PA (historic/grandfathered). Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficient computer skills that may include but are not limited to Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite platforms. Education,
Preferred: Master's Degree. Licenses and Certifications Required: American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or certification eligible. ASCP certification preferred as an on-the-job trained PA in a hospital laboratory performing technical duties relating to anatomic pathology with documented competencies in prosection of simple to complex specimens.
Regular contact with medical personnel and its visitors. If you feel the above description speaks directly to your strengths and capabilities, then please apply today! Starting Minimum Rate Minimum rate of $54.62 Hourly Job Posting Disclosure HMH is committed to pay equity and transparency for our team members. The posted rate of pay in this job posting is a reasonable good faith estimate of the minimum base pay for this role at the time of posting in accordance with the New Jersey Pay Transparency Act and does not reflect the full value of our market-competitive total rewards package. The starting rate of pay is provided for informational purposes only and is not a guarantee of a specific offer. Posted hourly rates may be stated as an annual salary in the offer and posted annual salaries may be stated as an hourly rate in the offer, depending on the level and nature of the job duties and credentials of the candidate. The base compensation determined at the time of the offer may be different than the posted rate of pay based on a number of non-discriminatory factors, including but not limited to:
Labor
Market
Data: Compensation is benchmarked against market data to ensure competitiveness.
Requires a Master's degree from a NAACLS accredited institution or an MD with significant grossing experience, or a Bachelor's degree with 8-10 years of experience. ASCP certification is required or preferred depending on the educational path.
Market context
Pathologist assistant roles in New Jersey are often tied to hospital and laboratory staffing needs, so per diem openings can appear when teams need flexible coverage for grossing and specimen workflow. This category is competitive because employers usually want a strong academic background, ASCP certification when applicable, and hands-on grossing experience. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your training path, certification status, and recent specimen-handling experience before applying.