Sharp HealthCare·San Diego, California
Provide accurate processing of simple and complex laboratory specimens and perform postmortem examinations under the supervision of a pathologist. Responsibilities include grossing tissue, preparing samples for microscopy, and maintaining laboratory equipment and protocols.
The stated pay scale reflects the range that Sharp reasonably expects to pay for this position. The actual pay rate and pay grade for this position will be dependent on a variety of factors, including an applicant’s years of experience, unique skills and abilities, education, alignment with similar internal candidates, marketplace factors, other requirements for the position, and employer business practices.
What You Will Do Provide accurate and timely processing of the full spectrum of simple and complex (Levels 1, 2A, and 2B) laboratory specimens and provide additional services under the direction and supervision of a pathologist. Provides the technical knowledge, expertise, and judgment required to support the Sharp HealthCare (SHC) mission and scope of laboratory services.
Preferred Qualifications: 2 Years experience grossing simple and (Level 1 and 2A) and complex (Level 2B) cases
Other Qualification Requirements ASCP Pathologist Assist certification is required within 6 months of start date.
Obtain clinical histories.
Describe gross features of tissue for processing (Level 1), simple (Level 2A) and complex (Level 2B) surgical specimens according to standards of the profession.
Prepare tissue samples for processing for light microscopy.
Select samples for special studies such as research, chemosensitivity testing, flow cytometry, image analysis, cytogenetics, cultures, electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, crystal identification etc.
Perform special procedures including tumor triage, tumor banking, x-ray imaging.
Demonstrate proficiency with selecting tissue for frozen sections, cutting frozen section blocks and staining frozen section and touch preparation slides, in a timely manner within the standards of quality.
Teach pathologists' assistant students, Health Sciences high school students, pathology residents, medical students (when applicable).
Photograph gross specimens and microscopic slides.
Assist with specimen accessioning.
Maintenance of surgical/autopsy pathology protocols, procedures, reports and data.
Assure proper maintenance of equipment.
Assist in preparation for accreditation inspections (CAP, Joint Commission).
Performance of supervisory/management duties as delegated.
Assure legal authorization for autopsy.
Obtain medical records/charts for review and prepare the preliminary summarization of the clinical history.
Coordinate any requests for special specimen sampling such as organ transplantation, research.
Consult with attending pathologist to identify special techniques to be utilized during the examination, including cultures, toxicology, coronary artery perfusion, enucleation, etc.
Perform postmortem examinations including external exam, in-situ organ inspection, evisceration, organ dissection and dictation of findings.
Prepare tissues for processing for light microscopy and special studies.
Photograph the body, organs, microscopic slides and other pertinent materials.
Completes processes without error using written policies, procedures and other appropriate resources; identifies issues in policies or procedures.
SHC corporate commitment to compliance training principles are correctly and appropriately utilized when performing assigned procedures as written.
Performs new procedures and policies within acceptable training time intervals; meets department turnaround time goals.
ASCP Pathologist Assist certification is required within 6 months of start date. Documentation and tracking of this certification is the responsibility of the department and will be maintained by the department. Communication and Teamwork
Proactively initiates communication and works cooperatively with others to successfully complete work assignments.
Demonstrates positive verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
Completes documentation legibly, accurately, and timely.
Stays informed through staff meetings, electronic communication, in-services, and educational opportunities.
Establishes effective working relationships between internal and external customers.
Seeks opportunities for feedback to improve effectiveness of own communication.
Validates messages by clarifying expectations and verifying Understanding of agreements/action plans.
Critical Thinking
Demonstrates appropriate and logical decisions, especially under critical and stressful situations. Demonstrates empathy to patients, coworkers, and all others encountered in the workplace. Able to troubleshoot in a logical, productive manner to reach an acceptable resolution. Demonstrates Flexibility and Adaptability
Uses time effectively and actively sets priorities.
Demonstrates flexibility in work practices and adjusts to unscheduled situations.
Cooperates with initiatives to improve work processes.
Tries new ideas and new ways of doing things Positively embraces and is receptive to change and actively participates in the process.
Equipment Management
Utilizes all equipment (including phone, copier, fax, etc.), instruments, products, and other tools per manufacturer's and training instructions and according to established procedures.
Demonstrates competency and efficient use of all tool applications (IS, PC, other system/software) and equipment to produce the end product.
Performs required preventive and corrective maintenance on equipment/tools.
Reports and documents equipment/tool/reagent issues and failures.
Checks inventory expiration dates and demonstrates ability to evaluate consumables (reagent/supply) inventory to prevent shortages; alerts ordering personnel.
Removes defective equipment from use, documents problem, and notifies appropriate personnel for repair; verifies equipment inspections are up-to-date.
Quality Assurance
Completes and assesses all QC procedures in place with indicated corrective action and resolution as needed.
Coordinates and completes processes in place to meet standards established to maintain quality testing.
Has knowledge of and reviews quality assurance indicators and monitors in place and works with the laboratory team to meet the established thresholds.
Completes daily position tasks within expected timeframes to meet overall histology lab QA goal expectations.
Identifies errors and follows-through with investigation, correction, documentation, and notification to appropriate caregiver and lab leadership.
Sharp HealthCare is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability or any other protected class
Requires a Bachelor's degree and ASCP Pathologist Assistant certification (or certification within 6 months of hire). Preferred candidates have 2 years of experience grossing simple and complex cases.
Documents activities and results consistently, thoroughly and legibly; proofreads and double checks own work to minimize errors.
Evaluates data for accuracy and verifies any questionable finding with thorough investigation and appropriate follow-through.
Performs or assists with pre-analytical and post analytical procedures and demonstrates assessment of testing factors with regard to patient age and population specific groups.
Clinical Competency
Market context
In California, Pathologists' Assistant openings are often driven by lab volume, surgical pathology demand, and the need for certified staff who can work independently. These roles are competitive because employers typically look for ASCP certification, strong grossing experience, and comfort handling both simple and complex cases. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save time, then confirm your certification timeline and prepare examples of specimen handling experience before applying.
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