Pathologists' Assistant Career Guide

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Overview

Pathologists' Assistants (PAs) are skilled healthcare professionals who work alongside pathologists in various medical settings, primarily in hospitals and diagnostic laboratories. They play a vital role in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases by assisting with autopsies, surgical pathology procedures and specimen dissection.

Essential Job Functions:

Staff and Travel Pathologists' Assistants prepare and dissect tissue specimens obtained during surgeries or autopsies. They may also perform complex laboratory tests, review slides under microscopes and provide detailed reports to assist pathologists in making accurate diagnoses.

Education

To become a Pathologists' Assistant, aspiring individuals must complete a Master's degree program in Pathologists' Assistant Studies. These programs typically last two years and combine classroom instruction with hands-on clinical training.

A stethoscope held in one hand

Related certifications

After completing the Master's degree, PAs often need to obtain certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (PA-ASCP) or other relevant organizations. Clinical experience during training is critical, as is the ability to work under the supervision of a licensed pathologist.

Skills

Successful PAs possess excellent attention to detail, strong analytical skills and a deep understanding of anatomy and pathology. They must also have good communication skills to collaborate effectively with pathologists, laboratory staff and other healthcare professionals.

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Responsibilities

Pathologists' Assistants assist in surgical procedures, dissect and prepare tissue samples, process and analyze specimens and contribute to the preparation of reports for diagnosis. They play a key role in accurate disease diagnosis and treatment planning.

Salary Insights

Compare your pay with the most up-to-date job market data using our comprehensive salary calculator.
Pathologists' Assistant
$2,198-3,798/week

The average salary for a Pathologists' Assistant is $2,989.85 per week.

Last updated on February 17, 2025. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.

Pros & Cons

Becoming a Pathologists' Assistant offers the opportunity to contribute significantly to patient care by assisting in the accurate diagnosis of diseases. It's a role that combines scientific knowledge with hands-on technical skills.

However, the job can be emotionally challenging, particularly when dealing with sensitive cases or autopsy procedures. The role may require long hours and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Additionally, the physical demands of handling specimens and standing for extended periods can be demanding.

In conclusion, a career as a Pathologists' Assistant is a unique and rewarding path for individuals passionate about pathology and medical science. With the right education, certification and dedication to detail-oriented work, aspiring Pathologists' Assistants can make a valuable impact on healthcare by aiding in the accurate diagnosis of diseases and contributing to patient care.

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Pathologists' Assistant Jobs


View job details for Travel Pathologists' Assistant
Travel Contract

Travel Pathologists' Assistant

  • Cambridge, MA
  • TalentBurst, Inc
  • 5x8 hrs, Days

$4,161/week

Posted 6 days ago
View job details for Travel Pathologists' Assistant
Travel Contract

Travel Pathologists' Assistant

  • Cambridge, MA
  • MetaSense, Inc.
  • 5x8 hrs, Days
  • Referral Bonus

$4,160/week

Posted 3 days ago
View job details for Travel Pathologists' Assistant
Travel Contract

Travel Pathologists' Assistant

  • Cambridge, MA
  • PHP
  • 5x8 hrs, Days

$4,116/week

Posted 4 days ago
 Verified
View job details for Travel Pathologists' Assistant
Travel Contract

Travel Pathologists' Assistant

  • Cambridge, MA
  • PHP
  • 5x8 hrs, Days

$4,115/week

Posted 5 days ago

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