Laboratory Assistant- Histology Lab

Cooper University Hospital • Cape May Court House, NJ

5d

About The Position

The Histology Laboratory Assistant provides specimen processing, gross room, histology, and administrative support to the Anatomic Pathology department. Through accurate specimen handling, documentation, slide and block management, and support of pathology workflows, this position helps ensure efficient diagnostic services and exceptional patient care throughout Cooper University Health Care.

The role supports specimen accessioning and identification, gross room operations, pathology processes, consultation and send-out coordination, laboratory records, communications, inventory, and routine quality and maintenance activities. The position performs non-complex laboratory procedures under established protocols and participates in competency assessments, continuing education, and quality improvement activities.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Strong attention to detail and specimen identification accuracy.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and multitasking abilities.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize competing demands in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of confidentiality and HIPAA requirements.
• 0–2 years of experience.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in histology, anatomic pathology, a clinical laboratory, a medical office, or specimen accessioning environment.
• Associate degree or college coursework in Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Medical Laboratory Science, or a related science field.
• Experience with Epic Beaker, SoftPath, Sunquest, Copia, or other laboratory information systems.

Responsibilities

• Receive, verify, prioritize, and accession surgical pathology, biopsy, cytology, autopsy, and consultation specimens.
• Review specimen labeling and requisitions for completeness, resolve discrepancies, maintain specimen identification throughout processing, monitor surgical schedules, and maintain logs and documentation.
• Prepare grossing workstations; obtain specimen measurements and weights; label cassettes; manage specimen storage and disposal; transport specimens; assist with gross room workflow; and support timely specimen processing.
• Support pathology processes, including slide preparation, coverslipping, reagent changes, slide and block filing and retrieval, basic equipment maintenance, quality documentation, and other non-complex laboratory procedures performed under established protocols.
• Coordinate pathology consultations and send-outs; prepare, package, track, and document specimens, slides, and blocks sent to reference laboratories or consulting pathologists.
• Maintain pathology records, scan and file reports, and ensure accurate tracking and chain-of-custody documentation.
• Answer phones, respond to inquiries, communicate with physicians, healthcare facilities, and reference laboratories, route issues appropriately, and assist with clerical and operational functions.
• Maintain laboratory inventory and supplies, order and stock materials, organize reagents, wash glassware, perform section maintenance activities, and document quality and maintenance records.
• Participate in competency assessments, continuing education, and quality improvement activities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED