Pathologist Assistant (Per Diem) - Bethlehem, PA

St. Luke’s University Health Network•Bethlehem, PA

About The Position

St. Luke's is proud of the skills, experience and compassion of its employees. The employees of St. Luke's are our most valuable asset! Individually and together, our employees are dedicated to satisfying the mission of our organization which is an unwavering commitment to excellence as we care for the sick and injured; educate physicians, nurses and other health care providers; and improve access to care in the communities we serve, regardless of a patient's ability to pay for health care. JOB SUMMARY: Performs gross examination and dissection of all surgical pathology specimens, including complex surgical resections, description and tissue sectioning for histological preparation.

Requirements

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)
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
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.
(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.

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.
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.
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.