Pathologist Assistant

OU Health•Oklahoma City, OK

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Under direct supervision, performs gross descriptions of simple or limited specimens. Assists during Autopsies. Prepares frozen section slides. May be required to perform routine histology tasks as well. These positions are available in levels 1-3 based on education, experience, and licenses/certifications. Preferred candidates will have direct experience as a certified PA.

Requirements

Associate’s degree or higher required.
1-3 years laboratory technical experience required (for Level 1).
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university (for Level 2).
3-5 years of relevant experience including 1 year of grossing experience required (for Level 2).
Certified by the ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology) as a Pathologists’ Assistant (PA) or must be Board eligible for certification by ASCP as a PA (for Level 2).
Must obtain licensure within one year of hire (for Level 2).
Bachelor’s Degree and completion of CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, formerly NCCLS, National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards) accredited program required (for Level 3).
"Grandfather" PA(ASCP) is also acceptable with bachelor's degree and 8 years of experience (for Level 3).
5+ years of relevant experience required (for Level 3).
ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology) as a Pathologists' Assistant (PA) required (for Level 3).
Must have the skills to perform required laboratory testing.
Must be able to work as part of a team and follow instructions.
Must be able to consistently and dependably report to work as scheduled.
Must be able to maintain legible, accurate and organized records.
Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information and exercise sound judgment.
Must be able to multi-task and remain calm in stressful situations.
Must possess ability to understand various operations, policies and procedures.
Ability to work and communicate with co-workers and other caregivers, and meet their needs in a professional, polite, courteous, compassionate and cooperative manner.
Must demonstrate a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards establishing priorities and completing assignments.
Core knowledge and understanding of normal laboratory processes.
Knowledge of human anatomy and medical terminology.

Nice To Haves

Degree in Biological Sciences or related field preferred.
Masters in PA preferred.
Direct experience as a certified PA.

Responsibilities

Follows authorized technical procedures when performing patient testing.
Meets turn-around-times established for testing and reporting patient results
Receives specimens into laboratory using appropriate patient identifier and labeling requirements and receives them into the electronic medical record including registration of specimens from outpatients.
Conducts calibration of instruments and equipment in the laboratory as well as routine maintenance.
Labels tissue cassettes using block control sheets
Assists in the preparation of frozen tissue sections (label, cutting and stain slides)
Performs gross descriptions of simple and limited pathology specimens as authorized.
Prepares patients for evisceration for post-anatomical diagnosis during autopsy
Works on call for Autopsies.
Photographs specimens for documentation and conference preparation.
Complies with all hospital and laboratory safety policies and procedures including the appropriate us of PPE.
Assumes responsibility of own professional development.
Completes annual competency assessment.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Ability to assist in the pre-analytical phase for specimen procurement, identification and proper specimen handling.
Performs troubleshooting and technical problem solving.
Ability to assess and verify the validity of patient test results, including identifying problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results.