Pathologists' Assistant

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. The Pathologist Assistant will perform gross description and dissection of surgical specimens. Arrange for photographs on all pertinent specimens. Organize conference material.

Requirements

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

Responsibility for assuring correct accessioning and numbering of all surgical specimens.
Gross description and dissection of surgical specimens.
Select and prepare tissue sections for microscopic examination (preparation of frozen and permanent sections for light microscopy).
Photography of all pertinent specimens.
Summarize the clinical history and procurement of scans, x-rays, lab data, etc., when initiated.
Responsibility 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.
Assist in preparation of post-mortem examinations and obtains proper and legal authorization for autopsies.
In case of error or question, initiate procedures to obtain proper authorization.
Arrange for still and/or video -of pertinent material.
Summarize the clinical history and assist the pathologist in preparation of the preliminary anatomic diagnosis.
Select and prepare tissue sections for microscopic examination.
Responsibility for assuring the proper maintenance of equipment, adequate supplies and cleanliness.
Participate in the orientation of new staff, teach/mentor residents and students.