Pathologists Assistant - Exempt

Quest Diagnostics•Arlington, TX

20h•$93,200 - $167,400•Onsite

About The Position

The Pathologists Assistant is intended for individuals currently certified as a pathologist assistant. The role performs routine functions in the surgical pathology area, including some escalated issues and troubleshooting quality issues, and conducts gross examinations of surgical pathology specimens under appropriate supervision. The position supports day-to-day surgical pathology operations, helps ensure accurate and efficient services, and performs gross examination and dissection of large, complex specimens—typically hospital-based whole-organ specimens—in preparation for histologic processing. It also provides technical instruction, training, and guidance to pathologist assistants, grossing technicians, students, and lab assistants. The role may include training verification, quality-control checks, competency assessments, input to performance reviews, and helping establish supervision levels for specimen types and staff. Additional duties include preparing non-gynecological specimens after training, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards and applicable regulations, troubleshooting, interacting with pathologists, identifying and escalating problems that may affect test performance or reporting, and coordinating and monitoring workflow. The position follows applicable laboratory procedures and continuing education requirements, along with other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

Currently certified as a pathologist assistant.
Bachelor’s degree.
AAPA Fellowship status and/or PA (ASCP) certification.
Current state licensure, if applicable.
Meet the requirements in the corporate Minimum Qualifications for Non-Pathologist Performing Gross Tissue Examinations SOP and 1988 CLIA CFR 493.1489.

Nice To Haves

One year of surgical grossing experience, including experience with large, complex specimens.
Master’s degree.
Completion of a NAACLS-approved Pathologist Assistant training program.

Responsibilities

Assist the department manager or supervisor with day-to-day surgical pathology operations and help ensure the accuracy and efficiency of services provided by grossing staff.
Perform duties and responsibilities authorized by the laboratory director or technical supervisor.
Perform gross examination and dissection of large, complex specimens, typically hospital-based whole-organ specimens, in preparation for histologic processing.
Provide technical instructions, training, and guidance to pathologist assistants, grossing technicians, students, and lab assistants.
May orient, train, and verify training for newly hired grossing staff.
May perform new-hire quality control for pathologist assistants, grossing technicians, and histotechnologists performing gross examinations.
May administer competency assessments, including direct observation, to grossing staff.
Provide input to the department manager or supervisor for employee performance reviews.
May assist in establishing direct or indirect supervision levels for each specimen type and each individual performing gross examinations.
After training on non-gynecological specimen types, prepare non-gynecological specimens, including cytopreparation, staining, coverslipping, and preparation of fine needle aspiration specimens.
Ensure compliance with corporate safety, quality-control, and quality-assurance standards and with applicable local, federal, CLIA, and CAP regulations.
Troubleshoot as necessary and exercise independent judgment when required.
Interact directly with pathologists regarding gross dissection and description activities, including specimen types requiring direct pathologist supervision.
Identify problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of results, correct them when possible, or immediately notify the appropriate histology supervisor or manager, technical supervisor, or director.
Coordinate and monitor workflow.
May serve as a key contact for pathologists, grossing staff, and histology staff to identify problem areas and recommend workflow changes.
May monitor HPAP as needed and participate in developing or monitoring quality indicators for the QMP.
Follow applicable laboratory procedures for job-related responsibilities.
Comply with Quest Diagnostics continuing-education requirements for grossing personnel and requirements for maintaining state licensure and/or CMP.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Benefits

Day 1 medical, supplemental health, dental, and vision coverage for full-time employees working 30 or more hours.
Well-being programs.
Annual no-cost Blueprint for Wellness health assessment program.
healthyMINDS mental health program.
Vacation and Health/Flex Time.
Six holidays plus one MyDay off.
FinFit financial coaching and services.
401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service.
Employee stock purchase plan.
Life and disability insurance, with a buy-up option.
Flexible Spending Accounts.
Annual incentive plans.
Matching gifts program.
Education assistance through MyQuest for Education.
Career advancement opportunities.