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.

Essential 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.

Minimum Qualifications (Level 2):

Education: A minimum of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college/university  PA(ASCP) 

Experience: 3-5 years of relevant experience including 1 year of grossing experience required. 

License(s)/Certification(s)/Registration(s) Required: 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, Must obtain licensure within one year of hire. 

Minimum Qualifications (Level 3):

Education: Bachelor’s Degree and completion of CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, formerly NCCLS, National Committee on Clinical Laboratory Standards) accredited program required. "Grandfather" PA(ASCP) is also acceptable with bachelor's degree and 8 years of experience.

Experience: 5+ years of relevant experience required.

Certification/Licensure: ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology) as a Pathologists' Assistant (PA) required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• 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. 
• 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.   
• Core knowledge and understanding of normal laboratory processes.   
• Knowledge of human anatomy and medical terminology.