Pathologist Assistant I

Job Summary :

To assist the pathologist in dissecting and describing all surgical pathology specimens for histological processing. Under the direction of the pathologist, the pathologist assistant is responsible for the management of laboratory testing in the designated sections. This position requires intimate knowledge of the department and policies / procedures relevant to the delivery of pathology services. The ability to retrieve, communicate or otherwise present information in a written, auditory, or visual fashion is essential. The ability to work well with others and coordinate efforts, the ability to accurately judge the need for consultation regarding appropriate specimen dissections, and the ability to establish and maintain professional, cooperative relationships with surgical and pathology staff. This position consistently supports compliance and Kaiser Permanente's Code of Conduct by adhering to federal, state and local laws and regulations, accreditation and licenser requirements and Kaiser Permanentes policies and procedures. In addition to defined technical requirements, accountable for consistently demonstrating service behaviors and principles defined by the Kaiser Permanente Service Quality Credo, the KP Mission as well as specific departmental / organizational initiatives. Also accountable for consistently demonstrating the knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors necessary to provide superior and culturally sensitive service to each other, to our members, and to purchasers, contracted providers and vendors.

Essential Responsibilities :

Prepare and triage cases to be grossed-in by evaluating Anatomic Pathology requisition order forms and specimens for completeness and accuracy in regard to patient identification and appropriate tissue collection.

Printing specimen cassettes with accession number and assigning differentiation of histologic processing according to varied specimen type.

Determines area of the gross specimens to be samples for microscopic analysis and cuts area into appropriately sized sections for further processing.

Analyzes certain gross specimens and biopsy specimens identifies and measures, weights and describes specimens according to established guidelines.

Performs sectioning and dictates gross features of these specimens.

Clarifies, resolves, and documents issues involving inadequate grossing / additional tissue submission, context of gross description in pathology reports, tissue block discordance, or other concerns arising associated with the gross dissection of a case.

Maintains all associated instrumentation and applicable properties associated with the physical area of gross dissection, performs formalin monitoring, keeps grossing area stocked with applicable necessary supplies and in clean, working order.

Assists in the evaluation and development of new procedures, methods, quality assurance monitors, and instrumentation.

Assists with cutting and processing frozen section slides whenever necessary.

Assists with processing, cutting and staining of histology slides when necessary.

Assist with accessioning specimens when necessary.

Maintains a clear open channel of communication with the Pathologists via all applicable methodology (phone and internet).

Responsive to requests; Pulls specimen containers in timely manner, makes appropriate adjustments to technique when asked, is fluid to procedural changes.

Occasionally weekends or holidays as needed

Basic Qualifications :

Experience

N / A

Education

Must be eligible to obtain a Certified Pathologist Assistant (ASCP) within one year of hire date, Pathologist Assistant (ASCP) certification eligibility is dependent upon graduating from a NAACLS accredited PA program within the last 5 years OR must have a foreign medical degree with experience in Anatomic Pathology.

Bachelors degree in pathologists assistant, medical technology, clinical laboratory science, or chemical, physical or biological science required OR Foreign Medical Degree with experience in Anatomic Pathology (International Degree Equivalency Report must be provided).

Proper documentation for applicable degree is required (i.e. copies of diplomas, transcripts, or International Degree Equivalency Report). Major must be clearly stated on the document. If diploma does not indicate the major, an additional document that states major is required.

License, Certification, Registration

Pathologist's Assistant Certificate

Additional Requirements :

N / A

Preferred Qualifications :

Minimum one (1) year of experience in Anatomic Pathology.

Experience with Pathology LIS system - Co Path preferred.

Experience with Voice Recognition software preferred.

Masters degree as a Pathologists Assistant.

Certified as a Pathologist Assistant by the American Society for Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) preferred.