What does a Pathologist Assistant do?
Published 4 min read
A pathologist assistant is a medical professional who works under the supervision of a licensed pathologist. Pathologist assistants are responsible for performing various tasks related to the autopsy process, including gross examination of tissues, histologic preparation, and documentation. They may also be involved in research projects or teaching activities.
Pathologist Assistant job duties include:
- Performs gross examination of surgical specimens including weighing, measuring, describing external features, and photographing specimens.
- Selects appropriate tissue samples for processing and histologic examination.
- Performs routine histologic techniques such as embedding, sectioning, and staining of tissues.
- Maintains records of all specimens processed and examined.
- Assists pathologists in performing autopsies by removing and processing tissues for histologic examination.
- Correlates clinical information with histologic findings.
- May provide consultation to clinicians regarding specimen requirements for diagnosis and prognosis.
- May prepare educational materials for continuing medical education programs.
- Participates in quality assurance activities.
Pathologist Assistant Job Requirements
Pathologist assistants are medical professionals who work under the supervision of pathologists to provide diagnostic services. They typically have a bachelor's degree in medical science or a related field, and many have completed a postgraduate certificate or master's degree in pathology. Pathologist assistants must be certified by the American Board of Pathology Assistants, and they must have at least two years of experience working in a pathology lab.
Pathologist Assistant Skills
- Grossing
- Frozen section
- Immunohistochemistry
- Inking
- Microtomy
- Labeling
- Embedding
- Cutting
- Staining
- Slide preparation
- Documentation
- Quality control
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How to become a Pathologist Assistant
A pathologist assistant is a medical professional who works under the supervision of a licensed pathologist. Pathologist assistants are trained to perform many of the same tasks as pathologists, including gross examination of tissues, histologic processing and staining, and microscopy. In order to become a pathologist assistant, one must first complete a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field. After completing an accredited pathologist assistant program, candidates must then pass a national certifying exam.
Pathologist assistants play an important role in the field of pathology by providing support to licensed pathologists. They use their knowledge and skills to perform tasks such as gross examination of tissues, histologic processing and staining, and microscopy. Pathologist assistants also keep detailed records of their findings, which can be used to help diagnose diseases.
Becoming a pathologist assistant requires completing a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field and an accredited pathologist assistant program. Candidates must also pass a national certifying exam. Those who wish to pursue a career in this field should be detail-oriented and have strong communication and organizational skills.
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