City/State:
White Plains, New York
Department:
EMS PHYS-PATHOLOGY
Work Shift:
Day
Work Days:
MON-FRI
Scheduled Hours:
9 AM-5 PM
Hours Per Pay Period:
75
Pay Rate/Range:
$111,000 -$167,000
Job Summary
The Pathologists' Assistant performs macroscopic evaluation, dissection, and gross description of surgical specimens, ranging from biopsies to complex oncologic cases. This role independently manages all aspects of gross pro-section, including specimen sampling and reporting, and collaborates with pathologists during dissections and intraoperative consultations to support diagnostic accuracy and cancer staging. Serves as a key clinical partner to pathologists and operational leadership.
Essential Functions
- Understands and adheres to the WPH performance standards, policies, and behaviors.
- The employee must obtain 60 ASCP approved CME credits over a three-year period, the predominance of which must be in advanced level anatomic pathology to maintain licensure
- Prioritize and manage specimens according to CAP Cancer Protocols and AJCC Cancer Staging Manual.
- Assure appropriate specimen accessioning and labeling of surgical pathology specimens.
- Review pertinent clinical history and information, including imaging studies, laboratory results, radiographs, and operative records to ensure appropriate dissection and description is performed.
- Performs macroscopic examination, dissection, and tissue selection for all specimen types—from routine biopsies to complex cancer resections—including specialized procedures such as:
Decalcification
Safe operation of the grossing table and cryostat.s, embedding, mounting, cutting, staining, cover slipping)
Intraoperative consultations for specimen adequacy and margin evaluation
Renal biopsy screening and core splitting for electron microscopy, immunofluorescence and light microscopy
Muscle and Nerve Biopsy preparation
Bone marrow aspirate and biopsy preparation
Tumor mapping and specimen diagramming
Bone saw operation
Collection of samples for ancillary studies, including but limited to: Lymphoma protocol & Flow Cytometric analysis
- Download cassettes from LIS and/or print additional cassettes as needed for tissue submission.
- Dictates the gross description for pathology report based on macroscopic evaluation of surgical specimens by collecting the essential data elements, ensuring inclusion of accurate CPT coding.
- Maintain and update voice recognition templates; ensure backup dictation systems are aligned and troubleshoot as necessary.
- Load tissue processors and troubleshoot any operational issues.
- Maintains photographic documentation and assist with imaging for tumor boards, surgeon requests, and research protocols.
- Identify and address information system issues affecting gross room workflows in collaboration with appropriate personnel.
- Review and follow laboratory policies and procedure manuals, and complete documentation as required by regulatory accrediting agencies.
- Ensure equipment maintenance records are accurate and current.
- Trains and mentor grossing technologist and maintains documentation of all training.
- Receives supervision from the Anatomic Pathology Medical Director, Anatomic Pathology faculty, Operational Administrative Director, Supervisor, Lead PA or designees.
- Maintain inventory of designated gross room supplies.
- Completes all annual mandatory training, in-services, and continue education as required.
- Communicate effectively with pathologists and histology laboratory staff to support collaborative workflow.
- Prepare specimens for histology control tissue as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.
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Qualifications
- Bachelor Degree • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a NAACLS accredited Pathologists’ Assistant program or equivalent Required or
- Masters
- less than 1 year Laboratory experience preferred Preferred
- Prior laboratory experience preferred (Low proficiency)
- AAPA Certified Pathologists' Assistant - AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PATHOLOGISTS' ASSISTANTS (AAPA) Upon Hire Required
- Pathologists' Assistant - New York State Board of Nursing NYS Pathologists' Assistant License Upon Hire Required
ASCP - International Medical Laboratory Scientist - AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR CLINICAL PATHOLOGY (ASCP) Preferred
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White Plains Hospital Medical Center is an equal employment opportunity employer. White Plains Hospital Medical Center will recruit, hire, train, transfer, promote, layoff and discharge associates in all job classifications without regard to their race, color, religion, creed, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, age, gender, actual or presumed disability, history of disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic predisposition or carrier status, pregnancy, military status, marital status, or partnership status, or any other characteristic protected by law.