Pathology Assistant, Full Time, Variable Shift

PIH Health is a nonprofit, regional healthcare network that serves approximately 3 million residents in the Los Angeles County, Orange County and San Gabriel Valley region. The fully integrated network is comprised of PIH Health Downey Hospital, PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital, PIH Health Whittier Hospital, 37 outpatient medical office buildings, a multispecialty medical (physician) group, home healthcare services and hospice care, as well as heart, cancer, digestive health, orthopedics, women’s health, urgent care and emergency services. The organization is nationally recognized for excellence in patient care and patient experience, and the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) has identified PIH Health as one of the nation’s top hospital systems for best practices, cutting-edge advancements, quality of care and healthcare technology. For more information, visit PIHHealth.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

A Pathology Assistant is a highly trained, certified healthcare professional who is qualified by academic and practical training to provide various services in anatomic pathology under the direction and supervision of a licensed, Board Certified or Board Eligible Anatomic Pathologist. Academically and practically trained to provide accurate and timely processing of a variety of laboratory specimens, including comprehensive macroscopic examination and evaluation of all surgical pathological specimens. Also perform postmortem examinations including prosection, assisting the Pathologist with rendering the provisional anatomic diagnosis, composing the clinical history, recording the macroscopic anatomic findings, and submitting tissue sections for microscopic examination. Play a critical role in the delivery of healthcare services in both surgical pathology and autopsy pathology. They are key partners in assisting the Pathologist to arrive at a pathologic diagnosis, but it is the sole responsibility of the Pathologist to render a diagnosis.

Required Skills

• Organizational methods needed to effectively interact with staff Pathologists and staff in the department.
• Knowledge of current laboratory principles and procedures used in gross tissue examination and autopsy techniques.
• Knowledge of the principles of cytology as applied to the analysis of specimens submitted for early detection of malignancy
• Extensive knowledge of advanced laboratory theory, technique, and testing related to anatomic pathology
• Knowledge of group process techniques and team leadership used in meetings and on project teams.
• Effective oral and written communication skills. Able to formulate processes and develop procedures.
• Knowledge of quality control, quality assurance, and record-keeping procedures which constitute good laboratory practice, and which comply with regulations imposed by outside agencies such as The Joint Commission, College of American Pathologists and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment
• Knowledge of standard laboratory safety procedures.
• Ability to apply laboratory principles in clinical analysis leading to the diagnosis of disease as it applies to cytology.

Required Experience

Required:

• Master’s degree in Pathology Assistant Studies.
• Pathologists’ Assistant Certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or from the American Association of Pathologists’ Assistants (AAPA) within 6 months of hire date.