Pathologists' Assistant

About the Organization

NYU Langone Health is a fully integrated health system that consistently achieves the best patient outcomes through a rigorous focus on quality, resulting in some of the lowest mortality rates in the nation. Vizient Inc. has ranked NYU Langone the No. 1 comprehensive academic medical center in the country for three years in a row, and U.S. News & World Report recently placed nine of its clinical specialties among the top five in the nation. NYU Langone offers a comprehensive range of medical services across 6 inpatient locations, its Perlmutter Cancer Center, and over 320 outpatient locations in the New York area and Florida. The system includes two tuition-free medical schools and a vast research enterprise with over $1 billion in active awards from the National Institutes of Health.

About the Role

A Pathologists' Assistant is a highly trained allied health professional who provides various pathology services under the direction and supervision of a pathologist. Pathologists Assistants are responsible for the gross examination and dissection of anatomic pathology specimens. They prepare tissue for numerous pathological tests including frozen section diagnosis, histology, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemical staining. They may photograph gross and microscopic specimens, help prepare educational conferences, and provide training to pathology residents. Duties also include administrative, supervisory, and teaching tasks.

Responsibilities

• Reconciliation of specimens: ensures appropriate specimen accessioning, reconciles specimen labeling of logs, containers, blocks, and requisitions according to procedures.
• Obtains and appropriately applies clinical information to the analysis and interpretation of the surgical case.
• Gross description: accurately dictates gross description according to designated protocols and templates, including all relevant details such as color, measurement, shape, and weight. Reviews gross description to ensure accuracy and completion.
• Dissection of specimens:
  • Dissects specimens according to protocols and procedures.
  • Prepares appropriate samples of tissue for histological processing and/or frozen sections.
  • Obtains tissue for additional studies including flow cytometry, electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, etc.
  • Performs special procedures including faxitron imaging and tumor triage.
• Photographs all appropriate gross specimens and microscopic slides.
• Correlates specimen information with the appropriate attending pathologist.
• Performs duties relating to the maintenance of the laboratory when needed:
  • Cleans workstation between and after case dissection completion.
  • Ensures proper maintenance of equipment, sterilization of instruments, and proper discard of waste and materials.
  • Notifies supervisor of low supply inventory and assists with supply management.
• Assists in the organization and coordination of anatomic pathology conferences.
• Assists in resident training/teaching of pathology gross examination, dissection, and dictation procedures, as well as training in the use of cryostats, faxitron, and digital photography.
• Supports residents in workflow management.
• Assists department and supervisor with various QA/QI initiatives and compliance with CAP, NYSDOH, and Joint Commission standards as they relate to the gross room.
• Assists supervisor, pathologists, housestaff, and management with any and all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Graduate of a NAACLS accredited Pathology Assistant training program, or Bachelor's Degree in clinical laboratory science, medical technology, biology, or related field with required previous related experience including surgical pathology, gross dissection of surgical specimens, and frozen sections.
• NYSDOH License as a Pathologist Assistant.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work independently.

Preferred Qualifications

• National Certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP-PA).
• Board certified by the American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Registry (ASCP BOR).
• Certification through the American Association of Pathologist Assistants (AAPA).
• Experience working with Residents and Fellows.
• 2 years of experience working in a surgical pathology laboratory as a Pathologist Assistant.
• Ability to effectively communicate with all levels of the organization.

Benefits

NYU Langone Health provides a comprehensive benefits and wellness package designed to support employees and their loved ones at every stage of life. Offerings include:

• A robust support system for career development, family planning, and retirement savings.
• Financial security benefits and a generous time-off program.
• Employee resource groups for peer support.
• Access to a holistic employee wellness program focusing on seven key areas: physical, mental, nutritional, sleep, social, financial, and preventive care.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $123,596 - $168,540 annually. Actual salaries depend on a variety of factors, including experience, specialty, education, and hospital need. This range does not include bonuses, incentive pay, differential pay, or other forms of compensation or benefits.