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Forensic Pathologist Assistant Jobs in Hackettstown, NJ

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Forensic Pathologist Assistant information

See Hackettstown, NJ salary details

$15

$57

$92

How much do forensic pathologist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensic pathologist assistant in Hackettstown, NJ is $57.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.95 and $69.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forensic pathologist assistant?

Forensic Pathologist Assistants are trained professionals who support forensic pathologists in the examination of bodies to determine the cause and manner of death, particularly in cases involving suspicious or unexplained circumstances. Their duties include assisting in autopsies, preparing and maintaining detailed reports, collecting and preserving evidence, and sometimes testifying in court. They work closely with law enforcement, medical examiners, and other forensic specialists to help provide critical information for legal investigations. These assistants require specialized education, typically a bachelor's degree in a related field, followed by specific on-the-job training.

What does a forensic pathologist assistant do?

A forensic pathologist assistant assists during autopsies and criminal investigations by collecting specimens for analysis in a laboratory. In this career, you often collect and photograph evidence on-site. Your duties also involve careful and thorough documentation to preserve the chain of evidence. You may work in the field, a morgue, or a laboratory setting. You are typically part of a team led by a medical examiner or coroner. Most forensic pathologist assistants find employment with local or state governments.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a forensic pathologist assistant?

To thrive as a Forensic Pathologist Assistant, you need a solid background in biological sciences, experience in laboratory procedures, and typically an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with autopsy tools, laboratory instruments, and case management software is essential, and certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) can be beneficial. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to communicate findings clearly are vital soft skills for this role. These capabilities ensure accurate, efficient support for forensic pathologists and contribute to reliable medico-legal investigations.

What are common challenges faced by forensic pathologist assistants in their daily work?

Forensic pathologist assistants often encounter emotionally challenging situations due to frequent exposure to traumatic cases, including homicides and accidental deaths. They must maintain meticulous attention to detail while assisting with autopsies, documenting findings, and managing sensitive evidence. Additionally, the role requires strict adherence to legal and ethical guidelines, which can be demanding in high-pressure or time-sensitive environments. Strong communication and collaboration with pathologists, law enforcement, and other medical professionals are essential to ensure accuracy and integrity throughout the investigative process.

What is the difference between Forensic Pathologist Assistant vs Forensic Autopsy Technician?

AspectForensic Pathologist AssistantForensic Autopsy Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate degree, certification often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentMedical examiner offices, morgues, labsMorgues, medical examiner offices, forensic labs
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist in autopsies, prepare reports, support pathologistsAssist with specimen collection, prepare bodies, maintain equipment

While both roles support forensic autopsies, Forensic Pathologist Assistants typically have formal education and assist pathologists directly, whereas Forensic Autopsy Technicians focus on specimen handling and body preparation with less formal education.

Is it worth becoming a forensic pathologist assistant?

A forensic pathologist assistant supports medical examiners by preparing bodies, documenting findings, and assisting with autopsies, often requiring a relevant degree and certification. The role offers steady employment in forensic laboratories or medical examiner offices, with opportunities for specialization and advancement. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in forensic science and pathology, but it involves exposure to potentially disturbing scenes and irregular hours.
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What cities near Hackettstown, NJ are hiring for Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs?

Cities near Hackettstown, NJ with the most Forensic Pathologist Assistant job openings:

Forensic Pathologist Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Pathologist Assistant job openings in Hackettstown, NJ as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,913 per year, or $57.2 per hour.

Senior Technical Assistant

East Stroudsburg, PA • On-site

HNL Lab Medicine
Health Care and Social Assistance • 1 - 5K employees

4.7

Company rating: 4.7 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

117th of 120 rated laboratories

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Respectful managers

Learn more about HNL Lab Medicineexternal

$36K - $42K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Work Schedule:

Monday-Friday; 7:30-16:00

Processes and prepares specimens for transport and/or analysis. May perform technical duties relative to simple Quality Control and waived and moderately complex level testing under direct supervision of a technologist.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Performs CLIA classified moderately complex laboratory testing and enters results into the Laboratory Information System under direct supervision of a technologist.
  • Recognizes and corrects instrument malfunctions within the scope of the operator's
  • manual and records troubleshooting activities.
  • Performs testing that is specifically designated by the department.
  • Accurately completes work and reports results according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Prioritizes/reorganizes work to respond to STAT/Emergency requests.
  • Follows established department SOPs for specimen handling and abnormal critical values and communicates to customer accordingly.
  • Provides clinical orientation and/or training of new employee/students.
  • Performs basic quality control functions pertaining to moderate complexity testing, instrument checks and notifies a technologist with any discrepancies.
  • Accurately calibrates pipettes and thermometers (and records data) according to SOPs.
  • Prepares reagents/controls for specimen testing according to SOPs.
  • Prepares and/or collects specimens (blood, urine, feces, or other body fluids) for analysis including accurate labeling.
  • Inventories and maintains adequate supplies, including restocking shelves when appropriate or notifies a technologist of shortages.
  • Participates in Continuous System Improvement (CSI) and continuing education programs.
  • Assists in competency review of new and current Technical Assistants and notifies supervisor/manager of any issues in a timely manner.
Molecular/Microbiology
  • Logs applicable information into the NEDSS system or sending information to other states.
Toxicology/ACL's
  • Handles Forensic Toxicology specimens, data, and reports according to forensic testing guidelines. Handles legal inquiries, search warrants, and subpoenas.
Pathology/Histology/Cytology
  • Performs fine needle aspiration (FNA) assistance.
  • Completes frozen section cutting.
  • Acts as Gross Room/Operating Room liaison to assist with problem resolution and provide educational in-service, as needed.
  • Functions as Safety representative for designated area.
  • Coordinates paperwork between LVHN and vendors for legal cases, hardware disposal, and products of conception.
  • Performs all applicable duties assigned to Technical Assistant.
QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience:

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); Two years in a clinical environment with data processing/specimen handling experience. A.S degree preferred or an equivalent demonstration of education and experience. Graduate of heath/ medical assistant or similar training program from an accredited institution where general laboratory technique is taught. Must meet CLIA 88 personnel requirements for moderate complexity testing.

Language Ability:

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions in English. Ability to write simple correspondence in English. Ability to effectively present information to one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

Math Ability:

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations. Must have the ability to perform all duties with accuracy and attention to detail

Computer Skills:

Ability to use Laboratory Information System in addition to various other software programs.

Certificates and Licenses:

No certifications needed

HNL Lab Medicine is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with, and where applicable, in addition to federal, state and local employment regulations, Lehigh Valley Health Network will provide employment opportunities to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or other such protected classes as may be defined by law. All personnel actions and programs will adhere to this policy. Personnel actions and programs include, but are not limited to recruitment, selection, hiring, transfers, promotions, terminations, compensation, benefits, educational programs and/or social activities.

Address:

206 E Brown St

Primary Location:

Lehigh Valley Hospital- Pocono

Position Type:

Onsite

Department:

1046-00206 Pathology Gross Room

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