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Pathologist Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

MercyOne Genesis is seeking a highly motivated Pathology Assistant to join our collaborative and well-established pathology team. This role plays a critical part in supporting diagnostic services ...

MercyOne Genesis is seeking a highly motivated Pathology Assistant to join our collaborative and well-established pathology team. This role plays a critical part in supporting diagnostic services ...

MercyOne Genesis is seeking a highly motivated Pathology Assistant to join our collaborative and well-established pathology team. This role plays a critical part in supporting diagnostic services ...

Pathologist Position Summary The Pathologist provides diagnostic services through the examination and interpretation of surgical pathology, cytology, and laboratory specimens. This role supports ...

Position Overview The selected candidate will become part of a collaborative team consisting of six general, hospital-based Pathologists and two Pathology Assistants. This group is responsible for ...

Position Overview The selected candidate will become part of a collaborative team consisting of six general, hospital-based Pathologists and two Pathology Assistants. This group is responsible for ...

Seeking a BC/BE Pathologist to join a busy practice in Dubuque, Iowa. Details: * The candidate would join a collegial group of 6 general, hospital-based Pathologists and 2 Pathology Assistants who ...

The selected candidate will collaborate with a friendly team of six general, hospital-based Pathologists and two Pathology Assistants, managing two community hospitals along with several critical ...

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Pathologist Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$13

$51

$84

How much do pathologist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for pathologist assistant in Iowa is $51.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.87 and $63.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Pathologist Assistant?

A pathologist assistant is a specialized health care worker who conducts tests on specimen samples and performs surgical autopsies under licensed pathologists. As a pathology assistant, you may work in a research lab, hospital, medical examiner’s office, or you may choose to be self-employed and take on jobs at multiple facilities. You dissect tissue to acquire specimens, such as biopsies, and analyze those samples to help diagnose patients or determine problems within the cells. While you can do the majority of the procedures performed by a pathologist, you are not able to diagnose patients; the pathologist reviews your observations and suggestions and determines a diagnosis.

How do you become a pathologist assistant?

To become a pathologist assistant, one typically needs a bachelor's degree followed by a master's degree in an accredited pathology assistant program. Certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is often required, and candidates must gain practical experience through supervised training. Strong knowledge of anatomy, pathology, and laboratory procedures is essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Pathologist Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pathologist Assistant, you need a bachelor's degree in a science-related field and graduation from an accredited Pathologists' Assistant program, along with certification such as ASCP-PA. Proficiency with laboratory information systems, specimen dissection tools, and digital imaging equipment is typically required. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with pathologists and other healthcare professionals. These skills ensure accurate specimen processing, efficient workflow, and high-quality diagnostic support in clinical and research laboratories.

What is the difference between Pathologist Assistant vs Histotechnologist?

AspectPathologist AssistantHistotechnologist
CredentialsMaster's degree, certification (e.g., ASCP-PA)Post-secondary education, certification (e.g., ASCP-HT)
Work EnvironmentPathology labs, hospitals, medical examinersHistology labs, hospitals, research facilities
Job RoleAssist pathologists with autopsies, gross examination, and specimen prepPrepare tissue samples for microscopic analysis

Pathologist Assistants and Histotechnologists both work in pathology settings, but their roles differ. Pathologist Assistants focus on gross examination and autopsies, while Histotechnologists prepare tissue slides for diagnosis. Credentials and work environments overlap, but their specific duties are distinct.

What can pathologist assistants do?

Pathologist assistants perform tasks such as gross examination, dissection, and description of surgical specimens, assisting pathologists in preparing tissue samples for microscopic analysis. They may also document findings, prepare reports, and handle laboratory equipment, often working in a hospital or laboratory setting with specialized training and certification. Their role supports accurate diagnosis and requires knowledge of pathology procedures and safety protocols.

What is the highest salary for a pathologist assistant?

The highest salaries for pathologist assistants can reach around $100,000 to $120,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or working in high-cost-of-living areas. Salaries vary based on location, employer, and level of expertise, with some earning additional benefits or overtime pay.

What are some common challenges a Pathologist Assistant faces when working with large specimen volumes or complex cases?

Pathologist Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing high specimen volume during peak times and ensuring meticulous attention to detail with complex or unusual cases. Balancing efficiency with accuracy is crucial, as errors in specimen processing can impact diagnoses. Additionally, Pathologist Assistants must adapt to evolving lab technologies and protocols, and collaborate closely with pathologists, lab technologists, and surgeons to ensure quality patient care. Developing strong organizational and communication skills can help address these challenges effectively.

Is it hard to be a pathologist assistant?

Becoming a pathologist assistant requires completing a master's degree in pathology assistant studies or a related field, along with certification. The job involves detailed anatomical and histological work, requiring strong attention to detail, technical skills, and the ability to work in a laboratory environment, which can be challenging due to the precision and responsibility involved.

What are Pathologist Assistants?

Pathologist Assistants are highly trained health professionals who work under the supervision of a pathologist to provide support in the examination and processing of tissue, surgical specimens, and sometimes autopsies. They help prepare and dissect specimens, ensure proper documentation, and may assist in preparing slides for microscopic analysis. Their work is essential for accurate diagnosis and research in clinical and hospital settings. Pathologist Assistants play a critical role in ensuring that laboratory operations run smoothly and efficiently.
What are the most commonly searched types of Pathologist jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Pathologist jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Pathologist Assistant jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Pathologist Assistant job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Pathologist Assistant jobs in IA? For Pathologist Assistant jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Pathologist Assistant job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $108,092 per year, or $52 per hour.
Pathologist's Assistant - MCU, MCNL, and MCD

Pathologist's Assistant - MCU, MCNL, and MCD

University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


University Of Iowa rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

410th of 539 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The Department of Pathology is seeking a Specialized Care Coordinator (working title: Pathologists' Assistant) to act as a primary provider of laboratory services in the designated service areas requiring specialized knowledge, practice, expertise and high visibility and interaction.  To serve as a practitioner, educator/role model for fellows, residents, externs, and staff members.  It is the role of the Pathologists' Assistant to continuously interact and consult with the Laboratory Medical Director, Surgical Pathology Lab Supervisor, Assistant Lab Manager and designee.  The area of specialized knowledge includes describing, dissecting, and submitting samples of human surgical specimens and, as directed, to assume other responsibilities including administrating, supervising and teaching. Tasks are performed at multiple UI Health Care Surgical Pathology locations (MCU, MCNL, and MCD). This position is 100% time, Monday - Friday, first shift.

Duties to include:

         Maintains specimen identification integrity.

         Performs gross examination and dictation of surgical specimens.

         Performs intraoperative consultations including frozen section microtomy and staining, touch preparation, and open and return consultation.

         Assists in the organization and coordination of the operations in Surgical Pathology at the direction of the pathologist(s), Surgical Pathology Lab Supervisor,     Assistant Lab Manager or designee.

         Collects tissue for tumor bank or research labs.

For a full job description, please send an e-mail to the contact listed below.

The Department of Pathology is part of UI Health Care, a comprehensive health sciences center that serves Iowa and the region, as well as patients referred from the United States and overseas. The Clinical Laboratories are well recognized for providing outstanding and comprehensive care to the patients we serve. The breadth and depth of services provided are amongst the best in the country. The educational programs that the department participates in includes medical students, clinical laboratory scientists as well as biomedical scientists. To learn more: https://medicine.uiowa.edu/pathology/about-us

 Required Qualifications:

  • Requires a Master’s degree from a NAACLS accredited Pathologists’ Assistant program, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Must be ASCP certified or eligible for certification within one year of employment.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of effective strategies for working with faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required. 

Desirable Qualifications:

  • Desire demonstrated proficiency in teaching, communication and working well with others.
  • Desire experience working in an academic health center.

Position and Application details:

In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.  Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.

For additional questions, please contact Brenda Carey at brenda-carey@uiowa.edu.

Applicant Resource Center –

Need help submitting an application or accepting an offer? Support is available! Our Applicant Resource Center is now open in the Fountain Lobby at the Main Hospital.

Hours:

Monday 8:00am – 10:00am

Tuesday 8:00am – 10:00am

Wednesday 8:00am – 1:00pm

Thursday 8:00am – 10:00am

Friday 12:30pm – 5:00pm

And by Appointment:

Contact TAHealthCareSupport@healthcare.uiowa.edu  to schedule a time to visit.


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