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Pathologist Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Inova

Pathologist Assistant

Falls Church, VA

Inova Fairfax Medical Campus is looking for a dedicated Pathologists Assistant to join the team. This role will Full Time, Day Shift: Monday-Friday, Hours may vary. Sign-on Bonus & Relocation ...

Inova

Pathologist Assistant

Falls Church, VA

Inova Fairfax Medical Campus is looking for a dedicated Pathologists Assistant to join the team. This role will Full Time, Day Shift: Monday-Friday, Hours may vary. Sign-on Bonus & Relocation ...

UVA Health

Pathology Assistant

Manassas, VA · On-site

PA6000 Full Time opening for Pathologist Assistant at PWMC with some travel to HAMC. Full time variable mid shift, potential Tuesday-Saturday. ABOUT US We are welcoming a new era in healthcare where ...

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$14

$54

$89

How much do pathologist assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for pathologist assistant in Virginia is $54.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.12 and $66.73 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.

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 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.

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.
More about Pathologist Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Pathologist jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Pathologist jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Pathologist Assistant jobs in Virginia? For Pathologist Assistant jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Pathologist Assistant jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Pathologist Assistant jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Pathologist Assistant jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Pathologist Assistant job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Pathologist Assistant jobs in VA? For Pathologist Assistant jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Pathologist Assistant jobs near you
Pathologist Assistant

Pathologist Assistant

Inova

Falls Church, VA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Inova Health System rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 247 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

189th of 877 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Inova Fairfax Medical Campus is looking for a dedicated Pathologists Assistant to join the team. This role will Full Time, Day Shift: Monday-Friday, Hours may vary. Sign-on Bonus & Relocation Available.

Inova is consistently ranked a national healthcare leader in safety, quality and patient experience. We are also proud to be consistently recognized as a top employer in both the D.C. metro area and the nation.

Featured Benefits:

  • Committed to Team Member Health: offering medical, dental and vision coverage, and a robust team member wellness program.
  • Retirement: Inova matches the first 5% of eligible contributions - starting on your first day.
  • Tuition and Student Loan Assistance: offering up to $5,250 per year in education assistance and up to $10,000 for student loans.
  • Mental Health Support: offering all Inova team members, their spouses/partners, and their children 25 mental health coaching or therapy sessions, per person, per year, at no cost.
  • Work/Life Balance: offering paid time off, paid parental leave, flexible work schedules, and remote and hybrid career opportunities.
  •  

Pathologists Assistant Job Responsibilities

  • Performs special procedures such as coronary artery perfusion studies, central nervous system perfusion studies and enucleations.
  • Assists in the organization and coordination of anatomic pathology conferences and attends departmental business meetings.
  • Obtains clinical history (e.g. scans, X-rays, laboratory data, etc.) as indicated after consulting with the Pathologist.
  • Under the direction of a Pathologist, cuts and stains frozen section tissue adequately for proper diagnosis.
  • Confers with the Pathologist to identify any special techniques/procedures that will be necessary (e.g. histochemical, immunofluorescence, toxicological, viral or electron microscopic studies, cultures, smears, etc.) and notifies all personnel directly involved.
  • May perform additional duties as assigned.
  •  

Minimum Requirements: 

  • Minimum Education: Successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Pathologists' Assistant program within the last five years
  • Certification: Must be PA (ASCP) certified or eligible and pass the board exam within 24 months of hire.
  • Years of Experience: Per College of American Pathologists (CAP): three months of experience including; Laboratory training including either completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by the AAPA,  NAACLS or other organization approved by HHS (note that this training may be included in the 60 semester hours listed within Education notes) or at least three months of recorded laboratory training in each specialty in which the individual performs high complexity testing. No experience required if graduated from an accredited Pathologist Assistant Program.

We are Inova, Northern Virginia's leading nonprofit healthcare provider. Every day, our 26,000+ team members provide world-class healthcare to the communities we serve. Our people are the reason we're a national leader in healthcare safety, quality and patient experience. And from best-in-class facilities to professional development opportunities, we support them at every step. At Inova, we're constantly striving to be ever better - to shape a more compassionate future for healthcare. 

Inova Health System is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, pregnancy (including childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions and lactation), race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law.

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